The Wine Rack
11700 S. Memorial Pkway #D Huntsville, AL 35803
256-885-2121
Open: Mon-Sat 11am – 7pm
Website
I remember the first time I tried wine. I lived in Florida, and my husband and I visited a touristy wine shop to see what all the hype was. We tried everything they offered before agreeing on and purchasing their wine freeze. It was an adult slushy of sorts, made from extremely sweet wine, and was the perfect introduction for our novice pallets.
Soon after, we moved back to Huntsville, where I decided I was ready to graduate from uber-sweet wines and discover more. Around this time, The Wine Rack opened and began having weekly wine tastings giving newbies like myself a chance to try a large variety of wine, learn a little about pairing, and engage with wine enthusiasts, all for the price of two lattes. It was a great environment with a friendly owner and customers and a place I have relied on for many of my wine needs over the last twelve years. It’s also a place that’s flown under the radar for many not located in South Huntsville; it seemed like the perfect time to introduce this treasure to all of Huntsville!
As a long-time customer of The Wine Rack, I was initially sad about the previous owner’s departure, but rather than sitting in my feelings about it; I immediately stopped by to meet the new owners and introduce myself.
Upon entering, I was welcomed with friendly hellos and offered assistance with my purchase. I asked about the champagnes and was directed to the back, where I found a beautiful selection and discovered a new to me, sparkling Almond Wine by Wilson Creek (it was delicious, by the way). Before heading to the register, I walked around, making a mental note of any beer I thought my husband would enjoy and scoping out my next purchase.
Once at the register, I had the chance to chat longer with one of the owners, who was very excited about her family’s new endeavor and eager to grow the shop and welcome more of Huntsville to enjoy their new passion!
A graduate of Alabama A&M University and long-time business owner, Mr. Igboin met his wife in Chicago while briefly employed by the CDC. Ready to shift gears and retire, the Igboins headed south to Huntsville to their home away from home. Completing their move in 2020, the couple “wanted to open another small business that we both can run together.” Their search led them to The Wine Rack, and after having the opportunity to visit, the Igboins knew it was exactly what they were looking for!
Unlike any other store in South Huntsville, “The Wine Rack features over 600 different wines and over 200 Craft/IPA beers.” But it doesn’t end there as The Wine Rack has strict scoring criteria their products must meet before hitting the shelves. “Our wines have to have a score of 88 or above, and our beers have to score at least 86 by Beer Advocates” as someone still learning the ends and outs of wine but having a reasonably good idea of quality, I can say my purchases have always exceeded expectation.
Please don’t take it from me; make a trip down South Memorial Parkway and check out The Wine Rack for yourself during their monthly wine tastings on first Thursdays. For $10, you get to sample about four red and white wines poured by one of their distributors, complimentary food, good company, and a beautiful couple excited to meet you!
