About - Under New Ownership

Though we are under new ownership, and many things have changed, many things have also remained the same.

At The Village Wine Merchant we still think wine is a journey - one that should be enlightening, stress-free, and inspiring. 

We’re constantly hunting for quality wines at all price points that deliver the most value in their category regardless of how well known they might be. We have limited space so each selection in the shop has gone through a careful selection process and deserves its spot on the shelf. As you’ve probably noticed, the industry’s offerings have grown exponentially and we can help you separate the junk from the gems. 

We seek authentic wines, including many organic wines. Our selection wines feature minimal to no chemical manipulation in growing and production which makes them healthier for us and better for the planet. Mother nature, terroir, and human stewardship determine the wine’s expression. This is wine the way it’s supposed to be.

While we constantly strive to get to know our customers and their individual palates, we encourage exploration of different varietals and lesser known regions with us. We’re lucky to be part of the beautiful, historic community of Sea Cliff, New York and we work to promote other local businesses whenever possible. 

Guiding our journey is Joe Grassa a long-time wine and whiskey enthusiast with a passion for connecting people with the amazing things that he has tasted over the years and those he is still discovering today.. He’s happy to assist you on your journey through wine and spirits, or even just help you find a simple bottle for a Tuesday night dinner. If for some reason Joe is not available, we have Michael Chiappardi who has over 40 years experience in the industry, and is a wealth of knowledge, and yet still retains his youthful enthusiasm. We also have retained Paul Williams who has helped keep the store up and running while the previous owners were tied up, and Tracey Aledort a long time contributor to the community. Stop in for a sip, and dive into the historic & cultural experience of wine and spirits.