BottlesUp

Think “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” except make it gender-inclusive, Chicago-centric, and a snowsuit.

“Today’s shops don’t only sell wine. They’re expanding notions of where wine fits into our lives…crafting thriving communities, paving the way for a new kind of wine culture. The wine shops we selected serve their communities with visions toward the future and a wine culture that’s people-oriented, diverse and sustainable.”

It is impossible to articulate our shock and overwhelming gratitude when we saw our name on this list (link in bio). Crying in a parking lot is worth a thousand words, right?

ENDLESS thank yous to Wine Enthusiast for including us with this group of retailers from across the country (respect, comrades). 👊 Additional big/jumbo thanks to Jumbo Time Wines for the kind, genuine endorsement and to the BU team for being the gosh.dang.best. 🫶

And of course thank you ALL for allowing us to run this business in a way that is not about our bottom line but about bettering everyone's life. Recognitions like this only grow our desire to actively connect, create fun, and contribute to the community.

Aaaaaaand open Champagne.

Thank you. Times bazillion. ❤️

Coming Up with the name "BottlesUp!" took a bit of time (and ). We kept circling back to it for a number of reasons, but the main one was its underlying message. In an email we sent to a friend in 2018, we wrote: "We keep gravitating toward "BottlesUp!" with the idea of playing on the B and the U. It's a subtle nod to "Be you" or "Be yourself" - a motto that's always guided us. Obvi keeping the exclamation point in there. Because it’s f'ing EXCITING!"

We've leaned hard into that message over the years, and if you've ever walked around the shop you might have noticed it in various places: Our private label, our hallway art, our restroom decor (inspiration strikes anywhere), and of course our annual Fund...which it's time to announce.

We're *beyond* stoked to yet again be offering this annual grant ($2,000 this year!!) to a female entrepreneur in need. Interested applicants simply need to email us their elevator pitch by August 1. We'll respond with a short questionnaire and review submissions with our Boss Lady Business Panel - Kim, co-founder of Birch Road Club, Stephanie, CEO of Swell Virtual Assistance, and Nicole, co-founder of Ama La Vida Coaching. The recipient will then be announced at our Summer Bash on August 10! *link in bio*

You can’t spell “business” without “u.” It’s supposed to be personal. And genuine. And unique. We wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in us and helped us believe in ourselves. It’s now our responsibility to pay that forward.

Additionally, if anyone wants to brainstorm company names we have a ton of the necessary alcohol.