Wheatley winemakers take advantage of Chatham-Kent grant

WHEATLEY — Like so many small businesses, Cellar Door Wines, of Wheatley has struggled with trying to do business in these changing and busy times, not to mention keeping up with the COVID-19 struggle.

Owners John Urban and Katherine Burton-Urban knew they had to re-adjust their business model to navigate through these difficulties but just weren’t sure how to take that first step.

A few months ago, they were introduced to Chatham-Kent Digital Main Street Grant Program. The program helps fund small local businesses towards creating or enhancing their digital presence.

The Urbans knew this was just what they needed. They decided to apply for funds to create a website with an online store.

Katherine Burton-Urban and her husband, John, are the proprietors at Cellar Door Wines in Wheatley. The pair recently obtained a grant from Chatham-Kent to upgrade their website and create an online store.

Irene, one of their representatives, approached John and Katherine with the idea.

“At first, we were a little intimidated, but she was charming, warm and professional, in helping us to achieve our goal,” said John. “A few weeks later, we were delighted to find out that we had received the grant.”

The result of that grant application is www.ordercellardoorwines.com, an online store where customers can easily order their favourite selections of wine right from their phone or computer, then come in for their bottling session once their wine is ready.

The streamlined workflow will help them make more great wine than ever before.

“We are so excited to see how this will help Cellar Door weather the storms of owning a small business as we continue to provide our customers with good wine at an affordable price,” added Katherine.