So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Jennifer Dehner — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 17:00:01 GMT

Thank you. Interesting post. I also want to open a wine bar. But I don't have enough money. Do you think it's worth taking a loan? Where is the best place to do it?

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Scott Ota — Sat, 20 May 2017 15:57:01 GMT

Where was this article a year ago? Great content and comments from the featured sommeliers, and it really puts things into perspective when you jump from the floor to operations.

If anyone on this site is thinking about opening a wine bar, I would strongly recommend that you build your operations experience first. Weak business structuring, poor hiring, bad location, unrealistic budgeting, shady contractors, over stretching talent, and inexperience in handling curveballs are all very real dangers, and all of the above can sink a business. And when you're an owner, it's 'all in, all the time.' Develop a strong network of operations mentors; I can't emphasize this enough.

Also understand that owning and running a wine bar comes with a step away from wine; it sounds odd, but it's true. Even though you are in a wine bar and writing the list, most of your time will be devoted to operations. So know what you are getting yourself into before you take the plunge. In the end, it's a very worthwhile endeavor and loads of fun, but pulling a cork is the easiest part of the job.

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Sonya Mlodzek — Thu, 18 May 2017 17:24:24 GMT

I opened a wine bar in Chicago six months ago and every piece of this article is spot on! Great advice and lessons for anyone considering opening a place. Best of luck to all.

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Kimberly Schuld Martin — Sun, 14 May 2017 16:26:38 GMT

Great article. I now have a better understanding of how to strategize and plan before the dream gets out of control. Makes me glad the "perfect space" in my town got snatched up before I could do something foolish!

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Ben Franco — Sun, 14 May 2017 15:57:24 GMT

Wow as a small town wine bar owner I was hoping this peice would be really good! I have been open for 9 years and I can relate to all the comments in the peice. I am glad the darker and difficult side of opening, financing and vision/customer struggles were talked about.. Great article!!! Good luck to all the owners in the peice and to those that are on the journey !

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Lu Froz — Sat, 13 May 2017 18:31:14 GMT

Excellent article!

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Alicia Wilbur — Wed, 10 May 2017 23:15:35 GMT

" I had to remind myself [that] this is not about what Laura Maniec wants to eat. Not that you should completely sell out your vision, but you have to be able to bend when required.”

THIS.

Thank you to those interviewed for your candid and honest remarks.

RE: So You Want to Open a Wine Bar?

Cornelius Anthony Jr — Wed, 10 May 2017 21:03:08 GMT

Great article! Gives me hope and a lot of personal motivation! I'm sure I'll read this a million times on my journey! Thanks for being so open about you guys journey into opening your locations! Salute!