This week, we had the privilege of previewing Back Label Wine Merchants, a brand new wine and spirits store in Chelsea that is not only large in size (it’s 3000 square feet) but in heart and soul as well. The owners are husband and wife team, Patrick Watson and Michele Pravda and not only do they have tremendously talented palates for incredible beverages, the couple already have a cult following from Brooklyn’s famed Smith & Vine (www.smithandvine.com), The JakeWalk (www.thejakewalk.com) and Stinky Bklyn
Speaking of which, there is a Stinky Bklyn directly adjoining. Yup, the coolest cheesiest shop is finally making its Manhattan debut. Great wine and great cheese? A big thank you to Patrick, Michele, and everyone at Back Label Wine Merchants.
Having such a large space allows Back Label Wine to have what will undoubtedly be one of the largest selections in NYC, an curated range of interesting products, and will become an important destination for the wine & spirits community. Upon entering the store, you’ll notice that Back Label is definitely doing things a ‘lil bit differently. Products sold are shelved and presented in a variety of ways with running spotlights and dedicated sections on:
- Specific producers
- A nod to the importer with wines bearing the same vineyard site but from different makers
- A category devoted to high acid fans
- New World vs. Old World
- A whole system for the certifiable
Aiming to bring a solid selection of value wines to customers, there is a 20 foot centerpiece fully dedicated to $20 and under wines … our wallets and palates “thank you, we’ll take two”! There is also a “Bartenders Area” fully loaded with the well curated and quality mixers that are often hard to find at typical wine shops.
We are also really excited about the ‘Educational Space’ in the back, custom built to host a variety of weekly classes covering everything related to wine & spirits, food and will range from tastings, events, forums, seminars, etc. Hmmm, sounds like it could be a perfect #ThirstyThursday gathering spot!
With the success of their Brooklyn empire, why Manhattan? Patrick and Michele told ThirstyNYC exclusively “The reason for Manhattan is simple. You can throw a rock and hit a decent wine shop in Brooklyn these days.”
The couple scouted neighborhoods in the 718 but felt their skills were far more needed in Chelsea.
“We are the only mom and pop around here across the street from Kleinfelds, Staples and neighboring Best Buy and The Container Store,” they continue. “So far we have heard from many people that live and work in the area and they are so happy to see a new and inspiring retail resource for the neighborhood.”
Get there folks and get there soon!
Back Label Wine Merchants
111 W 20th St New York, NY 10011
Open daily from 10am-10pm
Phone: 212-229-WINE (9463)
@backlabelwines – Twitter
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Michele & Patrick – Back Label Wine Merchants
Back Label Wine Merchants – interior
Above Photo credit: Michael Harlan Turkell www.harlanturk.com
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