5 Questions the Most Successful Wineries Ask Before Migrating Platforms

Migrating to a new DTC platform can feel like a heavy lift. Between data transfers, integrations, and retraining staff, it is easy to delay the move until it becomes unavoidable.

But waiting is not the only risk. Choosing the wrong platform can be just as costly.

When Raj Patel of PATEL Napa Valley decided it was time to upgrade his winery’s technology, he knew the process would take effort.

“We were originally with Vin65, which was later sold to WineDirect,” Raj said. “Over the years, we considered moving from WineDirect, but the process of migrating our data and setting up a new platform always seemed too monumental, so we postponed it. When Commerce7 acquired WineDirect, it prompted us to seriously re-evaluate our options.”

Raj’s story reflects a common challenge: deciding when and how to take on a migration, and ensuring it’s the right move for the long term. Based on his experience, and what we’ve seen from thousands of wineries navigating change, here are five key questions to ask before choosing a new platform.

1. What problem are we actually trying to solve?

It’s easy to be drawn in by a fresh interface or the idea of $0 monthly fees, but the most successful migration decisions start with clarity, not cost. Before comparing platforms, take a step back and define what isn’t working today.

“We did explore other platforms and, in hindsight, made the mistake of putting Commerce7 on hold to try another provider,” Raj said. “After 60 days, countless hours, numerous data transfers, integration issues, and a lot of money, we realized our error and quickly converted back.”

For Raj, the end goal wasn’t just to switch platforms. It was to create a more flexible, efficient foundation for PATEL’s DTC business. When you understand your real priorities, you’re less likely to be distracted by pricing headlines and more likely to choose technology that truly supports your team and long-term goals for your winery.

Efficiency can also be a powerful signal that it’s time for change. If you’re still spending hours processing club shipments, managing multiple plug-ins, or juggling systems just to complete basic operations, that’s a clear indicator your platform is limiting growth. The right technology should simplify, not complicate, your day-to-day work.

2. How much of the migration will our team need to handle?

Every migration requires coordination, but the level of effort can vary dramatically between systems. Some platforms offer full-service onboarding, while others expect wineries to manage most of the process internally.

“Once we made the decision to move again, the difference in structure and guidance was night and day,” Raj said. “The migration process was clear, efficient, and well supported.”

Before committing, ask for a detailed breakdown of who is responsible for what—from data cleanup to testing and training. A structured onboarding plan prevents surprises and helps your team stay on track.

3. Will it integrate with the tools we already rely on?

Most wineries depend on multiple tools—accounting software, marketing platforms, reservation systems, fulfillment providers, and more. Ensuring these connect smoothly is critical to your daily operations.

Raj’s team learned how much integration reliability impacts overall performance.

“We spent so much time managing workarounds during our first attempt,” he said. “When integrations don’t work as expected, everything slows down.”

When evaluating platforms, ask for proof of compatibility with the tools you use most. A few extra calls or demos upfront can save weeks of frustration later.

4. What kind of support and updates are included after launch?

Launching on a new system is only the beginning. Long-term success depends on how well your team is supported once you’re live.

Ask potential vendors what post-launch help looks like. Do they offer live support or just documentation? How often are updates released, and are they included in your plan?

“The difference for us was having a clear process and responsive support,” Raj said. “That level of communication made all the difference in getting our team comfortable with the new system.”

A good migration ends with confidence, not confusion. Make sure the partner you choose invests in your success long after onboarding is complete.

5. What is the real cost of standing still?

Migration takes effort, but staying on outdated systems has its own costs—lost efficiency, limited flexibility, and missed opportunities.

For PATEL, the move unlocked a new level of control and insight.

“Ultimately, finding the right fit was what mattered most,” Raj said. “It gave us a foundation to build on for years to come.”

The lesson is simple: choosing not to move can be just as risky as choosing the wrong platform. Data-driven tools and insights give wineries the agility to adapt as the industry evolves.

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Migration is not just a technology decision. It’s a business one. The more intentional you are about what you need and why you’re moving, the smoother the process—and the stronger your foundation for the future.

If you have questions about anything we covered in this article, reach out to us at info@commerce7.com.