What you need for a distillery open day

A distillery open day needs more than bottles and tasting glasses. Visitors move through a tour, tasting area, bar, checkout point and possibly a food service area, so each station needs its own supplies. Plan separate glassware for samples and water, enough cooling capacity for the full service period, and backup power and lighting before guests arrive. This shopping list covers the equipment and serving items that are easy to overlook when preparing the site.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
High tablesqty 12
Beer tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 12
Buffet tablesqty 4
Cash desk table
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Sample glassesqty 300
Water glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 180
Dessert platesqty 120
Forksqty 180
Knivesqty 120
Spoonsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 16
Serving tongsqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cash register
Payment terminal
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Kitchen

Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bread knivesqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 6
Corkscrewsqty 4
Ice spoonsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 16
Buntingqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Menu boardsqty 8
Name badgesqty 60
Wristbandsqty 250
Route signsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Towel dispensersqty 6

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 4
Safety gogglesqty 20
Ear defendersqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Non-slip matsqty 8

Office

Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30
Printer paperqty 2
Cash box
Wristband cutterqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 8 bottles
- Ginger beer - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsener - 120 bottles
- Dry white wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Lemons - 8 kilos
- Limes - 5 kilos
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 25 kilos
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Tomato juice - 4 packs
- Savory baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini bake-at-home rolls - 240 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Cream cheese - 3 kilos
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Brie - 3 kilo
- Goat cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Olives - 3 kg
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Pears - 6 kilos
- Cucumbers - 5 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Mixed nuts - 5 kilo
- Mixed nuts - 5 kilos
- Crackers - 15 packs
- Toast crackers - 15 packs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Rosemary - 10 bunches
- Basil - 10 bunches
- Diet bread - 6 loaves
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilos
- Vegan hummus - 2 kilos
- Vegan cheese - 2 kilo
- Allergen cards - 30 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid dish soap - 5 liters
- Dishwasher tablets - 100 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 5 liters
- Glass cleaner - 2 liters
- Disinfectant - 5 liters
- Hand soap - 6 liters
- Hand sanitizer - 4 liters
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces
- Trash bags for residual waste - 100 pieces
- Glass waste bags - 30 pieces
- Organic trash bags - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one sample glass and one water glass per visitor, plus 10–15% extra for breakage, delayed washing or guests joining between tour groups.
Keep tasting stock chilled in coolers or refrigerators before service, and prepare ice in advance rather than relying on a last-minute freezer run. Allow at least 2–3 hours for ice trays to freeze fully.
Set up a separate checkout table with a cash register, payment terminal and tested power supply. Bring extension cords and power strips with enough reach for the bar, checkout and sound system.
Provide coffee cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters if food is served alongside the tasting. Count place settings for the largest group expected at one time, not only for the first tour.
Use clear signs for the entrance, tour route, tasting rules, toilets, checkout and exits. Keep flashlights available for evening setup, power interruptions or poorly lit parts of the route.

Frequently asked questions

How many tasting glasses do I need for a distillery open day?: Allow one sample glass per visitor for each tasting round, then add 10–15% extra. For 100 visitors in one round, prepare at least 110–115 sample glasses, unless you have a reliable washing system between groups.
How much water should I provide at a distillery tasting?: Plan at least 500 ml of drinking water per visitor for a half-day open day, with separate water glasses available throughout the route and tasting area. Add more for hot weather or outdoor queues.
What equipment is needed at the distillery checkout?: Set up a cash desk table, cash register and payment terminal, with tested charging or power connections. Test the card reader at least one day before the event and keep a backup payment or cash procedure ready.
When should I order supplies for a distillery open day?: Place supplier orders at least 2–3 weeks before the event, and confirm quantities and delivery times 3–5 business days beforehand. Order disposable or branded items earlier if they require custom printing.

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