Have you Been to the Wine Bin?

How can a business become a community tradition and destination? Just ask The Wine Bin in historic Ellicott City. The Wine Bin has invested a great deal of time, talent and energy into not only selling wine, but to also becoming a welcoming center for fun community events. There is always something going on, from the obvious wine and chocolate tastings to their less traditional wine shop events.

My personal favorites are the classic films they show under the stars in their parking lot each Saturday evening throughout the summer. It is reminiscent of the Drive-In movies I remember from childhood. There is something special about watching a movie like Superman, Pirates of the Caribean, Indiana Jones or a Hitchcock thriller on a big screen, with a crowd, on a warm summer night. Seeing the first row of people diving and screaming when the Jaws shark jumps towards the boat, was bonus entertainment. Each evening has a wine pairing selected especially for the film. I am only required to bring my chair. The Wine Bin I can purchase my wine and they loan me their lovely wine glasses (yes real glasses). It's free, it's entertaining, children and dogs are welcome, and the popcorn proceeds benefit charity. The showing of Hitchock's classic "Rear Window" was a "sell out" with the crowd overflowing into the neighboring lawn. The collective gasp when Jimmy Stewart is pushed out the window, is why this is my favorite event!

My dog enjoys the "Yappy Hours." On the 1st Friday of the month, well behaved dogs and their wine loving owners are invited to the Wine Bin. The Wine Bin's mascot Cloe, a muscular brown and white bull dog, acts as hostess for this event benefiting BARCS of Baltimore. The tourists in town always stop to ask, "Whats going on?" and are excited to hear about this unique happy hour. FYI, you do not need a dog to attend.

I especially enjoyed their float in the Catonsville 4th of July Parade as much as I enjoyed Dave's weekly posted videos of their float building and wine drinking with carpenter Matt. The owners invite wine makers, chefs and ghost tour guides into their shop, weaving their enthusiasm and lovely wine into each activity. Dave and Giuli, their staff and Cloe the dog, have the doors to the store propped open on most days, which I see as a symbol of the welcoming spirit of their shop.


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