Written By Lisa Breslin
It may surprise many who venture into Westminster’s new wine bar that the owners, Patrice and Tony Campitelli, did not take a detour in life to become wine connoisseurs or just merchants of the grape.
Instead, they said, they opened Wine Me Up as a gesture to a community that they appreciate. They say they wanted to create a place where the nurses, doctors, teachers and other professionals could feel welcome after a tedious day at work.
“Wine Me Up is a reward to people who contribute to the community,” said Patrice. “They are not just the backbone, they are on the front line of the community and this place is our way of giving back.”
Wine Me Up represents a family dream, but most of its inspiration is linked to Patrice, a cancer survivor whose journey to health included the realization that her previous career in banking, although profitable, did not reap the rewards she wanted.
“Tony and I decided to open a place that featured wines because since biblical times, wine has always brought people together,” Patrice explained. “Whether it’s for celebration or sadness, wine often involves camaraderie.”
And although the Campitelli’s do not know much about wine, they are surrounding themselves with people who do. Isaac Baker is their sommelier, or wine steward, who assists with the tavern’s wine inventory selection and enjoys talking with patrons who are wine aficionados.
Shelves that line one wall of the cozy building hold the many bottles of wine available for purchase, among them pinot noir, merlot, malbec, and shiraz. There is a five dollar corking fee for each bottle purchased; prices range from approximately $10 to $70 a bottle, or $5 to $20 per glass. Wine Me Up tavern also stocks imported beers, microbrews, Bellinis, and Japanese sake.
Patrons can snack on light fare such as cheeses, dips, brie melt with a variety of toppings, or goat cheese and olive bruschetta. For those who enjoy sweets while sipping their wine, there is cheesecake.
The size, colors and dcor of Wine Me Up whisper “Welcome, come relax awhile.” Painted a warm gray green, the walls feature paintings and photographs created by local artists and photographers.
Patrice Campitelli said she “stalked” every building for sale or rent on Main Street for a long time before she fell in love with the narrow building that once housed The Carroll County Times.
“The original tin roof, the wood floors; once we renovated, it was easy to give Wine Me Up the modern warehouse feel that is so popular in New York,” she said.
The seating capacity of 35 adds to the place’s intimate feel. Patrons can either sit at tables or at the hand-painted, granite framed bar.
The Campitellis purposefully created a menu and ambiance that suggests that Wine Me Up is an ideal beginning or end to an evening.
“The wine bar complements the other businesses on Main Street rather than competes with them,” said Patrice. “We hope more and more people will consider this a before or after place – before they go to see a show – or meet friends to shop or have dinner – and that they will look forward to relaxing here.”
