Pennsylvania Tasting Room Update 9/15/17
Before the corks are popped, before toasts are made, and before the wine begins to flow, there is a LOT that has to happen to open a new tasting room. We went through much of the process when we opened the winery in Delaware. As we prepare to open a tasting room in Pennsylvania, we have to do many of the same things (e.g. fill out lots and lots of paperwork), but also do some other things because it is a tasting room vs. a winery and it is in a different state (i.e. different laws). As you continue to follow updates about the progress of the Toughkenamon tasting room, we will include updates of the exciting things like opening dates (cheers and excitement, yay!) and more mundane but necessary things like permit applications (sad trombone noise, wah-wah). That way you can be in on all of it along with us: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Here’s a list of what we have been doing so far. In no particular order:
- Finding the right location
- Hiring architects and contractors
- Beginning the search for more staff
- Drawing up plans
- Deciding what the feel of the tasting room will be
- Researching, brainstorming, and taking notes on design. Keeping track of what we like and what inspires us.
- Obtain PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) licenses
- Making sure we know the laws of the area regarding taxes, shipping, etc.
- Begin to think ahead — event schedules, wine club, budgets, etc.
- Brainstorming on how to maximize profits and make this new location successful
- Brainstorm about how to begin to generate buzz and bring awareness to the new location
- Obtain permits (e.g. conditional use and building permits from the township)
- Training new staff
- Building a team in Pennsylvania
- Working to plan and schedule grand opening
All of these tasks are part of an ever growing checklist that we continue to tweak, revisit, and revise as we get excited to actually OPEN! We look forward to opening this new location, sharing our wine and tasting room experience with another part of our wine region, and working with the people and businesses of Chester County to become an integral part of that community.
Thanks for being part of our journey.
