Uptown Wine and Spirits: an experience before the night even begins
“The shop is a destination, a place to discover, a place to learn, and above all a place to meet some friends who can help you find the next, perfect drink for any occasion. ”
by Tom Ingram
At 1208 Broadway in Columbus, between Big Dog Running Company and Kilwin’s, you’ll find a jovial new addition to the Uptown area. Uptown Wine and Spirits offers all of your old favorites, yes; but you can also indulge in the expertly curated selections of craft beer, fine wine and specialty spirits. How Uptown Wine and Spirits came to be, as with all good things, is something of a story.
Pat Daniel, a certified public accountant by training, has owned and operated Forrest Road Package for many years. Not long after she married Steve Hodges, then a local law enforcement officer, Steve decided to go to law school. During his time in law school, Pat supported him. Four years ago, now with a thriving law practice, Steve asked Pat what he could do for her. They both knew that Pat’s career, like her husband’s, had a second act. Pat decided she wanted to open a store in Uptown.
Opening a store in Uptown made perfect sense to Pat. After all, she has long been involved in the local arts scene. Pat sits on the advisory board for the Schwob School of Music, serves as co-chair of the Bo Bartlett Center Visitor’s Board, and for fifteen years, Pat has served on the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Directors, from which she helped steer considerable changes with the symphony, including its partnership with the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Pat knows Uptown. She’s been an important part of the community’s resurgence over the past decade.
Finding a location was not easy. A store like Uptown Wine and Spirits needs a certain amount of space, both for the retail area and storage. Pat was also determined to find off-street parking, for the convenience of her future customers. After three attempts to buy buildings in Uptown, she finally found a location.
The 1208 Broadway location was built in the 1890s as a stable; when you visit the shop today, you’ll notice the high arches, which were built to accommodate teams of horses. During the renovations of the building, Pat and her team discovered original fireplaces hidden behind drywall, where stable workers once cooked their meals. The renovations were not easy. The anticipated six-month project turned into 18 months of surprises and setbacks. Still, Pat persisted.
Today, as you visit the shop, it’s clear that Pat’s dedication has built something unique, an asset to the Uptown community. At Uptown Wine and Spirits, the wine selection is broad, with interesting choices at all price points. The craft beer selection is strong, and the specialty spirits, alongside traditional favorites, make any trip to Uptown Wine and Spirits an adventure. To help guide your adventure, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Pat’s specialty is wine, and she has built her knowledge by visiting wine regions all over the world, giving her an understanding that stands beyond what a person can find in books.
This expert help doesn’t end at the shop’s front doors. The staff at Uptown Wine and Spirits is also happy to help plan events and parties. They can help you pair wines with meals, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert. Richard Edwards, the shop’s liquor connoisseur, can recommend cocktails for events, and even offer some of his own delectable creations. You might recognize Richard Edwards from this magazine’s cocktail column, where he offers all of our readers suggestions for their next gathering or quiet night in.
Pat Daniel and her team at Uptown Wine and Spirits have introduced Uptown to something more than a liquor store. The shop is a destination, a place to discover, a place to learn, and above all a place to meet some friends who can help you find the next, perfect drink for any occasion.