CREATING VINTAGE VINO

 

People ask me all the time: Why Kissimmee?

 

Since there is interest in how it all got started, let’s go back to the beginning.

Vintage Vino came about as the culmination of my dream to open a wine shop in a major wine market in 1999.  After spending most of my wine career as a writer and tasting coordinator in the NYC headquarters for Wine Spectator, I decided I wanted more; more sun, more freedom, more square footage, more self direction.  That included creating a viable business and legacy to hand down to my beautiful daughter Sofia.

 

Kissimmee had been home to family for a long time and after several visits including many trips through charming downtown Kissimmee my dream began to take hold.  I thought – this town could use some great wine! It was a big decision to leave an amazing job in the middle of glamorous NYC but the next step was beckoning here in Florida.

 

After moving to our new home in Florida in late 2007, I discovered Kissimmee’s City Centre after a few friends suggested I check it out.  I was impressed with the overall design and atmosphere of the City Centre buildings and it wasn’t long before I decided to join Chef John’s Dockside, Cake Design Studio, Circa 59 Cigar Shop, 3 Sisters Speakeasy as well as other businesses on Dakin Avenue. In October 2008, I broke ground for Vintage Vino and had the grand opening in January of 2009.

 

Although there have been many changes over the years, Vintage Vino, now in its’ ninth successful year as a fine wine shop, remains focused on offering the best wines, craft beer and gourmet cheeses on the planet! 

 

                                                                                                                 -John Siudut