When her career in pharmaceutical sales came to an end following layoffs in 2011, Steffini Bethea didn’t waste any time moving on to her next sales pitch, wine. “I tell people all the time, ‘I went from selling drugs to alcohol,’” laughs the wine shop owner who is preparing to celebrate the fifth anniversary of her wine shop, Purple Corkscrew Wine Shop & Tasting Room on Saturday, May 20.
The saleswoman turned entrepreneur opened the Purple Corkscrew in 2012 with a desire to provide a space where people could come to relax while enjoying a great glass or bottle of wine. Prior to opening, she spent a year researching and even worked at a wine store with the intention of getting experience before opening her own. That lasted only four months after she found it challenging to work for a 19-year-old manager who couldn’t drink. Now with her business timeline pushed up, she found a spot in Atlanta’s Emory Village that catered to professionals and staff from surrounding colleges. She moved to her current location in Avondale Estates so that customers could “sip and shop in one location.” Something that wasn’t possible in Emory Village. Laws required Bethea to have separate locations for customers to taste and buy wines.
Bethea, along with her staff, enjoy showcasing wines from around the world with selections changing frequently. They keep a small inventory on hand for purchase so if you find something you like, be sure to get it right away.
Purple Corkscrew recently started carrying Mouton Noir Wines by übercool boutique winemaker Andre H. Mack who will join Bethea and guests for the anniversary celebration. The all-day event will start at 12 pm with Brunch Bites & Bellinis that will be followed by a Wine & Vinyl Party from 3- 6 pm. The evening will end with a Meet the Winemaker talk and tasting at 6 pm. Tickets are on sale from $20 – 35 and are available through Eventbrite.
Five years later, the Purple Corkscrew is what Bethea says is an extension of her home where friends, family and a community of wine lovers can come gather to enjoy a shared passion for tasting great wines. She also enjoys hosting private tastings and parties for all occasions throughout the year.
The Purple Corkscrew Wine Shop and Tasting Room is located at 32 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates, GA. For hours, visit www.purplecorkscrew.com. For updates and happenings, you can also follow Bethea and her team on Twitter and Facebook.
