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W+M
Lexington, KY. - After studying international wine marketing and management in Europe, working for a Napa Valley winery during a wine harvest and being at a PR firm that worked exclusively in the wine industry, Renee Brewer, a Dunbar and UK grad, returned to Lexington.
Brewer applied her experience to her job selling wine, sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie at Wine + Market, the shop a the corner of Second and Jefferson that is owned by Krim Boughalem and his wife, Andrea Sims. But most recently, Boughalem and Sims, who also own and operate Table 310 on Short Street, have sold their store to Brewer, who will serve as Table 310's wine director. The couple also has another future venture in the works, although the details of it are not yet available, and Brewer is expected to play a role there as well.
"It's always been my dream to own a wine store," said Brewer, 31.
And Wine + Market presented the best opportunity for her.
"I love Wine + Market and it's just such a cool location," she said. "It's becoming the food corridor."
Since opening in early 2008, Jefferson Street has seen a boom, as the initial draws of Stella's Deli and Wine + Market were joined by the Grey Goose and Nick Ryan's Saloon, which has doubled in size since opening. Brewer intends to expand on what Wine + Market has always done. Brewer said she plans to extend the wine selection and price it more competitively, add to the choice of spirits available (particularly Bourbon), and expand some of the market choices and comfort level for those choosing to dine in the market side of the building.
Since taking ownership on the first day of November, Brewer has focused on knowledgeable customer service, capitalizing on not only what she knows about wine, but the specialties of each of Wine + Market's employees. In coming months she also plans to launch a wine of the month club and host private parties in the space, as well as offering catering services for cheese and charcuterie.
Just as Brewer will maintain a role with Boughalem and Sims' other ventures, the couple still will have a role in the store they opened nearly four years ago, as Brewer said she will rely on them to keep the aesthetic sharp.
Wine + Market will continue offering its Friday evening wine tastings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Brewer plans on launching a wine newsletter in coming weeks.