(Editor’s note: Some of you—perhaps our one other regular reader besides the other editors—may recall that a few weeks ago, Wallyhood did a feature on Sound Goods and its co-owner, Jennifer Kline Shernoff. In the interests of expanding our coverage as well as our stable of writers, we invited Jenn to begin writing about wine with a neighborhood focus. She’s embraced that invitation, and her first article follows. Stay tuned for more wine-focused musings from our Wallyhood vintner!)
By Jennifer Kline Shernoff
Imagining myself as a friendlier, more adventurous, and non-trespassing version of Goldilocks, I recently took a wander through Wallingford & Tangletown. My quest didn’t seek chairs or beds or involve breaking and entering. Instead, this journey’s purpose was simple: Where can one find some just-right wine around the neighborhood in some unexpected places?
I’m not a professionally trained wine connoisseur. Rather, I am a casual wine-drinker and a hard-working wine-business owner of Sound Goods (@drinksoundgoods). And like three bears eyeing a tent full of camping dinners, I’m insanely curious. But about wine, that is. This curiosity took me to the streets hoping to find and meet several other small business owners in the wine biz. To my delight, several local shops catering to diverse and eclectic tastes quenched my thirst for community.
The journey started with the local landmark, City Cellars on 45th street. Michael Herndon, the owner, has been a proud part of the business since it started in 1989. Michael’s “neighborhood wine shop” features an impressive mix of fine European, Washington, and Oregon wines. This shop knows wine and, unlike porridge, will appeal to serious and novice wine drinkers alike. The offerings are hand-selected and tongue-tasted by wine experts. All it needs is a sister upscale cheese shop next door!
Moving down the block I found The Bounty, sitting at the corner of Stone Way and 45th. I met Holly, the easy going manager. The Bounty—paired with Caffe Appassionato—is cool, casual, and welcoming. I was delighted to discover modestly priced wine by the glass ($6!) or bottles to go, guaranteeing that their serving size would never be too big or too small. Currently offering two varieties, Holly has plans to expand happy hours, add Champagne Mimosas on the weekends, and take advantage of the bright new patio this Spring, when the weather will be just-right for some wine.
My last stop landed me at the Tangletown neighborhood’s cornerstone gem, 56th Street Market. This market embodies the resiliency of a bear exploring a beehive, having recently triumphed over break-ins and other shenanigans to continue keeping its loyal customers well-supplied (in addition to being discreetly featured in a Macklemore and Ryan Lewis short). Celebrating their 12th year in business, PJ and his wife Inder stock more than 100 wine labels in all just-right forms: bottles, ready-to-drink cans, and boxes. Their cooler-case keeps rosé and white wines chilled and ready to grab and go. PJ says their biggest sellers are the bottled reds and the rosé wines (in every form).
Next time you wander by City Cellars, The Bounty, or 56th Street Market, pick up some liquid deliciousness for yourself or to share when visiting a friend. Or three. Announced or unannounced, bear or human. Either way, it sure beats showing up empty-handed and expecting some porridge!