Buckingham Winery opening tasting room, cheese shop at 1841 E. Passyunk Ave
A Pennsylvania winery plans to open what appears to be the city’s first wine and cheese shop at 1841 E. Passyunk Ave., next door to the demolished King of Jeans building.
Building owner Damon Costantini says Buckingham Valley Vineyards and Winery, about an hour north of the city in Durham, hopes to open a tasting room in the next couple of months.
Before you say, what, a private wine store? Be aware that state law allows local wineries to open a tasting room offsite, much like the Pollyodd distillery’s retail shop a block down Passyunk.
Essentially, it’s a wine shop that only sells the winery’s brand by the bottle and the taste (like flights). For instance, those who have strolled down Gay Street in West Chester may have seen the tasting room for Kreutz Creek Vineyards.
We have few details, and Buckingham hasn’t gotten back to us yet, but Costantini said the shop will also offer small bites. They plan to remove the metal grates and spruce up the front of the entire building, which also houses Wake Up Yoga next door and the forthcoming Malaysian place, Sate Kampar.
Buckingham’s website says they’ve been operating since 1970, one of the first wineries to open after the state legalized them two years before. And you can gauge their status as early adopters by the URL of their website: www.pawine.com.
You can get a preview on Oct. 7, when the winery is scheduled to be among the establishments offering specials for the last Passyunk Passeggiata. They’ll have free wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m.
I have no idea if this particular winery is any good…BUT, I have long hoped and wished for wine tasting shop/bar in this neighborhood. My fingers are crossed that it’s not craptastic wine*. Because this is super exciting!
*Sorry PA, you don’t have a great track record on producing quality wine…I wish it weren’t so…but…it is.
Buckingham has great wine! Diego Red is amazing!!!! Their wines are good and very reasonably priced (especially by the case!)
Please, no negative reviews until you have tried it. Buckingham Valley Vineyards has been in business for 49 years. One of the East coast’s most successful wineries. Batting 1000 in the wine competition game; every wine ever entered in a competition has been awarded a medal. Buckingham Sparkling wine was recently served at a James Beard Foundation annual dinner, chosen over many other brands. Not a bad “track record”! If you are truly “wishing it weren’t”, your wish is granted, it ain’t.
Between this new venture and the Malaysian restaurant, this building is begging for a good renovation.
Great news! Excited to see what the building’s new façade will look like!
What a great concept for this space! Looking forward to it.
They have very solid wine, this will be a great addition (especially with all the byobs in the area).