Craft breweries are not just about great beer anymore. As the industry becomes increasingly competitive and consumer behavior shifts online, having a strong digital presence is crucial for success. Whether it’s managing events, showcasing seasonal releases, or accepting online orders for pick-up or delivery, a well-designed website plays a central role. This is where website builders, optimized for e-commerce and event management, come into the picture for breweries aiming to attract, engage, and convert customers online.
TL;DR:
Craft breweries need websites that not only look great but also streamline online orders, event registrations, and merchandise sales. Choosing the right website builder can simplify everything from creating an intuitive taproom menu to automating ticketed brewery tours. Platforms like Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix offer specialized tools ideal for breweries. Integration with POS systems, email marketing, and booking tools is also key for growing customer engagement and sales.
Why Craft Breweries Need Specialized Website Builders
Craft breweries are lively businesses with constantly changing menus, one-off events, tasting nights, and small-batch releases. While many businesses can get by with a basic web presence, breweries benefit from more niche functionalities such as:
- Online ordering of beer for pick-up or local delivery
- Event booking for tasting sessions, food pairings, and brewery tours
- Calendar integration for rotating taps and event schedules
- Merchandise sales, including branded apparel or glassware
- Loyalty programs and newsletter signups
A tailored website elevates customer experience and can drive repeat business while also freeing up your staff from taking orders and RSVPs manually.
Top Website Builders for Breweries
Not every website builder is up to the task. Here are some top options that offer essential features breweries need to drive e-commerce, marketing, and in-person events.
1. Shopify
Ideally known for e-commerce, Shopify lets breweries display their product offerings with visually appealing templates. Features like inventory management, digital gift cards, shipping options, and a robust POS integration make it a top choice for any brewery engaging in merchandise and beer sales.
- Pros: Scalable, excellent for selling beer and merch, wide selection of integrations
- Cons: Monthly fees can be high if not selling consistently
2. Squarespace
Visually stunning and user-friendly, Squarespace is perfect for branding-focused breweries. While its e-commerce functions aren’t as advanced as Shopify, it offers solid ticketing and calendar tools for managing brewery events.
- Pros: Beautiful templates, easy calendar and event tools, integrated ecommerce
- Cons: Limited customization for deeper functionality like inventory syncing
3. Wix
Wix gives users extensive control over layout and design through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Its App Market includes tools for online booking, event management, and product sales, allowing breweries to build a site unique to their customer engagement style.
- Pros: Highly customizable, affordable, tons of relevant plugins
- Cons: Performance can slow down with complex sites
Key Features to Look for in a Website Builder
When choosing a website builder, breweries should keep an eye out for features that map directly to their business goals. Here’s a checklist of must-haves:
- Ordering System: Look for platforms that offer seamless cart and checkout experiences. Integration with POS systems like Square is a big plus.
- Mobile Optimization: Many customers will visit your site on their smartphones to check opening hours or view the tap list.
- Events Integration: Event widgets, ticket purchasing, and RSVP systems help boost attendance without added admin.
- Gallery & Tap List: An up-to-date section showcasing new brews and current offerings keeps customers informed and excited.
- Email Marketing Tools: Capture visitor emails automatically for newsletters, event invites, and promotions.
These features are about more than just convenience. They build customer loyalty and create a community around your brand—especially important in the experiential nature of the craft beer industry.
E-Commerce Integration for Beer and Merch Sales
The pandemic emphasized the need for breweries to pivot to online ordering. Even post-pandemic, customers continue to embrace the convenience of digital purchases. Whether you’re offering beer for local delivery, a monthly subscription box, or branded merch, your website should support:
- Real-time inventory updates on individual beer stock levels
- Shipping options with restrictions based on geography and alcohol distribution laws
- Discount codes and bundles to incentivize greater spend
Using e-commerce-focused builders like Shopify or Squarespace allows breweries to handle seasonal releases, pre-orders for limited-edition brews, and even package subscriptions with ease.
Event Scheduling and Ticketing
Breweries are social hubs, hosting trivia nights, live music, beer tastings, brewery tours, and more. Having an event schedule integrated into your site ensures higher attendance and smoother logistics. Look for:
- Calendar display that allows filtering by event type
- Ticket sales options, including free RSVP and paid bookings
- Automated reminders via email or SMS
Some platforms, like Wix and Squarespace, offer native event modules, while others integrate with services like Eventbrite or Calendly.
Creating a Unique Brand Experience
For many craft breweries, branding is just as important as the beer itself. A good website reflects the story of your brewery, your brewing philosophy, and the vibe of your taproom. Design features to consider include:
- Custom fonts and color schemes to match your branding
- Video and photo galleries showcasing the brewing process and venue
- Blog or news section for product announcements, community stories, and awards
Wix and Squarespace especially excel in giving users design freedom to create immersive, media-rich experiences. Even Shopify, known for e-commerce, has grown its design capabilities with attractive brewery-based templates.
Marketing and SEO Tools
Traffic doesn’t just appear by magic—you’ll need to put effort into marketing your brewery’s website. Luckily, most reputable site builders offer:
- Built-in SEO tools to help rank your site for local searches like “brewery near me”
- Email capture forms to build a list of patrons and beer lovers
- Google Analytics integration for tracking visitor behavior
- Social media integrations for linking Instagram beer posts or Facebook event shares
These features can dramatically increase event attendance, merchandise sales, and regular visits to your taproom or tasting room.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Fit
If you’re a craft brewery looking to take your online presence to the next level, your website shouldn’t just serve as an online brochure—it should be a highly functional business tool. Evaluate your goals: Is beer e-commerce your priority? Do you want to simplify event registration? Or maybe you’re trying to tell a rich brand story to out-of-town tourists?
Here are some general recommendations:
- Best for Sales: Shopify
- Best for Events: Squarespace
- Best for Customization: Wix
Ultimately, the perfect platform blends design, sales, and customer interaction in ways that align with your brewery’s vision—and keeps the beer flowing from the keg to the customer.
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