After 25 years in business, 33 Wine Shop & Bar will close its doors later this month. The longtime St. Louis wine destination announced the news to customers today, Aug. 12, saying its final day of business will be Friday, Aug. 28.
In an email to patrons, owners James and Jessica said the decision was not an easy one.
“This wasn’t a decision we made lightly,” they wrote. “The wine and spirits landscape has changed a great deal in recent years — people are drinking less, spending habits have shifted, and the industry we love looks very different than it did even five years ago.”
The owners said 33 has weathered significant changes throughout its 25 years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, but that it was time to close the chapter.
“We’ve weathered a lot in our time — including a global pandemic — thanks in huge part to patrons like you,” they wrote. “But it’s time for us to close this chapter and move toward whatever comes next, and we’re genuinely excited to see what that looks like.”
33 Wine Shop & Bar opened in 2001 under Jake Hefner, who operated the shop for roughly eight years before going on to found Civil Life Brewing Co. James took ownership 13 years ago, and Jessica joined him behind the bar in March 2020, just as the pandemic was beginning.
Over the years, 33 became known not only as a wine shop and bar but as a place where customers could learn about wine without the formality or intimidation often associated with it. The business hosted Tuesday Night Wine Tastings, classes taught by James and visiting winemakers and other industry guests.
The owners also point to the number of hospitality careers that began behind the bar. In addition to Hefner’s Civil Life Brewing Co., former 33 bartenders went on to establish Union Loafers, while two former employees became Master Sommeliers.
“We are, to put it mildly, proud of what has come out of this space,” the owners wrote.
The bar also became a gathering place for celebrations and community events, hosting coursed “Dorm Room Dinners,” jazz nights, birthdays, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and other milestones. James and Jessica even got married there.
“Along the way, this bar became something bigger than a business,” they wrote. “We don’t take for granted how many of your memories live here too.”
The business has just over two weeks remaining. Customers with wine on order or being held at the shop are asked to pick it up by Thursday, Aug. 27.
“We’d love to spend [these final weeks] with you,” James and Jessica wrote. “Come raise a glass, share a story, or just say hello one more time.”
33 Wine Shop & Bar’s final day will be Friday, Aug. 28.
