BUSINESS
Raise a Glass to Peachtree Corners’ Upscale Wine and Spirits Store Uncorking Corners Fine Wine and Spirits
By Patrizia Winsper
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Far left, clockwise, Gerald and Virginia Davidson, Pat and Stu Cross, Libby Curry, holding photo of John D. Curry (Photo by Patrizia Winsper.)
Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ October/November 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com
Eight and a half years of tenacity and a tremendous effort on behalf of three established Peachtree Corners families resulted in the opening of Corners Fine Wine and Spirits (CFWS) at 5730 Peachtree Parkway – the only store of its kind in the city. It was the news of Peachtree Corners becoming an incorporated city in 2012 that sparked the initial idea since only cities can permit such retail spaces. The vision was one of a refined store where people could enjoy tastings of an impressive selection of products and be guided in their choices by a friendly, knowledgeable staff and an in-house sommelier. With the celebration of their first-year anniversary just behind them, it’s clear to see that although it wasn’t easy, the store has more than met the criteria. Proprietors Gerald and Virginia Davidson, John and Libby Curry, Stu and Pat Cross — longtime residents of Peachtree Corners, friends and neighbors, each with unique aptitudes —were instrumental in the realization of Virginia’s initial dream. With previous knowhow from having owned a store in Dawsonville, and the credit of having had the idea, the Davidsons hold controlling interest. They invited the Currys to join their venture knowing their background in construction and marketing would prove invaluable. The Currys, in turn, offered the Crosses part of their share in 2019, in exchange for robust financial backing and years of business experience…and so the CFWS founders were born.
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Liquor Is Not a “Bad Word” Whether you enjoy alcoholic beverages or not, the fact remains that buying liquor in Peachtree Corners generates revenue for the city. “There are so many negative connotations associated with liquor stores. People picture icky, cheesy places. That was never what we wanted,” Virginia said. She pointed out that plenty of residents do enjoy adult beverages, and those who purchase liquor locally are supporting our community rather than taking tax dollars elsewhere. Yet before purchasing liquor in a Peachtree Corners package store even became an option, the assembled dream team had a long road ahead.
A Trek That Felt Like Eight Years in the Desert – Also Dave Phinney’s Zinfandel Smudge on the Dotted Line When attorney Gerald, former homebuilder John, and retired Coca-Cola executive Stu started out, they quickly realized they’d need every bit of their specialized skills, as well as their personal strengths and resources to get the job done. The first order of business was obtaining the signatures of 35% of the registered voters in the new city (approximately 7,500 people) on a petition requesting that the mayor and council call a referendum allowing citizens to vote on an ordinance to allow for the sale of distilled spirits by the package within the city of Peachtree Corners. Gerald recalled, “We started naïvely thinking we could do it ourselves.” They offered voters
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