Written by Aaron-Michael Fox.
Breathe Wine & Culture Co., the Jewel City’s newest specialty wine and gift store, had its “soft opening” at 335 9th Street in downtown Huntington, West Virginia on Saturday April 27, 2024.
The soft opening was a great success and was well attended with Marshall University’s graduation and several other events boosting downtown foot traffic.
Breathe Wine is a small, family-owned business from sibling owners Cheryl and Chris Herdman from Putnam County. Their long-term Operations Manager is Devon DiFillipo Reed from South Charleston. Cheryl and Devon are both Marshall graduates and are excited to be back in Huntington to build their new business.
“We have some experience with what folks like from our other location in Cross Lanes, but with all the additional space we can bring in even more new items!” Cheryl Herdman said.
They are currently still building their wine and beer inventory but already have a truly eclectic collection.
“We are excited to start integrating our own flair with the downtown Huntington culture, which is proving to be bustling and diverse,” Cheryl said. “We plan to participate in several pre-existing programs such as 9th Street Live, the Art Walk and the Huntington In Bloom project, as well as bring some flair of our own. In our store, we host a beautiful gallery collection of local artists, each with pieces for sale to the public. We currently host 16 artists and artisans and will build more as we go.”
Breathe Wine hosts regular wine samplings on Saturday afternoons. Customers will get to sample 2-3 different wines they may not get to experience otherwise.
The Herdmans plan to partner with other downtown businesses in the future to host pop-up events and other collaborations. They are currently looking for local farmers to supplement the locally based food menu they are preparing.
“Soon, we will provide late morning breakfast offerings, brunch, cafe style lunch service, coffee, teas, and specialty non-alcoholic drinks in our shop and to go. This is a staple in our Cross Lanes location and we have built a menu that folks seem to love,” Cheryl said.
“Additionally, we offer several wine specialty items and gifts. We will offer charcuterie goods and other foods. Our store boasts an adorable basket making table to build your own gift basket, but we also offer custom basket making for our less crafty customers.”
The Herdmans say they are committed to maintaining a “snoot-free wine experience” at Breathe Wine & Culture Co.
Breathe Wine & Culture Co is more of an experience than a shop. Everything they do is to enhance the wine and craft beer for the customers. The best way to stay informed on upcoming events, products, and new ideas is to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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