Downtown Delafield offers a variety of businesses with distinct atmospheres. Yet, Waterford Wine And Spirits stands out among these for its ability to create a welcoming and sophisticated spot unlike any other. Everyone who walks through the door, whether they’re a wine expert or a novice, can feel perfectly at home.
Waterford Wine And Spirits have existed throughout southeastern Wisconsin since 2005, when the founder opened up his first store on Brady Street in Milwaukee. In 2017, they decided to bring the chain’s high standards of service out to Lake Country. Waterford Wine And Spirits took over an old Italian grocery store, allowing them to breathe new life into some local history. The space, located on Genesee Street, has since been transformed. The comfortable spot has a warm, refined sensibility amidst its incredible selection of wines and spirits.
Topping off the store is its gorgeously approachable wine bar. Jason and Natasha, the managers at Waterford Wine in Delafield, explain that their goal was to add an element of hospitality with the bar. They wanted to create something more than a traditional retail experience. “After all, there’s no better way to shop for wine than with a glass of it in your hand,” says Jason. Natasha agrees, stating that the bar has added an exciting new layer to the experience of shopping there because, “It’s our speakeasy!”
Waterford Wine has gone out of its way to build a bond with its customers. Walking into an elegant wine shop can seem formidable, but the staff has created a space that is noticeably pleasant. The entire team is well-trained and passionate about their work. Jason states that they “Have a fantastic local staff that loves to talk wine.” Jason has spent hours tasting various bottles so that he can provide the most high quality selection for his clientele. “Our clients are really receptive to us and trust us,” he says. For every ten wines they try, the managers at Waterford Wine will usually only pick one out for the store.
Waterford Wine in Delafield also loves to host weekly events that gives their clients a chance to experience something new. Regardless of prior knowledge, these events create conversations and opportunities to learn about (And often taste!) the spirits they enjoy most. These include visits with winemakers, paint and sip nights, and educational opportunities that allow everyone to walk away feeling like an expert. Four times per year, Waterford Wine also hosts festivals that create an even more in-depth escapade with their favorite drinks. Their most recent Italian Wine Festival drew over 130 people for the tasting. For those with a different palette, Waterford Wine has also partnered with Wisconsin based distilleries such as J. Henry and Driftless Glenn for special bourbon tasting evenings.
Jason and Natasha have worked hard to create a business that truly stands out amongst the crowd. Their secret comes from pairing old school charm with new ideas for how to give guests an unforgettable experience. “Once people come in for the first time, they become regulars”, says Jason. Natasha agrees with him about the laid back environment, adding “We can be the new Starbucks. People can come here and have a glass of wine and either work or just enjoy themselves.”
At the end of the day, when all of the glasses have been cleaned and put away, Waterford Wine appreciates its Delafield home above all else: “When people come in, they’re often surprised by how much they really, truly enjoy our store.”
