Downtown Evanston Wine Shop To Close After 13 Years
EVANSTON, IL — After more than a dozen years in operation in downtown Evanston, Vinic Wine Company will close its doors for good at the end of March, its owner announced.
Sandeep Ghaey said the market has changed since he who opened Vinic at 1509 Chicago Ave. in 2009. At the time, it was the first independent wine shop in town, he said Saturday in a newsletter announcing the impending closing.
"Some of this uncertainty can be attributed to COVID related shortages and restrictions. We’ve also found it harder and more expensive to represent the wines that we value," Ghaey said.
"We’ve investigated retooling our business model or relocating, but liquor laws governing transfer of inventory make either option unfeasible," he said. "We also have a new addition to our family at home, and retail hours make it hard to achieve a good work life balance. This also feels like the appropriate time to start a new chapter."
All of the shop's remaining bottles of wine will be available at discounts in the coming weeks, with many price tags at or below their wholesale price, according to the owner.
All inventory will be 10 percent off through Feb. 6, 15 percent off from Feb. 7 to Feb. 27 and anything remaining is expected to be offered for 20 percent off from Feb. 28 to March 31.
Vinic stocked nearly 2,000 bottles of wine, compared to 200 to 300 for most independent stores, Ghaey told Evanston Now, which first reported the closure.
The shop's shuttering comes just over four years since Binny's Beverage Depot opened at 1211 Chicago Ave., about 800 yards south of Vinic. At the time, Ghaey and other local independent liquor merchants voiced concerns about the competition the local chain represented.
Ghaey thanked the community for its support over the years.
"We’ve enjoyed making selections for your dinner parties and celebrations. It’s been a joy getting to know so many of you, and I’m sure we will see each other even after the store closes," he said. "While Vinic in this form is ending, I hope in the years to come we will find a new model that will allow us to continue matching great wines with great people. In another time I’d say come share a last toast, but with COVID I just ask you enjoy an extra glass for Vinic."
This article originally appeared on the Evanston Patch
