Community Superstar: Wine, Art, Inspiration at Wine Gallery 108

OLD TOWN—Just steps into the wine shop at 108 N. Patrick Street, you’re hit with splashes of vibrant color that quickly indicate Wine Gallery 108 is much more than a wine shop. It’s an experience that Lisa Katic began a little more than two years ago. Where else can you browse the handcrafted gifts, contemplative paintings around every corner, and experience the color, flavor, and textures of wines, beers, and gourmet foods suited for all tastes?

This is the place.

“We have something for everybody—for the aficionado like myself … to people who might not know as much or just think that ‘I don’t know a lot about wine,’” Lisa told D.C. Region Real Estate News. “The space is really quaint and lends itself to a boutique shop—which is what we are—and really focus[es] on small producers that are unique, that you might not see in other venues.”

The result is an extremely eclectic selection punctuated by single- and multi-panel works of art, color, and other impressions.

Most of the canvas creations are Lisa’s, but she also features other artists. In fact, as 2020 progresses, she hopes to work with even more local artists and looks forward to partnering with local galleries to present more pieces. Lisa is also more than happy to speak to local artists who might have work they’d like displayed in the shop.

Talking the Talk

Lisa also loves to talk about wine.

“You don’t really need to know a lot about wine,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for; that’s why we’re supposed to help guide you.”

Lisa’s journey toward Wine Gallery 108 is arguably one that reflects the store itself. In addition to her artistic ability and passion, she is a Society of Wine Educators Certified Specialist of Wine, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and food industry and science expert—a veritable champion of all things food and wine.

One of the best introductions to Wine Gallery 108 is the store’s many events. For example, the Lisa just recently held a sake class, and winemaker events dot the calendar throughout the year. Store tastings are held every Friday from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 2-5 p.m.

In addition, Lisa added “Top Shelf Tuesday” to the calendar during the store’s two-year anniversary in October.

“We open something generally between 50 and 100 dollars every Tuesday between 5 and 7,” she said. “I think people really appreciate it, if they want to maybe buy a higher end wine for a special gift or a treat for themselves.”

A great introduction to this world of wine is Palate 108, the gallery’s wine club. Whether Pioneer Level—featuring two great wines each month—or Artisanal Level—which pairs two wines with gourmet food selections—you’re sure to be immersed in Wine Gallery 108’s food and wine culture. Don’t miss the always instructive monthly “pick-up party,” where club members can gather to collect their new selections.

A lover of all types of wine, Lisa said balance is what she looks for in her selections, and she prefers to stay true to the varietal in each personally selected bottle. It’s an experience that wine lovers appreciate.

“I like tradition, so I do focus on what would be traditional and somebody would expect to find in a shop like this,” Lisa said. “I think a lot of that really is what goes into having a finger on the pulse of what people commonly see or what they want to pick to drink.”

As such, she’s very conscious of having her selections represent as many wine regions and styles as possible, and it’s something shoppers appreciate.

Touring the Gallery

“What I find a lot is they’re surprised that we have the variety in the shop that we do and that we have the price points that we do,” Lisa said. “I think they’re expecting wines at $30 and above, because when they hear ‘boutique’ or they see small or they think ‘Old Town’ they think automatically high and expensive.” So, Wine Gallery 108 always looks to carry great value wines, as well as that delicious Bordeaux in the $300 range.

When we visited, Lisa offered insight on some recent wine selections.

“Italian white wines I think are some of the most underrated in the wine business, and so I really love to pick some of those gems from Italy most people have never had,” she said. “The Pinot Grigios I carry are so different than what would be in major markets, so to speak, so that’s a perfect example, and most of my customers that have been exposed to some of these wines always come back and buy them again.”

Lisa also noted a wide selection of organic, sustainable, and biodynamic wine selections.

When it comes to choosing wines, her extensive experience from nutrition to food service and industry continues to pay off.

As the calendar changes and winter turns to spring, she said shoppers will see selections continue to change and adapt. For example, multiple Rosé choices and other cool varieties are on deck for the spring.

“There are wines that definitely I don’t have now, like Vinho Verde that I would definitely carry in the summer,” Lisa said. “We call those ‘porch pounders’ … crisp, light, delicious, [and] what you’d want to have on a hot summer day.”

Perhaps this is one of the things that makes each visit to Wine Gallery 108 so unique. You’re sure to find new and interesting handpicked wine choices on just about every visit—from seasonal selections to really interesting finds for which Lisa has a discerning eye. Add the ever-evolving artwork and gourmet food selections, and this shop is one you’ll want to check out—over and over again!

Christopher Prawdzik, an Accredited Staging Partner® Real Estate Agent, and his wife Angela Logomasini are licensed Realtors® with Samson Properties in Alexandria. Operating as D.C. Region Real Estate, they serve the Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland real estate market and offer comprehensive real estate services, including 4½% full-service listings.

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