Crush Bottle Shop, a new wine and spirits store, is scheduled to open in Downtown Hamilton at 12 Broad Street on Monday, September 16. Previously operating in Morrisville, the business relocated to Hamilton in an effort to increase wine education within the local community, according to owner Alice Virden-Speer. The owners are Hamilton locals also own Seven Oaks Clubhouse. 

Virden-Speer said one of the store’s goals it to make wine accessible to a larger amount of people in Hamilton.

“Wine is for everybody, whether you are buying a hundred dollar bottle or a nine dollar bottle, there’s something for everyone,” Virden-Speer said. 

Crush will offer free, educational wine classes, open to people 21 and over, held on the first Monday of every month, according to owner Vieden-Speer. They will also provide wine tastings every Thursday, all day. The curriculum is catered towards people with varying levels of wine knowledge, beginning each class with the crash course ‘Wine 101’.

Crush Bottle Shop plans to focus on specific growing regions such as Portugal, as well as specific wines and spirits — they will offer a tequila class in May 2020, according to Virden-Speer. 

“I think that making a place where people feel comfortable, or can ask questions, or learn something new—our community definitely calls for that. Especially with Colgate, [Hamilton is] definitely an educational place,” Virden-Speer said.

In addition to the wine classes and tastings, Crush Bottle Shop plans to expand their online presence with their upcoming website, which will allow customers to shop online in addition to arranging in-store purchases. Eventually, the shop aims to create an easy pick-up system for customers. 

“Being in the Village, parking can be a little bit of a challenge, so we’re trying to have a system where…there’s a pick-up time, you can text us and we’ll run out and give you your wine,” Virden-Speer said. “We’re trying to work that out so it flows really seamlessly.” 

Virden-Speer said she wants the shop to expand the Hamilton community’s outreach and to bring more people to the local businesses. She hopes the store becomes a ‘destination wine shop.’ 

Virden-Speer said she believes partnering with local businesses is crucial.

“One thing about owning a business in Hamilton is that it’s so important for all of us to partner together and work together, so we definitely plan on working with many local businesses,” Virden-Speer said.

Crush Wine and Spirits opens to the public September 16  and will hold a grand opening on October 4. The first educational class begins October 7. The store’s hours are set to be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.