Vinofiore Wine Shop & Tasting Room – Shallotte’s only wine shop – recently held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate its reopening and expansion.

The event, which was hosted in conjunction with the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce,  featured a prosecco social that featured samples of Vinofiore’s gourmet foods.

Owners Julia Steffen and Jenna Knutsen, and wine specialist Karina Conticello, were on hand to toast the expansion with their customers, wine club members and members of the chamber of commerce.

Originally established in March 2023, the women-owned wine shop was open for less than a year before an expansion was in order. The renovations have provided an expanded seating area and private event space to host larger crowds for musical performances and special events. 

Vinofiore specializes in small-batch wines from around the world and gourmet delicacies. With a curated selection of over 170 global wines, including many wines from boutique producers not found in mainstream outlets, there is something for everyone. Steffen and Knutsen fervently believe that wine is more than a beverage —it's an immersive experience.

“There’s a world of undiscovered wines out there,” said Knutsen. “We want to encourage customers to explore it.” 

In order to allow for that exploration, Vinofiore features six wines each week: two reds, two whites, a sweet wine and a sparkling or rosé, which customers can sample for free or order by the glass.

“Our goal is to bring people out of their comfort zones and introduce them to wines beyond cabs and chards,” said Steffen. 

Regular updates on upcoming tastings, events, and live performances can be found on Vinofiore's website and on its social media platforms. Vinofiore is located at 5039 Main St., Suite 7, in Shallotte.