We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rita Bernard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rita, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for Bronx Wine Co. came to life through a combination of passion, experience, and a deep connection to our community. My husband has been in the wine business for over 40 years, and together, we’ve traveled to some of the most renowned wine regions in the world. These experiences not only gave us an appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind well-made wines but also for the sense of community that wine can create, whether it’s around a vineyard, a tasting room, or a shared table.
As past residents of the Bronx, we’ve witnessed the incredible renaissance happening in the neighborhood. The energy, creativity, and pride of this community are palpable, and we knew it was time to contribute to this exciting transformation in a meaningful way. Driving around the area, we saw an opportunity: while there were places to enjoy wine, there wasn’t a space specifically dedicated to showcasing high-quality wines and making them approachable to everyone, from casual enthusiasts to budding connoisseurs.
We envisioned Bronx Wine Co. as more than just a wine shop, it’s a gathering place where people can come together, learn, and share their love of wine. It was important to us to create a space where the community could feel welcomed and inspired, with wines that tell stories of their own and reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our neighborhood.
What excited us most about this idea was filling a gap that no one else was addressing. We weren’t just bringing wine to the South Bronx, we were bringing the culture, the history, and the accessibility of wine in a way that felt authentic to the people here. From hosting tastings to educational events, we’re cultivating an environment where wine becomes a bridge for connection and conversation.
We knew this endeavor was worthwhile because it combined our personal passions with a genuine need in the community. It wasn’t just about opening a business; it was about creating something that would contribute to the ongoing renaissance of the South Bronx and celebrate its unique spirit.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As I approached retirement age, I began reflecting on what I wanted my legacy to be. Owning a business was always a lifelong dream of mine, and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to create something meaningful, not just for myself, but for my family and our community. Bronx Wine Co. is the realization of that dream: a business built on passion, purpose, and the desire to make an impact.
What sets us apart is our commitment to education and inclusivity. We don’t just sell wine; we create experiences that invite people to learn, explore, and appreciate wine in a new way. Through events and tastings, we’re helping to demystify wine and make it more accessible, all while showcasing high-quality selections that resonate with our customers. We’re especially proud to carry wines and spirits from Black-owned businesses and women winemakers, something that’s still rare in this industry and incredibly important to us.
Being based in the Bronx is also something we’re deeply proud of. This community is vibrant and resilient, and we’re honored to be a part of its ongoing renaissance. We’ve worked hard to create a space where people feel welcomed and respected, offering them the quality and experiences they truly deserve.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the impact of what we’ve built. Whether it’s through our thoughtfully curated wine selection, our focus on diversity, or the events that leave our customers feeling more knowledgeable and inspired, Bronx Wine Co. is about more than just wine, it’s about creating a legacy of connection, culture, and community.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The best strategy for growing clientele, in our experience, is rooted in exceptional customer service. We make it a priority to listen to our customers and act on their feedback. For example, if a client asks us to bring in something unique, like yogurt-flavored soju, we’ll make it happen. That level of care and responsiveness builds trust and keeps people coming back.
We’ve also seen great success working with local influencers who align with our brand. They help amplify our message and connect us with a broader audience, creating a buzz that translates into foot traffic and loyal customers.
Another key strategy is leveraging your network. Relationships matter, and they can open doors you might not expect. A great example for us was having singer Natti Natasha sign bottles that we sold at the store as a unique opportunity for her fans that came from a previous business relationship. Exclusivity like this not only draws attention but creates memorable experiences for our customers.
Ultimately, growing clientele is about building genuine connections, whether through personalized service, community partnerships, or tapping into your network to create exciting opportunities.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2022, my life took an unexpected and difficult turn when I was hit by a car and spent two months in the hospital recovering. It was one of the most challenging times of my life, both physically and mentally. The recovery process wasn’t just about healing my body; it was about finding the strength within myself to keep going when things felt impossible. There were days when I struggled to imagine returning to normal, let alone pursuing my dreams.
But that experience taught me a lot about resilience. I learned how to lean into my inner strength, take things one step at a time, and focus on what truly mattered. When I came out on the other side, I was more determined than ever to build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for my family and my community.
That’s what drives me today. Bronx Wine Co. is my chance to create a legacy, to show that no matter what life throws at you, you can come back stronger and better than ever. This journey has taught me to appreciate every moment and to pour that same sense of gratitude and determination into everything we do. That resilience is at the heart of our business, and it’s what I hope to inspire in others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bronxwineco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxwineco
Image Credits
Francis (SlingShot) Montoya