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| Splash photo by Kelly Moore |
Eau de Vie Wine Shop owners Amber Cates, Chris Cates, Rhonda Entner and Patrick Fechser plan to open for business Tuesday.
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Wine bar brings one-stop shop for local flavor
9/14/2011 10:24:36 AM
Splash photo by Kelly Moore
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By Kelly Moore
Splash Staff Writer
The owners of Hay J's Bistro are taking their passion for wine, well, next door. Opening Tuesday, the restaurant's neighboring building space will house the latest brainchild of the Hay J's crew: Eau de Vie Wine Shoppe, 21718 E. Mission Ave.
In addition to wine-stocked shelves, the small shop has a bar and lounging area for people who want to try a glass of what will be an ever-rotating lineup of boutique-style wines, rare microbrews and seasonal tapas. It may also provide a place for diners to hang out while waiting for a table at the neighboring Hay J's.
"It's a small space, so it'll be more intimate and warm," co-owner and manager Chris Cates said. "I think it'll just be a laid-back atmosphere where people can stop in on their way home after work to relax and unwind and maybe grab a bottle of wine for dinner."
Cates said the owners hope to operate with a mission to support local wineries and brewers while also promoting wine appreciation through education. Starting in October, the owners plan to bring in wine makers for special tasting events and classes. A wine maker's dinner is in the works for November.
Owners also hope to keep customers' interest piqued through a monthly wine club. Club members participate by committing to purchase store-selected wines with opt-in prices ranging from $15 and under to $50. For participating in the program, club members get a discount on in-store purchases, $1 off wines by the glass at the bar and invites to special events. Advertisement
Splash photo by Kelly Moore
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As for the name, "eau de vie" is French for "water of life."
"Wine is such a complex entity," Cates explained. "Every year it changes. A certain wine can be different one year to the next based on what they did with that bottle and how weather affected the crops that year. … Life is ever-changing, too."
Cates said Eau de Vie Wine Shoppe will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but scheduling is subject to change once they get a feel for the flow of in-store traffic.
For more information, the owners are developing a website at www.eaudeviewine.com.
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