UNCORK AND UNWIND A look at ChurchStreet Wine & Bottle Shop in the Village of Provi- dence

TChurchStreet Wine Shoppe, the most celebrated wine shop in Downtown Huntsville, is expanding to the Village of Providence and has already opened its doors. This second location at 485 Providence Main St., sits right in the heart of Providence, directly across from Edgar’s.

Owned by Matt Mell and Stephanie Kennedy-Mell, ChurchStreet Wine Shoppe in Downtown Huntsville has long been a local favorite for enjoying delicious wine and relaxing evenings with friends. The couple started their first ChurchStreet Wine Shoppe location in September 2014 at 501 Church St. across from the convention and visitor’s bureau to bring their passion for wine to the Huntsville community. Now they’re ready to share it with the Madison area.

“Matt and I are thrilled to bring our love of wine and community to the Village of Providence,” Stephanie says. “For years, we’ve had customers from the Madison area say they’ve wanted something like the Shoppe closer to home. We can’t wait to share the same quality and flavor they’ve come to know and expect from the ChurchStreet Family. Now you don’t even have to leave your neighborhood to enjoy a unique wine experience in Providence.”

ChurchStreet Wine Shoppe has become a community staple with its frequent wine tasting events, visiting winemakers, and commitment to supporting charitable causes and local artists. With an inventory of over 1,000 wines from every corner of the globe, the Shoppe offers brands you can’t get anywhere else in the state of Alabama.

With the new location comes an updated name to more accurately reflect what these shops provide- “ChurchStreet Wine Bar & Bottle Shoppe”. Feel free to come in and stay awhile, walk in, and grab a bottle to go, or call ahead and tell them what you’re having for dinner, and they’ll pick out a wine that’s just right to pair with your meal.

The Providence location offers expanded hours, operating during both lunch and dinner. Wine flights are available seven days a week, along with pop-up specialty wine tastings and four-flavor wine flights. And as always, a bythe-glass wine list is offered. In addition to the vast collection of wines, The Shoppe has a selection of locally brewed beer, along with fun, delectable tapas, food, and desserts.

Even with a new venue, guests feel right at home with a vibe similar to the Downtown location. Inviting silver hues can be seen throughout, along with featured local art,

and wine racks that clearly display labels, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. “Wine of the Week” is also offered, giving guests the opportunity to sample wines they might not normally try, but at a discount. There will also be patio seating, perfect for decompressing after a long day or having fun with friends.

“Our new space is the perfect unwind,” says Stephanie. “Guests can sit outside on the patio and enjoy live music, delicious wine, and the chance to sit back and relax for a while. We’ll have live music two times a week.”

Guests can expect the same great service from the warm and welcoming staff, along with an elevated culinary experience. The Shoppe in Providence will offer dessert charcuterie boards, featuring pastries from new executive pastry chef, Indhira Gratereaux. Born in the Dominican Republic, Indhira developed a love for all things culinary by learning from her grandmother. Having studied under famous chefs like Denis Foy, David Bouley, Luis Brañez, and Pierre Hermès, Indhira’s talents are the perfect addition to the ChurchStreet Family.

“Indhira creates magical pastries and has been collaborating very closely with us to create unique dessert boards that pair well with our wines,” states Stepha-

nie. “These boards are a fantastic experience for girl’s nights, fun gatherings, or for any occasion, really. Who doesn’t love dessert and wine?”

The Shoppe will also feature their exclusive wine club. Members enjoy a sit down-style wine tasting, complete with five tastings of wine perfectly paired with waiterserved small food bites. While members enjoy these wine and food pairings, a wine educator shares details about the selection, tasting profiles, and vineyard.

“Many times, the wines we offer at these tastings have limited availability, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to snag a bottle or two,” Stephanie says. “Our wine club has been such a hit at our Downtown location, we are excited to recreate it in Providence.”

The new venue boasts entertaining space that can be partially or completely rented out for private events. There is room for a single guest or a group to get a full meal and after-dinner drinks. The space is ideal for corporate events, meetings, bridal showers, or that special birthday.

You’ll also be able to work with someone on staff to customize a one-of-a-kind, memorable gift basket for any occasion. Don’t know which wine to choose? Gift cards are available too.

SEVEN RESTAURANTS,ONE FAMILY

Family

The Mells are both passionate and well-versed about wine. Having spent many years showcasing vintages in numerous wine festivals, both locally and across the country, they enjoy educating guests on how wine highlights and enriches the flavors found in the dishes you are already enjoying.

“Some of our favorite customers are people who know nothing about wine. We enjoy being able to guide them through the basics of choosing the right wine for the occasion and then working with them little by little to figure out their palate,” says Stephanie.

The Mells seek not only to take care of clients, but they also actively work within the city. Each of the ChurchStreet Family locations has adopted a community partner to help enrich the local culture.

“Building community has always been important to us wherever we are,” Stephanie says. “It means so much to us to be able to give back.”

Both wine shops feature work from local artists on the walls that is available for sale. Many of the artists come from the Lowe Mill arts district and throughout the county.

“We do a feature ‘meet and greet’ night for every artist that is showcased, and a percentage of the money raised is donated to the charity of their choice,” says Stephanie.

With summer approaching, the ChurchStreet Wine Bar & Bottle Shop in Providence is a great place to get away and relax with friends. It will quickly become your favorite new “spot”.

Stephanie’s promise: “We guarantee you’ll leave with a smile and at least one new favorite wine within your budget.”

In addition to the ChurchStreet Wine Bar & Bottle Shop, the ChurchStreet Family also currently includes fine dining experience Purveyor, Mazzara’s Vinoteca Italian cuisine, Sea Salt Urban Oyster Bar, speakeasy Catacomb 435, and the city’s rooftop bar Pourhouse at Stovehouse. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. There website is www. churchstreetfamily.com.