Heritage Wines Vies for Success in Local Food and Wine Scene

By Yumilka Ortiz

Heritage Wines is a store that feels more like a cultural center, rather than a stale wine shop. It’s a place where neighbors exchange greetings, alluring conversations, event flyers and philosophies extending beyond typical wine talk.

“Our first day was a quiet day, we were still screwing light bulbs and bringing in wines, but we were determined to open the store at noon,” said Giancarlo Luiggi, “Wine Director” behind the three-month-old shop. Since opening, popularity has only grown for the store, Luiggi said.

The store’s concept was born from the Brooklynite proprietors of The General Greene (just a few doors down) and Giancarlo’s desire to bring an individual persona into the well-established local artisanal business market. Luiggi is an adopted son of Fort Greene, living in the area for the last fifteen years. In joining forces with Charles McMickens on DeKalb Avenue to erect a wine store, he hopes to contribute to what he calls the essence of the community he loves – that is, the foodie and wine-sipping scene.

“DeKalb Avenue has so much culinary history, people know about food and wine and have a certain expectation,” Luiggi said. “I try to be open and sincere in communicating that passion with people and meet them where they are … it’s a sincere and meaningful exchange with somebody. It’s how we built communities, so people can come back.”

The vibe of the neat and organized shop is scholarly, inviting and hospitable. Relaxing Flamenco music plays in the background, making the client feel as guest in a home, rather than just a regular customer. People come in, wander the racks at their own pace and get a customized wine choice by the oenophile, Luiggi.

Heritage Wines’ name derives from the idea to pay homage to a traditional wine-making style, Luiggi said. The product that’s displayed on the shelves consists of mainly organically produced wines – mostly made by small producers. Aside from having an affordable price markup on most of the bottles, ranging from $10 to $14, Luiggi said what sets this cozy, curated shop apart from the neighboring spots is the invigorating selection of Eastern-European wines from undiscovered regions such as Estonia, Slovenia, Slovakia, including wines from the Caucus.

Although at a nascent stage, this “people-lover” shop  offers weekly themed tastings on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. There’s a strong spirit in building an exciting curriculum of wine pairing events and tastings, among other ideas that are in the works, Luiggi said.

To find out more about tastings or the selection available, visits Heritage Wines at 237 Dekalb Avenue or call (718) 237-1525. It is open Monday through Friday noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.