Approval of a liquor license for a new business specializing in building and stocking wine cellars was recommended by the Oxford Village Council last week.
Dubbed ‘Carpe Vino? (Latin for ‘Seize the wine), the office and showroom would be located upstairs at 121 S. Washington St. The main floor is where Head to Toes Message Therapy is located.
Frances Fischer, a Dryden resident with more than 30 years experience in the wine and beverage industry, is launching this business venture in which her husband Robert Fischer, a finish carpenter, would design and custom build private wine cellars in people’s homes.
If the state Liquor Control Commission approves her Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) license, which allows for the retail sale of wine and beer, Fischer would sell to customers wishing to stock their custom-built home cellars.
‘People will order it from me either via the internet or by phone,? she said. ‘I’ll place the order. I’ll pick it up at the distributor, the warehouse, and deliver it immediately. So, I don’t plan on storing a lot.?
Fischer and her daughter Tara Eastin, a certified sommieler, will work together to educate clients about wine through in-home dinners and classes.
Fischer had originally planned to operate her business from the private 138-acre Hunters Ridge Hunt Club on Barber Road in Oxford Township, but securing that location would have taken longer than the timetable she had in mind.
So, she decided to set up shop in the village. ‘Downtown, I think, is just a better location,? Fischer said.
Because the type of liquor license she’s applied for allows retail sales on the premise, Fischer plans to have a small selection available for visiting customers along with some wine racks.
‘With that type of license, you have to be open to the public, so I will have bottles on hand for people to come in and purchase,? she said.
Cigar humidors built by Fischer’s husband and the premium stogies to stock them will also be for sale.
Fischer hopes to open her village location by Oct. 1.
For more information visit www.carpevino.us or call (248) 891-1580.