Indie Wine Shop Cordial Coming to Union Market

A restaurant and wine industry vet is opening up a wine shop at Union Market that will focus on independent labels, offer consulting services for weddings and bachelor parties, and and hold wine festivals.

Eric Rohleder will open Cordial Fine Wine and Beer at the Edens development February 1. His stand will occupy about 320 square feet between Trickling Springs Creamery and the soon-to-open Red Apron charcuterie shop. "We're super excited to be part of all the business going on over there, especially since our brand and focus is really on independent, artisanal, handcrafted and well-made wines and beers."

There will be more than 316 wines and 41 beers available at Cordial, most of them priced under $20 (and none over $60). Rohleder originally wanted to offer spirits as well, but DC restrictions on liquor sales made it less feasible (if the laws change as planned, he may revisit that idea).

Cordial is Rohleder's first solo venture into retail. The Le Cordon Bleu graduate (and UVA alumnus) has 10 years of experience in the food and wine industry, with restaurant and retail stints in both Texas and McLean.

Cordial will offer three free afternoon tastings a week, Thursday-Saturday. The store plans to host a green wine festival sometime this spring. They plan to partner with a local confections seller to produce chocolates filled with wines sold in the store, and offer consulting services for events such as weddings and bachelor parties. No cheese or meats, though — he doesn't want to compete with other Union Market merchants.

· Cordial Fine Wine & Spirits [Official Site]
· All Previous Union Market Coverage [-EDC-]