The Wine Grotto of Naples will close at end of May
Jennifer Beeson
Donny Sanders took a leap of faith when he opened his business nearly six months ago.
After pouring out a lot of effort and money, Sanders, owner of The Wine Grotto of Naples, said the store will close at the end of May.
“I have decided that the fight is not worth fighting anymore. The Wine Grotto of Naples is closing,” Sanders said in a letter to his customers.
The Wine Grotto of Naples, on Seagate Drive across the street from The Waterside Shops, opened in mid-December 2017 with a tasting bar and small space to host wine events and dinners.
More:In the Know: Naples-area restaurants that closed in 2017
Sanders had worked for the Wine Cellar for 1½ years before it closed last spring.
It has not been easy for area wine shops. Paradise Wine, the retail shop and entertainment venue that operated for more than two years in The Pavilion shopping center in North Naples, closed in December 2017.
Sanders said he was optimistic because he had customers and friends from his time with the Wine Cellar to support him, but he also was a realist, knowing that opening his own store would be a challenge.
“Doing business in Naples is not easy, but I was prepared to work at it,” Sanders said in an email.
The plaza where The Wine Grotto is located has very little space for parking, which makes it difficult for even Sanders to find a spot.
“My lease says that I have eight parking spots in front of the store, and there have been days that I come to work and can’t even park my own car out back,” he said.
Competition was also a struggle for The Wine Grotto.
With discount stores such as ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Total Wine and other large beverage chains, wine enthusiasts have many options.
More:FYI-Food: Pop-up dinner, wine event, grilling competition
More:Naples wine fest tops for 12th time, sets 2019 festival
Although Sanders concedes competition is a good thing, he said he hopes customers will support other independent retailers after he is gone.
Sanders plans to spend more time with his family after the store closes.
“The all-consuming life of a small-business owner leaves me little time to visit" family in New Jersey, he said. “My mother is healthy but now 80 years old. I know that I’d like to spend more time with her.”
As of Monday all wine is priced half-off, and tables, chairs and artwork are also for sale.
The store will close May 31.