Liberta's Renovates, Stocks More Spirits

Kimmarie Pharmakides, mother of three children ages 18, 16 and 15, was looking for a business opportunity to get her back into the world of work after staying home to raise her kids.

She had good friends in Ridgefield and liked the town; when she heard that Michael Liberta was interested in selling his wine and spirits business of 32 years, she was thrilled for the opportunity.

She decided to buy the business early in 2012 and took over the store from Liberta in December—retaining his name on the sign out front.

"I see no reason to change the name—Mike had such success here and had a great reputation," said Pharmakides, a Yorktown resident of 16 years.

She spent the first quarter of this year renovating the shop—adding shelving to accommodate a new bourbon section and several new wines from all over the world. She said the spirits section has been nearly doubled.

She's also spent time getting ready for her fourth baby—she's due any day now.

"Looks like I'll be bringing the porta-crib to the store," she quipped.

Pharmakides said she plans to get to know what local tastes are and respond accordingly. "We'll be bringing in more new product, and reinstating Saturday afternoon tastings," she said.

Liberta's also has wines stocked for holiday needs, including selections for Easter and Passover, she said.