Somewhere along the way, I got hitched. After a few years toiling in kitchens, I decided I kinda liked being married. And I thought it might be nice to actually see my lovely wife more often than every other Sunday. So when we packed our bags for Santa Monica, CA for her to complete her Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia, I decided to find another line of work. Wine had always been a passion and a hobby, so I decided to give it a go as a career. Four or five years later, after working as a distributor salesman, the North Carolina state manager for a winery (LA just wasn’t our scene…) and a retail manager for a gourmet store, I was ready to launch my own venture…

But my space wasn’t ready. So I set up temporary shop in Hillsborough, where I live, renting a converted lawyer’s office (formerly a video store/tanning salon / gas station…) with the idea that I would just stick it out for a few months until the space in Chapel Hill was ready. Six months later, I got tipsy and decided I’d become a chain instead! Now, over six years later, both stores are rockin’ along!

I’m still married to my lovely wife of 14+ years, despite my best efforts to run her off. I’ve got a beautiful red-headed daughter in third grade and a little buddy-boy who’s a complete spazz… just like his Daddy. I hope you’ll stay with us over the coming years and see how they grow!