WINE STORE MARKS 1ST ANNIVERSARY WITH PROMOS

A portion of the sale of their gifting hampers will benefit an orphanage

The couple behind H&T Wine Gallery, Happy Andrada-Gras and Tanguy Gras, are determined to stick it out one year after they started offering wine pairing and wine appreciation classes online. Despite the pandemic, they were still able to catch the attention of small groups of friends determined to learn and have some fun, even if only remotely.

They still send full bottles of wine for sampling if the clients are in one location, but recently began offering mignonettes (“little cute” in French or small bottles) if the attendees live in different locations in the city.

“We are happy that we were able to have one wine and cheese class every month since we started,” Gras told Lifestyle in an email interview.

“We also catered to two bachelorette parties and one wedding anniversary. We had a total of 18 online wine events (wine and cheese pairings and wine appreciation classes) since we opened last year.”

To celebrate their first anniversary, H&T has come up with a promo where all their wines, cheeses and cold cuts are 10-percent off until Dec. 8, when customers use the different codes for wines (Cheersto1), cheeses (Cheersto1cheese) and cold cuts (Cheersto1coldcuts) when checking out online at htwinegallery.com.

“We also have premade hampers with a selection of imported and local items, but customers can also make their own by selecting a hamper type and filling it with the items of their choosing.”

Gras said they will ensure deliveries will arrive on time during the holidays but recommends that customers preorder. A portion of the sale of the hampers will go to the Bethany House Sto. Nino Orphanage.

Their plan to open a standalone store is still on hold even as restrictions brought about by the pandemic have been relaxed, but the couple remains optimistic.

“We are targeting to open next year as we truly prioritize safety. But we are also very excited to finally welcome our first customers for a glass of wine and some tapas when the time is right.”