Not sure how an independent wine shop will stand in Church Hill? I am surprised that they do so anywhere when grocery stores carry such a wide variety – even high end items depending where you shop. And you also have the liquor stores carrying wines too. So much competition. Food on the other hand is always in demand.
I believe the concept behind “Barrel Thief” is a total wine experience. Check out their website (link above)…it seems viable for this area when you consider Rocketts and other higher end residential properties. I would envision something like this not coming to the Hill directly, but maybe on Main somewhere east of 18th, or Shockoe Slip rather?
I spoke to the owners of Barrel Thief. They are looking at a particular location (I don’t want to say which one)but it’s way early in the process. I suggested they email Mason to check that out. I’m sure a partnership wouldn’t work but maybe Mason would walk away from that property.
I think that wine shops like this really survive by holding wine tastings and selling for events like weddings. Try going to the grocery store and see if they will let you sample the offerings.
Having a quieter location than Shockoe Bottom or Slip with better parking is helpful. If I want to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner, I’m not paying for parking. Here they can be near upscale consumers with a much cheaper rent.
Also, if the wine shop is near Church Hill Photography and Church Hill Herbs it might be smart to do some cross promotion for weddings or other events.
re post 14: Can’t remember where it was, but I was recently in a grocery store where they were offering wine to taste over in the wine section.
I don’t drink, and it was hilariously hellish trying to get away from the guy who really did not want to take no for an answer – couldn’t seem to understand why I did not want to have any. He actually yelled, “it’s FREE!” at my back as I was walking away. Felt like I was in Monty Python skit. I cracked up.
So I am thinking that maybe some grocery stores are actually trying it on for size, exploring that specialty-store feel – although this is the only time I have seen it in a regular store.
Liz is right. Church Hill Herbs and Florist has had wine since last fall. They have a small selection but wide variety of wines in all price ranges not normally found in grocery stores. I have also special ordered wine through them. And it is in walking distance, so parking should not be a problem.
In response to posts 15 (16) and 19, a visit to Grape and Cheese (1531 W. Main St. in the Uptown area), will not disappoint. They offer a reasonably priced small, but varied selection with weekly wine tastings and a knowledgeable owner and staff. We buy most of our wine online via wine auctions, however we always look to Grape and Cheese to “fill in the blanks” of our wine inventory. Ask for Bill, and tell him that one of his many fans in Church Hill sent you!
Well, I’ll believe it when I see it. Just like the Church Hill Market, the Movie Theater Community Art Center thing on 25th, and the Ice Cream Parlor.
How about some cigars also?? Its almost impossible to find a good cigar in the city. The only place I know to get one is at The Jefferson.
Does anyone know where they will be opening in Church Hill?
What a sweet proposition! Bound to die a slow and painful death tho’
I wish there were rumors of a jewish deli circulating
Does anyone know who this is or how to get in touch with them?
Maybe we could put this together with Church Hill Market!!!
mason@churchhillmarket.com
Not sure how an independent wine shop will stand in Church Hill? I am surprised that they do so anywhere when grocery stores carry such a wide variety – even high end items depending where you shop. And you also have the liquor stores carrying wines too. So much competition. Food on the other hand is always in demand.
Eric
I believe the concept behind “Barrel Thief” is a total wine experience. Check out their website (link above)…it seems viable for this area when you consider Rocketts and other higher end residential properties. I would envision something like this not coming to the Hill directly, but maybe on Main somewhere east of 18th, or Shockoe Slip rather?
Dave… that’s true. As they say… location is everything!
Eric
I’ve heard a number of businesses advertised as located in Church Hill, but were really in the Bottom.
If their food is true to the photos on their website (and they are truly located in CH), then my husband and I will be there every weekend.
Btw, we went to Que Pasa again last weekend and it was yummy, yummy, yummy!
FYI: Church Hill Herbs and Florist now is has wine.
I spoke to the owners of Barrel Thief. They are looking at a particular location (I don’t want to say which one)but it’s way early in the process. I suggested they email Mason to check that out. I’m sure a partnership wouldn’t work but maybe Mason would walk away from that property.
…… let’s not forget that parking requirments and near resident objecions will almost certainly stop it anyway.
The parking requirements for in&out retail aren’t that onerous, are they?
I think that wine shops like this really survive by holding wine tastings and selling for events like weddings. Try going to the grocery store and see if they will let you sample the offerings.
Having a quieter location than Shockoe Bottom or Slip with better parking is helpful. If I want to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner, I’m not paying for parking. Here they can be near upscale consumers with a much cheaper rent.
In the meantime, I would recommend that people visit River City Cellars in Carytown. Peter will not disappoint.
http://www.rivercitycellars.com
In the meantime, I would recommend that people visit River City Cellars in Carytown. Peter will not disappoint.
http://www.rivercitycellars.com
Also, if the wine shop is near Church Hill Photography and Church Hill Herbs it might be smart to do some cross promotion for weddings or other events.
re post 14: Can’t remember where it was, but I was recently in a grocery store where they were offering wine to taste over in the wine section.
I don’t drink, and it was hilariously hellish trying to get away from the guy who really did not want to take no for an answer – couldn’t seem to understand why I did not want to have any. He actually yelled, “it’s FREE!” at my back as I was walking away. Felt like I was in Monty Python skit. I cracked up.
So I am thinking that maybe some grocery stores are actually trying it on for size, exploring that specialty-store feel – although this is the only time I have seen it in a regular store.
Once Upon a Vine South, in the Stratford Hills Shopping center on Forest Hill Avenue is a great wine and beer shop, also.
re post 17: I work with a Reception Facilty not that far away, and would love to promote everyone’s services to the Brides I work with!
Liz is right. Church Hill Herbs and Florist has had wine since last fall. They have a small selection but wide variety of wines in all price ranges not normally found in grocery stores. I have also special ordered wine through them. And it is in walking distance, so parking should not be a problem.
In response to posts 15 (16) and 19, a visit to Grape and Cheese (1531 W. Main St. in the Uptown area), will not disappoint. They offer a reasonably priced small, but varied selection with weekly wine tastings and a knowledgeable owner and staff. We buy most of our wine online via wine auctions, however we always look to Grape and Cheese to “fill in the blanks” of our wine inventory. Ask for Bill, and tell him that one of his many fans in Church Hill sent you!