The Grape D’Vine

In numerous religions, The Great Divine is used to refer to a higher spiritual authority. A cozy shop in Sparkill is more focused on The Grape D’Vine – or, more simply, great wine. 

Their focus may be on wine, but there is nothing simple about owner Joe Printz’s approach to the world of fermented grapes. The former professional chef-turned-vinophile sees wine as an art unto itself and is thrilled to share with others how this art can elevate food, life, and community. 

After decades of work in the hospitality business, starting at the age of 14 in the 76 House, Printz felt he was missing out on connecting with his most important community; his family. “You give to everybody in the hospitality business… you are the last person. My daughter was two, and I said ‘I’ve had enough of this late night working’.” In July of 2002, The Grape D’Vine opened their doors for business. 

Thanks to Printz’s tenure as a professional chef, he knew how food and wine played nicely together. However, Printz was not satisfied with having only a basic knowledge of the drink and dedicated himself to studying the flavors and profiles of wine, while also developing his own palette. He’s worked diligently to hire staff who have been bitten by the same wine loving bug, ensuring a well rounded group with a passion for wine. It’s hard work, but someone has to do it!

If the idea of shopping at a cute local wine shop makes your wallet cringe thanks to prior experiences, fear not. The Grape D’Vine has all the charm and elegance of a boutique wine shop with none of the up-turned noses and triple dollar sign price tags. Instead, there are quip filled shelf talkers and a plethora of wines that hit the sweet spot of around $20 to $40. Customers also have the opportunity to reap the spoils of the staff’s hard work. “What’s really nice about our place is that everybody who works here asks ‘Are you having food with this?’ first, and then, ‘What’s your happy price point?,” said Printz. The team does their part to match the wine with the food, the occasion, or even the vibe of the night. Whether it’s a night with friends on the back porch soaking up an East Coast evening or an intimate anniversary dinner under candlelight, the fun for them comes from finding the perfect wine for you. 

On Friday and Saturday evenings, The Grape D’Vine is humming with patrons indulging in small sips of wines brought in during the week. For Printz, this is a large part of inviting the community into the shop and helping to educate people on what they like and don’t like.

Since his opening in 2002, Printz shared that he has seen a shift in younger generations towards a tendency to drink ready to drink cocktails or purchase substances of the greener variety. He hopes to inspire the younger generations to brush aside the cobwebs of pretentiousness surrounding wine and get involved in learning about this ancient art. “Every wine maker will tell you that it’s nothing more than rotten grapes,” said Printz. “Let [the younger generation] at least come in and try things that would make them excited about the passion of eating and drinking together. Politics aside, we all have to eat, and we all have to drink, right?”

Of course, we couldn’t end our conversation without getting a few recommendations from the man himself. Barolo, which comes from the Nebbiolo grape, has been Printz’s most recent go-to for red wine. Depending on the wine’s origin, he’ll drink it with a slight chill for a perfect pairing with most meals. As for a white wine, Printz finds himself drawn to a type of Chardonnay from France called White Burgundy. This Chardonnay is different from a typical glass, as it holds no oaky taste in its profile. “I like it pure, and I like it light,” said Printz. 

Thank the Great Divine it’s almost Friday – although, we won’t tell anyone if you happen to stop by the Grape D’Vine tonight to grab your own Barolo or White Burgundy. Printz and his team also offer wine tasting parties with an option of food pairing on location in a private tasting room, at your business, or at your home. If you’re looking for something more community based, The Grape D’Vine is hosting their 4th Annual Midsummer Madness Tasting which will take place June 14th. Learn more at grapedvine.com or by calling 845-359-2141.