If you’re at the beginning of your wine and spirits journey, you may feel a little intimidated. Especially walking into a seemingly bougie shop. Although founded by passionate wine connoisseurs, Vine Arts is designed to be a destination for those who appreciate or want to learn more about the craft and culture of wine.
“We’ve had a lot of success getting hold of young professionals while they’re starting their wine journey and then growing with them,” says co-owner Jeff Jamieson. “And there’s a lot of that here in Westmount.”
Jeff Jamieson and Jesse Willis opened their first location in Calgary in 2012 and have long wanted to join the Edmonton scene. “We were pretty picky about the neighbourhoods we wanted to be in,” says Jeff, expressing how welcomed they immediately felt when joining 124 Street in September.
One of Vine Arts’ defining features is its diverse and eclectic wine selection, helpfully categorized to give you a sense of what to expect. From “crisp and refreshing” to “bold and structured” to “weird, wacky, wonderful,” the store caters to both seasoned oenophiles and curious newcomers. According to Jeff, this Edmonton location holds the most products than any of their other stores, including more well-stocked beer fridges. And it will evolve over time as the general manager gets to know the likes and curiosities of the local clientele.
