From bartender and manager to wine shop owner, Desirae Ballard is on a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all wine lovers at The Grape Choice in Kirkland, WA. Desirae is the owner of The Grape Choice Wine Store and Wine Bar in Kirkland, Washington. Since purchasing The Grape Choice in 2023, Desirae has taken this 40 year old wine store and made it her own! She expanded the food menu to include incredible charcuterie boards that complement the wine selection as well as increased seating and created a welcoming environment for families (plus they’re dog friendly!)  Wine and dogs?! Yes please!  Today, Desirae is sharing the behind the scenes of what owning a wine shop truly looks like.  How did she acquire the wine shop? How does she choose what wine to sell? How did she keep her shop going during the pandemic and make changes to accommodate a new generation? She’s answering all these questions and more today! So, if you are ready to hear about Desirae’s journey, dedication, and ongoing efforts to provide a warm and inclusive space at The Grape Choice and leave us with a deep appreciation for the art of wine and the community it fosters - press play and listen in!  Then be sure to tune in next week to hear the second half of our interview! Connect with DesiraeWebsite: <a href="http://www.thegrapechoice.com/">http://www.thegrapechoice.com/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegrapechoice">https://www.facebook.com/thegrapechoice</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegrapechoice/">@thegrapechoice</a> Episode Highlights: <ul><li>Desirae’s story on how she acquired The Grape Choice</li></ul> <ul><li>Inclusivity at The Grape Choice</li></ul> <ul><li>Desirae’s approach to marketing at The Grape Choice</li></ul> <ul><li>Challenges faced by small wine shops</li></ul> <ul><li>How Desirae chooses wine for The Grape Choice</li></ul> <ul><li>How she caters to a younger generation</li></ul> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2189095/open_sms">What did you think of the episode? Text me!</a> Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - <a href="https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide">https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide </a> Have you Joined the Cork Crew?! The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community. Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing! <a href="https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass">https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass</a> Connect with me: Cork and Fizz - <a href="https://www.corkandfizz.com/">https://www.corkandfizz.com/ </a>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/">https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/ </a>Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/">https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/ </a>Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

From bartender and manager to wine shop owner, Desirae Ballard is on a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all wine lovers at The Grape Choice in Kirkland, WA.Desirae is the owner of The Grape Choice Wine Store and Wine Bar in Kirkland, Washington. Since purchasing The Grape Choice in 2023, Desirae has taken this 40 year old wine store and made it her own! She expanded the food menu to include incredible charcuterie boards that complement the wine selection as well as increa...

Ep 61 Building Community Through Wine at The Grape Choice (Part 1)