Merchants Square stands to offer a new temptation when the Williamsburg Winery opens a new tasting room and wine bar in early October.
“We’re one of the commonwealth’s older wineries,” said Patrick Duffeler II, president and CEO of the winery, which opened its doors in 1988. “Our wines, I think anyway, keep getting better and better.”
The new downtown operation serves as an extension of that development, decades in the making.
“This is an exciting moment in the history and evolution of the Williamsburg Winery,” Duffeler said in a news release.
Last year, the winery opened a temporary pop-up tasting room on South Henry Street. Duffeler called it a “tremendous success,” naturally leading to a more permanent fixture.
The winery’s latest, more permanent endeavor promises wine tasting flights in addition to selections by the glass or bottle.
“There’s an interest in wine,” he said. “There’s an interest in local wine, and hopefully the winery’s message and the winery’s wines are going to resonate with people walking around in Merchants Square.”
The 1,300-square-foot establishment, located between R. Bryant, Ltd., and the Precious Gem, will also feature an outdoor seating area on Duke of Gloucester Street. A small plates menu will offer options such as local cheese and charcuterie.
“Hopefully it will be as successful as we’re all hoping it will be,” Duffeler said, wishing to appeal to locals and out-of-towners alike.
The new tasting room and wine bar will be open seven days a week all year, excluding major holidays.
“By establishing a more permanent location in Merchant’s Square, we hope to bring another fun experience to an already exciting part of town,” Duffeler said. “It’s going to be a fun endeavor and we certainly invite everyone down to come check it out.”
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
