Brady spotted this little tidbit on EveryBlock: WINE WORLD WAREHOUSE applied for new liquor license. We made a call, but before we could get the info, we were scooped by The Puget Sound Business Journal, which reported that the former Office Max space on 45th will soon be converted into what could be the largest wine store in the Northwest, slated to open this fall. According to the Journal:
The 23,000-square-foot Wine World, in the Wallingford area, will include a pair of 30-foot counters for wine tastings, an espresso bar and a 6,000-square-foot meeting room for hosting private and corporate events that includes a demonstration kitchen.
David LeClaire, the sommelier behind the Seattle Uncorked wine club and other wine-related events, plans to carry 4,000 items, including Northwest and international wines, wine accessories and glasses, chocolates, charcuterie and cheeses.
Cheers!
I worry for the cute little wine shop in Wallingford City Cellars. I am sure this will affect their business.
Actually, I worry a little, too. But I’m a loyal customer of City Cellars because of their personal service and proximity to my house. Its much easier for me to walk up and get a bottle of wine for dinner than to get down to I-5. However, I see this market being more of a destination for bigger events and for people who live outside of our neighborhood. I think, too, if I were to host a party, this would be the place to get whatever wine I needed, instead of driving to the nearest Costco.
I wonder if they’ll have a bouncer to keep the street drunks out, especially during those “tasting” events 🙂
Great news! I imagine this place will cater more toward the I-5 passersby than the Wallingford locals. City Cellars should be fine.
I love city cellars but wish they’d stay open ’til 8! 7 is too early for a wine shop to close!
Woo hoo!
Wine is good; a business opening in that empty building is good. But I agree with the other commenters; I’d much rather walk to the cute little wine shop (City Cellars) and get personal attention from a friendly face, than get near that highway.
i bet they enjoy a lot of traffic coming off the highway, and going right back to it. But maybe — just maybe — some of those folks will come down 45th to explore the rest of the neighborhood!
I’m sure the measure to privatize liquor sales on the November ballot doesn’t hurt the business case for a 23000 sq ft “wine” shop.
I’ve had nothing but horrible, rude service from City Cellars over the years. I take all my business to Patrick at The Vineyard on Phinney. I, for one, am thrilled to have a wine shop with a decent selection in our neighborhood!
Probably hoping/expecting to sell hard liquor when the initiative passes – one of the two will be approved.
@Lauren. Have you tried Wine Warehouse in Fremont? They’re at 35th or 36th & Fremont, near Dad Watsons. It run by one guy (Michael) and his service is absolutely wonderful. http://www.fremontwines.com/
This is great news. I look forward to this space being used. I agree with several posts that it will be more of a destination shop, getting more traffic from I-5 vs. the neighborhood.
@Chris W. I haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for the reminder – it’s been on my list but I kind of forgot about it recently.
I’ve always been pleased with the friendly help we’ve gotten from City Cellars; I’m sure this new “Wine-a-rama” won’t effect where we shop.
wine world will hurt QFC a lot more than City Cellars.
Even if one of the liquor initiatives passes, I doubt this place will be allowed to sell it; the store is in the U-District Alcohol Impact Area.