Wine Bistro Wastes No Time Opening In Sebring

Dawn Hamilton and her friends have a mission to help everyone enjoy wine.

"We are three friends who want to have a fun business for people who want to learn about wine and enjoy it," Hamilton said.

So they are opening the Wine Merchant, a unique business that features wine tastings, a bistro selling wine by the glass and appetizers, such as gourmet cheese and fresh bread and even an on-premise winery where customers can create their own wine.

Hamilton describes the concept for the store, which opens at 11 a.m. Friday, as a "Build-A-Bear for adults." Customers can select all the aspects of their wine from the grapes to the label.

The store, located at 108 N. Circle Drive, also will offer wine tasting events and even host private parties for tastings and wine education classes.

The Sebring City Council approved an ordinance at Tuesday's meeting that allows for wine boutiques within 300 feet of a church. Previous ordinances blocked the business from its location in the Buckeye Building because of its proximity to the Salvation Army.

Hamilton said she and her partners started setting up the store after the first reading of the ordinance passed without opposition at the Oct. 23 council meeting.

She said the owners' goal has been to open in time for the 41st annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, which is this weekend in downtown Sebring.

Gene Brenner, owner of the building and president of the Community Redevelopment Agency, spearheaded the ordinance change.

"We've invested a lot to make downtown a destination, and I think this is a venue that will work toward that goal," Brenner said. "I think this will be a great addition to downtown."

Hamilton said she hopes the location, with a "beautiful view of the Circle," and the unique concept for the store will draw in people.

"We are so excited to be in that historic building in the heart of downtown," Hamilton said. "We hope we can be an anchor that draws foot traffic back to the Circle."

The Wine Merchant will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and during all special events downtown.