What is a Wine Pull Raffle? A Definitive Guide

Fundraising ideas are everywhere, but let’s be honest, not all of them get people excited. If you’ve been searching for a fundraiser that’s easy to run and grabs guests’ attention the moment they walk in, a wine pull raffle might be exactly what you need. Something about the mystery, the anticipation, and the guaranteed prize makes it hard to resist.

What is it? How does it work? And why do nonprofits love it? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Wine Pull Fundraiser?

In a wine pull raffle, you collect bottles of wine, wrap them up to hide their labels, and have guests pay a set amount to pick one at random. The price to participate is usually around $20 to $25, depending on the average value of your wines. 

Participants might end up with a bottle worth less than they paid or score one worth much more. It's a game of chance that adds excitement to your fundraising efforts. 

Unlike auctions or raffles where people compete for prizes, a wine pull raffle gives every participant something in return. 

You can also take this concept online with a virtual wine pull, where donors purchase tickets in advance, and the bottles are shipped or arranged for pickup. This format works well if your audience isn’t attending an in-person event but still wants to support your cause.

Not sure how to host an online raffle? Find out everything in our guide, Online Raffles: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful and Easy Fundraiser. 

Why Do Nonprofits Love Wine Pulls?

• Simple to organize – No need for bidding wars or complicated logistics.
• Guaranteed return – Guests aren’t just donating; they’re getting something tangible in return.
• Adds excitement – The mystery of which wine they’ll get keeps people engaged.
• Pairs well with other events – Works great alongside auctions, dinners, or as a stand-alone activity.

How To Organize a Wine Pull Raffle?

Organizing a wine pull raffle is a fun way to raise funds for your nonprofit. Here's a simple guide to help you set up your own:

1. Decide on Your Budget and Goal

Start by figuring out how much you want to raise. Set a ticket price that suits your audience and covers your costs. 

If you plan to offer different wine price levels, make sure your ticket pricing reflects that.

2. Collect Wine Donations

Aim for a mix of price points so there’s an element of surprise for participants. If donations are limited, consider buying bottles at a discount.

3. Set Up the Display

Arrange the bottles in a way that keeps things exciting. Some groups wrap the bottles in gift bags or use a numbered system to keep the selections random.

If it’s a charity wine pull, adding decorative touches can make it more inviting.

4. Promote Your Event

Spread the word through social media, emails, and your website. 

To attract more participants, highlight the wine pull's fun and mystery. If you're hosting a virtual wine pull, provide clear instructions on how supporters can join online.

5. Sell Tickets

Decide how participants will purchase tickets—online, in person, or both. If you’re running a virtual wine pull, use BetterWorld for free, where donors can select a ticket and receive their wine later.

6. Let Participants Pick Their Wine

At the event, participants pull a number or pick a wrapped bottle. Whatever they choose is theirs to take home.

Keep the process smooth by having volunteers on hand to assist.

7. Thank Your Donors and Supporters

After the event, send a thank-you message to everyone who contributed. Recognizing donors, wineries, and volunteers helps build strong relationships for future fundraisers.

How To Source the Wine For Event?

A wine pull raffle needs a good selection of bottles, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. The right approach can help you gather a variety of wines without cutting into your fundraising dollars.

1. Partner with Local Wineries and Wine Shops

Local wineries, liquor stores, and wine retailers are often open to supporting a wine pull raffle. Reach out to them and explain how their donation will help your cause. 

Some may offer free bottles, while others might offer discounts for bulk purchases. In return, you can recognize them as event sponsors or include their names in promotional materials.

2. Host a Wine Donation Party 

Invite supporters to a casual gathering. The price of admission is a bottle of wine. This can be a simple get-together or a themed wine night. 

Not only does it help collect bottles, but it also builds excitement for your event and strengthens community connections.

3. Up a Wine Donation Program

Work with a local wine shop to create a donation program. Supporters can buy a bottle at the store, which goes straight to your charity wine pull event. 

Some retailers may offer a discount for purchases made toward your fundraiser, making it easy for donors to contribute.

4. Ask Your Board and Volunteers

Your board members and volunteers are great resources for wine donations. 

