Waterfront Wine
city wine sellar, downtown, food, wine,
One block off the downtown waterfront, the City Wine Sellar has become the “place to be” for area residents and visitors to downtown Elizabeth City. Debbie Malenfant bought the retail wine shop, bakery and deli five years ago. Customers flock to the shop and eatery for the large selection of fine wines and deli specialties, the Friday night music series and the monthly wine tastings.
“The first few wine tastings were very structured, but it didn’t feel comfortable enough,” Malenfant says. “Everyone is not ready to try the same wines at the same time. We wanted people to mingle and socialize.”
Now approximately 50 to 80 tasters come to enjoy a sample of six different wines at each gathering, Malenfant says. Guests also fill the shop during breakfast and lunch when they come to enjoy the fresh-baked bread, breakfast sandwiches and the popular Tom Turkey sandwich with turkey, homemade herb mayonnaise, provolone cheese and cranberry sauce on wheat.
Story by Brandon Lowe
Photo by Todd Bennett
