I had been wine tasting a whopping one time before I visited Boutique Vino in San Diego’s, Downtown, East Village. I was headed to meet a friend and catch up on what had been going on. I was super excited to be meeting her at a Black owned wine boutique as I would not have many experiences to compare this one to. Upon my arrival, there on the patio sat one Black man chatting on his cell phone. As I entered the boutique that man followed and greeted me. I said “Hello,” and asked if he was the owner. His response, “Yes” with an outstretched hand. I explained that I was there to meet a friend, Jasmine, and that my name was Tinicia. His face lit up, “Jasmine, she hasn’t been here in a while.” The owner of this wine boutique knew exactly who I came to meet and was welcoming and excepting. Go figure.
He asked what I would like to sip on, as I explained that I was used to drinking Moscato and liked sweet wines. Justice, the owner, began to school me on the different types of wine and started me off with…well I can’t remember the name of the wine but, there was a giant T logo which of course meant that it was my destiny.
Three glasses of wine, a cheese, meat, and olive platter later, myself and Jasmine were wrapping up our convo., preparing to leave. At the same time an older white man walks in to the boutique. He explained to the Black, welcoming, excepting owner that he was on a fixed income and could not afford anything on the list. He asked to look around, picked up a few knick knacks such as books and records, and when he finished, headed towards the door. As he exited, he turned to Justice and stated, I’ll come back when I’ve saved a little money and can buy something. But you’re not the owner, You probably just work here.”
Visit
Boutique Vino
923 E St., San Diego, CA 92101
www.boutiquevino.com