Encourage each person to contribute at least one bottle or reach out to their network for additional support. Many have personal or business connections that can help source a variety of wines.

5. Look for Bulk Purchase Discounts

If you need to buy wine, check wholesale clubs, warehouse stores, and discount liquor retailers. Some wine distributors offer bulk deals for fundraising events. 

Consider online vendors that allow direct shipping to participants if you plan a virtual wine pull.

How to Make Your Wine Pull Raffle a Successful One

A wine pull raffle is a great way to raise funds, but adding creative elements can make it even better. Here are some ideas to make your event stand out:

1. Add an Interactive Game

• Number all the wrapped bottles and have participants draw a number to claim their wine. This adds an element of suspense.
• Have guests roll a die to determine if they win a bonus prize along with their bottle.

2. Offer Bonus Prizes

• Attach small gift cards, event tickets, or exclusive experiences to select bottles. Guests will be more excited to participate, knowing they could win something extra.
• Include a few high-end bottles as “golden tickets” for a lucky few who pull them.

3. Make the Display Stand Out

• Arrange the bottles in a themed setup, like a wine barrel display or an elegant wine wall.
• Use festive decorations or lights to create a visually appealing area that draws attention.

4. Set a Price That Works

• Choose a price that covers costs and attracts buyers.
• Offer a “buy more, save more” deal, such as 3 pulls for a discounted rate, to encourage multiple purchases.

Legal Considerations

When planning a wine pull raffle for your nonprofit, it's important to consider several legal aspects to ensure your event complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

1. Raffle Regulations

A wine pull raffle is considered a game of chance and therefore regulated by state gaming laws. Many states require nonprofits to obtain a raffle license or permit before hosting one. 

For example, in Pennsylvania, nonprofits must obtain a Small Games of Chance license, which includes specific prize limits and reporting rules. Check with your state’s regulatory board to ensure compliance.

2. Alcohol Distribution Laws

Since a charity wine pull involves alcohol, state and local liquor laws apply. Some states require a special permit or license to distribute alcohol, especially if the event is held at a venue without a liquor license. 

For example, in Pennsylvania, the sale or distribution of alcohol typically requires a license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and nonprofits may need a Special Occasion Permit to serve alcohol at fundraising events.

3. Tax and Reporting Obligations

Revenue from a wine pull raffle can have tax implications. The IRS requires nonprofits to report income from raffles and other gaming activities on Form 990. If total raffle revenue exceeds $15,000, the organization must complete Schedule G, Part III, detailing earnings and expenses. 

Consulting a tax professional ensures proper compliance.

4. Record-Keeping and Transparency

Nonprofits must maintain accurate records of ticket sales, prize values, and expenses. Some states have strict requirements on how raffle proceeds must be used and reported. 

For instance, in Pennsylvania, nonprofits running Small Games of Chance must use proceeds for public interest purposes and maintain detailed financial records. Proper record-keeping ensures compliance and builds trust with donors and regulatory bodies.

5. Participant Communication

Raffle ticket purchases are not considered tax-deductible donations because participants receive something in return—a chance to win. 

Clearly inform participants that their purchase is not eligible for a tax deduction. 

6. Age Restrictions

All wine pull participants must be 21 or older. The nonprofit is responsible for verifying IDs before selling tickets or allowing guests to pull a bottle. 

If the event is family-friendly, consider offering a non-alcoholic option for younger attendees.

Host Your Wine Pull Raffle With BetterWorld For Free

Now that you know how a wine pull raffle works, why not make it even easier by hosting it for free with BetterWorld? 

Whether you're raising funds for a nonprofit, school, church, or local cause, BetterWorld gives you the tools to run your raffle smoothly—without any platform fees or hidden charges.

With BetterWorld, you can sell tickets, accept donations, and let supporters participate in exciting fundraising games with just a few clicks. The platform is built to simplify the process so you can focus on engaging your donors instead of handling complex logistics.

Some standout features include:

• Multi-Ticket Discounts 
• Multiple Drawings at a Time 
• Fair & Automatic Winner Selection 
• Share-to-Enter 

Sign up today or request a demo to see how easy it is to host a wine pull raffle that raises more for your cause!