GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A new wine bar in Grand Rapids’ Midtown neighborhood offers a place to enjoy quality wines affordably and “without pretentiousness,” the owner says.
Pauly’s Wine Experience — a hybrid establishment that’s part bar, part retail space — officially opens Friday. It’s located at 855 Michigan St. NE near Houseman Avenue, which was formerly the home of Maggie’s Bar.
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Owner Paul Faba has spent nearly 30 years in the wine industry. He believes wine is for everyone, but says the industry has alienated customers.
“Everyone says, ‘Oh, the wine market’s crashing and younger people aren’t drinking as much wine,’” Faba said. “Well, it’s kind of our (the industry’s) fault.”
He believes the industry has outpriced itself and introduced unnecessary elitism. Faba told News 8 that he knows a winemaker whose wine retails for around $23 a bottle — but at establishments around the country, customers are charged $17 for a single glass…