In 2018, Wye Valley Brewery, a well-established Herefordshire brewery, sought to elevate their online presence after successfully trading online for several years. They needed a platform that reflected their brand and provided a seamless experience for both customers and trade buyers. We redesigned and developed a bold new website using Umbraco and Ucommerce, combining content management and e-commerce into a single, cohesive platform.
Previously, Wye Valley Brewery’s content and e-commerce platforms were disjointed, with the online store running on a separate website. This created a fragmented user experience that hindered sales and engagement. Our solution involved integrating the e-commerce functionality directly into the main website, allowing customers to browse, learn about the brewery, and shop—all within the same seamless experience.
By replacing their existing CMS with Umbraco, we empowered Wye Valley Brewery with full control over their content. The new platform enabled their team to edit nearly every aspect of the site, create engaging pages, and easily manage their online presence. The refreshed website also incorporated key brand elements, showcasing the brewery’s rich history, commitment to sustainability, owned pubs, and extensive beer catalogue.
As part of the comprehensive redesign for Wye Valley Brewery's website, we introduced a full-screen video hero banner on the homepage—a relatively novel technique at the time. The video, sourced from Vimeo to ensure optimal performance across devices, featured captivating footage of a hops harvesting machine and tractor in action. This dynamic visual element not only showcased the brewery's dedication to traditional brewing practices but also immediately engaged visitors, providing an immersive glimpse into the craftsmanship behind their beers.
The result was immediate success, with sales rolling in as soon as the new website launched. Customers resonated with the improved design, intuitive navigation, and seamless shopping experience, while trade buyers benefited from dedicated sections tailored to their needs. By blending public-facing e-commerce capabilities with brewery information and trade resources, the new Wye Valley Brewery website became a comprehensive digital hub for both consumers and industry professionals.
