Historical November 1987 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
My husband, Paul, is from Philadelphia and my family originally from Baltimore; therefore, “rye” to us first means a whiskey and second, a bread. St. Louis, however, is bourbon territory and finding rye is a challenge. Once, while stocking up in West End Wines, I noticed their selection of spirits and mentioned to co-owner John Sappington my neverending search for rye. “No problem,” he said, “we can special order it.” And so he did—and does. Special orders of a hard-to-find spirit is just one of the many features John Sappington and his partner Melanie Harvey offer at West End Wines, 309 Belt at Pershing in DeBaliviere Place.
Two years ago, on this very page, we introduced the shop.
At the time, John and Melanie were awaiting the arrival of more wines and wine racks but the skeleton of a successful venture was in place.
As time passed, shelves filled up and out, a refrigerator was always full with imported beers and wines, the cheese selection grew, and now, two years later, West End Wines has not only become one of a handful of shops to thrive in DeBaliviere Place, but it may be the only to take on a major expansion.
In October, West End Wines annexed the space formerly known as Doughboys’ Just Desserts, immediately to the south on Belt.
A wine bar and additional retail space now exist in this annex. Patrons can stroll in and purchase by the glass one of twelve featured wines, imported beers, and single malt scotch. Also available for purchase are plates of cheeses and pate with crackers.
The entrance to the wine bar is now the main entrance to the shop. Expanded hours are being considered depending upon patron support and staffing. Outdoor seating will be available for those days when a glass of wine or beer in the sun is a necessity.
In addition to the expansion, West End Wines boasts “one of the most representative retail wine selections available in the St. Louis area,” as well as imported and domestic beers, spirits, non-alcoholic beers, fruit juices, mixers, and mineral waters. Natural cheeses from America and Europe lead the food selections along with pates, gourmet crackers, preserves, and imported chocolate bars. Gift baskets in a variety of sizes can be specially packaged by John or Melanie for all occasions.
For added service, an additional refrigerator was installed to allow patrons a full selection of pre-chilled wines, champagnes, and beers.
The service at West End Wines far surpasses most establishments. John and Melanie are most helpful in recommending a selection of wines for any occasion and budget.
An added feature is the monthly selection of three wines that are always on tap for tasting. West End Wines also mails notices to patrons of these selections along with special prices for featured wines.
For party planning or volume buying, discounts are available for case and half-case purchases.
In speaking to John and Melanie about the success of their shop, they both felt that the support of West End residents was crucial to their ability to thrive and expand.
This expansion included the application for a full-service liquor license. Recently, Sappington stated that he was grateful for Alderman Dan McGuire’s advice and assistance through the long and complicated licensing process. Perhaps with the rush of summer finally over, you will be able to stop in at West End Wines and experience this full-service and friendly shop.
Original photograph caption
Melanie Harvey and John Sappington, owners of West End Wines at Waterman and Belt, enjoy a moment in their expanded quarters, the “West End Wine Bar.” Photo by King Schoenfeld. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1987, page 1.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1987.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed photo caption places the shop at Waterman and Belt; article and advertisement give 309 Belt at Pershing. Both source locations preserved.
Original source: SD_Times1987_11.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
