Running a wine shop in Dubuque has been one of the most exciting ventures I’ve taken on. After years in the cocktail world, co-owning EJ’s Wine Shop in Iowa felt like a new chapter in my journey through the alcohol industry.
I’ve always loved everything about cocktails, but over time, that passion has expanded into all kinds of spirits—and, eventually, wine.
The Shift from Cocktails to Wine
My heart will always belong to cocktails, but my culinary curiosity got the best of me, especially regarding wine. It all started when I worked at a steakhouse, where I began appreciating wine in a new light.
That spark grew into something much more significant. When the opportunity to take over EJ’s Wine Shop came along, I knew it was time for my business partner and me to step in and give it a shot. The thrill of this transition was palpable, and it’s a feeling I hope to share with you.
The shop had been around since January, but it could have been thriving the way it could. The previous owner was managing it part-time, and so much potential was waiting to be unlocked.
So, we rolled up our sleeves, extended the shop’s hours, and went full throttle. Now, we’re open six days a week for 45 hours, making it easier for locals and visitors to discover our wines.
Expanding the Offerings
Of course, the wine shop was just the beginning. I’ve always loved to push the boundaries, and we soon decided to secure a full liquor license for the shop.
This decision was driven by our desire to offer a complete drinking experience, from cocktails to beer and wine, that showcases the depth of the alcohol world.
By July, I was able to add cocktails to the menu. That decision turned out to be a real game-changer, allowing us to offer our carefully curated wines and a range of specialty cocktails.
We even started experimenting with batched cocktails, making it easier for the staff to consistently serve top-notch drinks.
Curating a Unique Wine Selection
The selection at EJ’s Wine Shop is not your run-of-the-mill assortment. We specialize in wines from smaller vineyards, focusing on organic and all-natural options. You won’t find a lot of California wines here—we’re all about imported varieties with history and character from places where winemaking is a multi-generational craft.
This unique selection is our way of offering you something truly special, and I’m excited to share this exclusivity with you.
The Business Side of Things
Beyond wine and cocktails, running a shop comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. From setting up a solid POS system to figuring out inventory and operations, a lot goes into ensuring the business runs smoothly.
My experience in the cocktail world certainly helps, but there’s always more to learn. We are committed to continuous learning and growth, and this commitment is what drives us to always strive for excellence.
We’ve been lucky to bring in a variety of imported beers that I personally enjoy. I’ve made it a point not to carry mainstream domestic beers because we want to offer something different—a complete drinking experience, from cocktails to beer and wine, that showcases the depth of the alcohol world.
Our focus on imported beers is a reflection of our commitment to offering unique and high-quality products that you won’t find in every shop.
Moving Forward
Running EJ’s Wine Shop is more than just a business venture for me. It’s a personal growth journey, blending my love for cocktails with a newfound appreciation for wine.
It’s about creating a space where people can explore, learn, and enjoy something new. For anyone thinking about diving into a niche market, this: Stay adaptable, always be willing to learn, and focus on building something that adds value to your community.
That’s the goal at EJ’s—not just to sell wine and cocktails but to offer an experience that resonates. Cheers to the journey ahead!