Old Vines has 'spirited' grand opening

From left, Delray Beach Mayor Woodie McDuffie, Commissioners Fred Fetzer and Gary Eliopoulos, Beth Johnston, executive vice president with the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Sue and Dave Spitzer, owners of Old Vines, and Commissioner Adam Frankel.

By David Sedore, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — It might seem inevitable that Dave Spitzer some day would own a wine shop. After all, his father was in the business.

But the path that led Spitzer to Old Vines Wine & Spirits on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach was hardly straight forward, says wife Susie Spitzer.

After 10 years working in the corporate world, Dave Spitzer decided he wanted to own a business, but not necessarily a wine shop.

“The last three or four years, Dave looked at a lot of businesses,” Sue Spitzer said. “This just felt like the best fit.”

Dave Spitzer has been running the business since the second week in June, and celebrated the grand opening last Thursday with the help of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and the mayor and members of the city commission.

“Sometimes you’ve got to go for it,” Sue Spitzer said. “Everybody has been supportive; the locals have been great.”

The shop is at 900 E. Atlantic in Delray’s beach district. The interior is casual, befitting the neighborhood.

The previous owner had been looking to get out of the business for some time, and the inventory had declined reflecting that fact. Dave Spitzer had to restock the store, did some painting and decorating. Sue Spitzer put some tables in front of the store to make customers comfortable.

“It’s a work in progress,” Sue Spitzer said.

Sue Spitzer, left in the green dress, chats with well wishers during Thursday's grand opening and wine tasting.