New Wine Shop In Mountain Brook Opens This Week

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — A new concept in wine shopping comes to Mountain Brook this week, as Finch Fine wines holds a grand opening event Tuesday afternoon. The grand opening of the store, at Suite 144 in Mountain Brook Plaza off Highway 280, includes a wine tasting and begins at 4 p.m.

Finch Fine Wines is a new concept wine store that will be managed by Wendy Watts, who for many years served the area as Director of Wine for the Western Rocky Ridge.

What makes the store unique is that in addition to the wines available in the store, registered customers can order more than 3,000 wines available online and pick up their orders (in most cases) at the store the next day.

Since the closing of the former Western wine, Finch has been on a quest to fill the void and expand the opportunities for Birmingham residents to purchase and enjoy great wine. Through Finch Fine Wines, both novice and connoisseur will be able to find the widest selection of wines available in Greater Birmingham area.

“We are using the website to allow people to choose from a much broader variety,” Finch said.

Years ago, he was a young lawyer starting his career with a New York firm when he met the wine seller Bernie Fradin. Their great friendship and mentorship over many years produced one of Birmingham’s wine collectors – in Ed, who is excited to share his passion and with others through Finch Fine Wines.

“Bernie must have thought this poor boy needed some help,” said Finch. “Seriously, he was the one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever known. And the knowledge he gave me has given me the best times of my life – enjoying a nice glass of wine with friends and family.”

For assistant manager Todd Russell, who worked with Wendy at Western and later for a major wine distributor, it is the novelty of the online concept that appeals to him. He believes that the new wines that will be easily accessible to the Birmingham community will change the local wine business.

“Much like Amazon changed the nature of retail in the country, I feel like we have the opportunity to do that in the state of Alabama,” said Russell.

The new wine shop will focus on educating and helping customers find wines they enjoy, with tastings and community events to help people learn and develop their own taste in wine.

“Wines from around the world will be available to taste and share with your friends,” said Finch. “From to Europe, or to Australia, if it is worthy of your palate, we will offer it. And Wendy Watts and Todd Russell will be excellent guides for your wine journey.”

Store hours are Monday – Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Plus, Finch Fine Wines’ online ordering system will be available to registered customers at any time, at FinchFineWines.com.