Cheers to holiday sipping and shopping at WineStyles in Cedar Rapids

The staff at WineStyles in Cedar Rapids is ready to help customers toast the holiday season.

Manager Robbie West said the store is best known for selling wine and craft beer, which can at times feel like a holiday staple.

'We invite customers to come in and get the beverages they need for their holiday parties, holiday meals, cocktail parties, family gatherings,” said West, noting they have a variety of special value packs available as well as mix and match packs of craft beer.

'And to give people an idea of selection, we have about 300 different bottles of wine and 200 kinds of craft beer in stock. So it may seem like a small shop, but it is quite a lot when it comes to inventory.”

West said shoppers are also often surprised the store is not just a wine and beer shop, but also a bar.

'We serve wine and craft beer on site,” she said.

West noted it also has a small-plates menu so you can nibble on something while you search for your new favorite wine.

Regular wine and beer tastings - Thursday and Friday nights respectively - will continue throughout the holiday season.

Customers also can enjoy themed events, such as the boozy brunch, painting classes, a reading club and an ugly sweater wine tasting party.

'It's fun helping people find their new favorite,” said West, noting the shop also offer wine, beer and cheese memberships.

'Those are great gifts because it allows you an opportunity to try two or three new items every month, along with special perks and discounts for members.”

The store, a franchise based in Des Moines, opened in Cedar Rapids three years ago. West said the most fun about working during the holiday season is making new connections.

'It's always fun when some of our regulars bring in their family members that are visiting from out of town and we have the chance to meet them. It's really cool. Our regulars love being able to show off this place to their family and friends.”

*This business is featured in the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance's Buy Here, Give Here, Grow Here initiative. Local consumers have the power to drive economic growth by supporting local businesses and non-profits. Each dollar spent locally returns an average of three times more to our community than buying elsewhere. Learn more about locally owned businesses, non-profits and business building resources that drive our economy at https://www.cedarrapids.org/business-resources/buy-give-grow.