Park Slopers Rallying To Save Beloved Wine Shop Amid Financial Woes

BROOKLYN, NY — For as long as its been a beloved community space, Heather Johnston's Good Wine shop in Park Slope has also struggled to stay afloat.

Since opening on Fifth Avenue and Third Street in 2015, the shop, which is one of the few Black female-owned wine shops in the country, has hosted tastings and educational events alike, but Johnston has also faced financial challenges — falling behind on sales tax deposits and, amid the pandemic, a couple months of rent.

These financial woes, now coupled with supply chain issues, have pushed the shop to the brink of destruction, according to Johnston, who is looking to save her business with the help of the Park Slope community.

"We are very suddenly facing hard times due to a series of setbacks," she wrote on a GoFundMe page on behalf of the store. "We are in a position to overcome our problems quickly and with great success if we can rally some small support from our wonderful customers and others who believe in American small business, Brooklyn spirit, and diversity in retail environments."

That support would look like $75,000, which would enable Johnston to resolve her tax and debt issues, according to the GoFundMe.

As of Tuesday the fundraiser, which has been active for about a month, has raised just under $40,500 from hundreds of locals, many of whom say Good Wine is their favorite place to get wine.

"We love the shop, since we moved to the area it is our local shop," wrote one couple in the fundraiser's comments.

Another person said she's missed Good Wine's "great" selection since moving away from Park Slope. "I lived next door to you for many years and your wine kept me sane," she wrote.

A third neighbor learned about the shop during the pandemic and "fell in love," saying it's her "go to for libations and merriment and just getting through."

Since launching the GoFundMe, Johnston announced that Good Wine is back to wine tastings and classes for the first time since the pandemic, including a class on Aug. 18 featuring a tasting of six wines under $20 with a pairing for each.

"We're back to our original game thanks to you," Johnston said in a social media post, encouraging neighbors to keep up the support. "Please spread the word."

Find the 'SaveGoodWine!' GoFundMe here or find out more about Good Wine at the shop's website.