What led you to open up a wine shop?

"After moving back here from the Pacific Northwest, Sara and I noticed an absence of wines from there. We also noticed an absence of good craft beers and artisanal cheeses in the area. These thoughts planted a seed and a growing want to start our own business gave the seed ample nourishment. We wanted to be more than just a wine shop, hence the large "&" in our logo; we are wine "&" gourmet."

How did you go about choosing your location in downtown Brunswick? 

"There is an energy about this area. The growing revitalization and renewal of the downtown made it the ideal location for us. Sure, we could have opened in many other locations, but we wanted a unique feel to our store; it fits seamlessly into the growingly up-scale, but down-to-earth, atmosphere that downtown Brunswick is becoming. Besides, the merchant community here is exceptional and we all seem to be looking to provide our customers the best products around with high-touch service!"

How is the reception going so far? Are you feeling supported by the local community?

"The reception has been great thus far. Our customers are awesome and our Brunswick customer base is growing. The local community has definitely been supportive to our locating here and we are starting to get many folks in from FLETC, the islands, and the local marina as well. About 95% of our new customers come in from word-of-mouth, which means that we must be doing something right."

Anyone could guess you have some great wines for sale. But I have purchased some amazing cheeses from you and your beer selection is pretty interesting. What are some interesting items that you are featuring? 

"We just brought in some exceptional artisanal cheeses from a second Georgia producer. I am always bringing in new wine, beer, and gourmet items. Our newest venture is the growth of our gift basket business. After Main Street Gift, Gourmet, and Gift Baskets closed we felt it was our duty to step into the void that their retirement created. We did not want folks to go away from the downtown area for this need, so we purchased a lot of the product that they carried, and Jesse and Francene were kind enough to give some wisdom and lessons from their 10 years in the business."

True Vine has been pretty involved with the First Friday celebrations downtown. Can you tell us a little about that and what you have planned in the near future? 

"This Thursday, we are working with Cargo on a wine pairing event. Chef Jayson is creating some exceptional foods to go with some great wines that we have lined up. Cost is $55 per person (+gratuity and tax) and there will be 5 paired courses; reservations can be made by calling our store at 912-280-0380 or Cargo at 912-267-7330.

The next First Friday is coming very quickly and we are talking to a couple of local restaurants about providing some food to pair against; whatever we do, we'll ensure that folks will enjoy our offerings."

I know that you are on Facebook. Do you have a website or a twitter presence that you want to share?

"Facebook only at this point, I am Twitter ignorant. I am planning on creating a website in the future, but have not been able to build one thus far."

Anything else you want to tell me about or share with the MyGoldenIsles audience? 

"Just that I can't wait to get to know the folks who have not been in yet. The best part of my job is getting to know my customers and their palates."

Thanks Brian and thanks again for keeping Vino Verde in stock for me. I will be by soon to load up again! 

"No problem! Thanks for cluing me in on the wonders of Vinho Verde!"

Contact Information

True Vine Wine & Gourmet
1523 Newcastle Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 280-0380