Wine shop After the Vine opening in early October Leave a comment
ROCKTON — Wine connoisseurs will soon have a new spot to enjoy a glass or two of their favorite libations.
After the Vine, 163 Hawick St., is planning to host a grand opening on Oct. 6. at its 2,000-square-foot space across from Settlers Park.
“It’s a very relaxing environment,” business owner Connie Kieffer said. “The colors are sunflower and terra cotta with kind of a low black ceiling and really pretty recessed lights. Everybody has said it’s a very comfortable space to come up and drink some wine.”
After the Vine will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
In addition to wine, the business will offer beer from Lena Brewing Co. and complimentary crackers and nuts.
“We don’t have any food as of yet,” Kieffer said. “But, it’s coming. It’s been requested often.”
More:‘I’m gutted’: Toni’s of Winnebago closing after 23 years of business
After the Vine will have items for sale from local artists and will also provide the occasional educational experience for wine lovers.
“In the future, we’re going to have some wine company representatives come in and explain their wines, where they come from and why they taste the way they do,” Kieffer said. “There’s a lot of stories in these wines and these experts will come in and tell their stories.”
After the Vine will have a capacity of up to 60 guests. The business will be available for receptions, parties and private wine tastings.
Kieffer is confident that her new business will fill a void in the Rockton area.
“I did some research and found out what most community members were looking for in terms of a new business and everybody talked about wine,” Kieffer said. “We have a lot of wineries in the area but no place to come and try different varieties. It was kind of a mixture of me wanting to do something on my own and community research.”
Ken DeCoster: kdecoster@rrstar.com; @DeCosterKen
