Expert Wine And Beer Advice Comes To Everett As The Grape And Grain Opens

Editor’s note. While there are lots of stories about small businesses closing due to the pandemic, here’s one where a small business is opening in Everett, Washington after a local couple was forced to escalate their retirement dream.

The Grape and Grain is on Evergreen Way next to Popeyes.

Proprietor Eric Brown was the Director of Beverage Development at Holland America Line.

There is a large selection of Craft beer.

You can get a 32 ounce “Crowler” hand filled with local craft beer.

Expert advice and wines you won’t find at the local chain grocery store.

That’s what Eric Brown told me today when I stopped into his newly opened store at 65th and Evergreen Way just north of Popeyes.

Eric and his wife Krista have been working on plans to open their own shop for some time. “We had a business plan put together,” said Eric. “The pandemic just put our retirement plan into fast forward.”

Eric had been working as Director of Beverage Operations and Development for Holland America when the pandemic took full hold.

Mr. Brown’s job was to teach Holland America staff about wine and beer and take that information to travelers on the cruise ships.

When cruises stopped, Brown’s position no longer existed so he took his business plan to area banks and Columbia Bank liked what they heard.

The Grape and Grain is no chain store but a family business run by Eric and Krista. They have the knowledge that you would find in one of those mega wine stores but with a much more personal touch.

“People come in and ask what we have that isn’t on the shelves of their local grocery store,” Eric said. “Some stores have wine, others craft beer and we have both.”

They also are supporting local craft breweries with a selection of 32 ounce Crowlers. Crowler? Instead of a glass growler they are filling and sealing 32 ounce cans right on the premises.

In addition to fine wines, craft beers and expert advice they also have gifts including glassware and repurposed wine bottle candles with scents that mimic wine.

The new store is open seven days a week and will soon have a website and already has a social media presence. For now the best thing is to stop in. You’ll need to wear a mask and don’t worry they have all the required protocols in place for a safe and educational visit.