Vineyard Wine & Spirits closes
Vineyard Wine and Spirits, the Federal Hill liquor store run by Michael Fishman, is closing.
Fishman also runs the Vine, the low-key wine bar at the corner of Fort Avenue and South Hanover Street.
According to a press release sent out by the owners, Vineyard Wine and Spirits had not been able to turn a profit in two years at 1137 S. Charles St.
They're clearing their inventory Saturday.
That means 15 percent off all wines less than $15, 10 percent off all beer and spirits, 20 percent off all reserve room wines and 40 percent off all giftware.
I tried calling the place but no one picked up.
I'll keep you posted on the future of the Vine.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
That just may be the most important piece of information you have shared on this blog to date.
I know how my Sunday will be spent...nursing a hangover from 10% off beer and spirits! Bring on the cheap booze!
Posted by: JTK | January 17, 2008 3:38 PM
As a short-stay employee at Vineyard, Mike did a terrific job blending a store with high prices and a steep learning curve into a neighborhood-friendly, easy-going main-street-esque shop that wine drinkers of all ages and experiences could enjoy. Vineyard was a great yet still under-appreciated asset in Federal Hill and it will surely be missed by those individuals like I who enjoyed all that it had to offer.
Posted by: P.D. | January 17, 2008 4:06 PM
What business doesn't take 2 years to turn a profit on? I thought you were supposed to open a business with the intention of losing money for at least 3 years. Maybe when you own a wine and spirits shop, you have to know when to fold 'em. You lose to much and you might start cutting into your own inventory while in depression.
Posted by: TS | January 18, 2008 9:06 AM
This is dissapointing news. I just started to stop by the Vineyard on a regular basis due to their good selection and great deal. As a relatively young wine drinker, the 6 for 60 with 3 reds and 3 whites was great. The store had a great atmosphere to it and the staff was always helpful with tips and suggestions. Hopefully this doesn't signal the end of the Vine as well...
Posted by: Dave | January 18, 2008 2:52 PM
I noticed Fishman's name on business cards sitting out at a new and very nice liquor store that recently opened in my neighborhood off of Greenspring Ave. I believe it's called Quarry Wine and Spirits.
Posted by: E$ | January 22, 2008 12:53 PM
one time - and one time only - did i go into the vineyard and i swore i'd never be back. the guy working there made me feel so uncomfortable - and then called me out on being uncomfortable! i felt like a fish out of water. i don't know a whole lot about wine but i know enough. it's no wonder with service like that they are closing. good riddance.
Posted by: weezie | January 22, 2008 1:21 PM