In mid-Nov. 2013, founder Craig Heffley will expand,
opening a new Wine Authorities location in Downtown
Raleigh. Person Street Plaza is already booming with neighboring
businesses including other Foodie favorites like Yellow Dog Bread Company, PieBird, The Stanbury and Escazu Artisan Chocolates. Wine
Authorities has generated national interest from their
Durham-based store and a regional following for their
value-oriented farmer-grown and family-owned estate wine selection
from around the world. Wine Authorities is committed to
delivering artisan “farmer-made wines” with a playful approach.
Craig is focused on creating a selective inventory of wines along
with creative, informative and even humorous marketing and wine
education. Wine Authorities will be a great shop for Greater
Raleigh visitors who enjoy drinking everyday wine. The bottles
are all under $50, with the majority of the selection under $15.
Craig also works directly with several small estate winemakers to
make their farmer-grown wines available in a $25, three-liter
bag-in-box format, bringing the price down to a $6-per-bottle price
average. Craig is committed to exceptional customer service and
educating visitors about wine. Free tastings will take place
every Sat. and Tues., with Tues. showcasing more obscure wines.
Regular classes will also provide an opportunity for more in-depth
tasting and study, often with winemakers and importers. Upon
purchasing, you'll receive detailed information about your wine
purchase along with wine descriptions, label photos and recommended
food pairings. The new 3000-sq. ft. Raleigh store will be 50%
larger than the Durham store, allowing for a larger lounge area for
tasting more wines and beers, double the capacity for cheese,
charcuterie and refrigerated specialty items, and also a more
comfortable shopping experience. Not only will Wine
Authorities have an excellent selection of wines, but they will
also serve local craft beers on tap, including brews from Downtown
Raleigh breweries like Trophy Brewing Company and Crank Arm Brewing. On Nov. 1, Wine
Authorities
will introduce their new store with a series
of Enomatic cards strategically placed at historic sites and
locally owned businesses in downtown Raleigh. Each day Craig and
his team will discreetly reveal the location via social media, and
those who discover the cards will post via social media and then
enjoy their Enomatic dollars once the store opens. And soon after
opening, Wine Authorities looks forward to hosting an open house
featuring neighboring businesses and food trucks.