Today we’d like to introduce you to Maritza Spero.
Hi Maritza, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Chile, where wine is part of the culture and everyday life, my brother and I developed a deep appreciation for great wine and the way it brings people together. Over the years, my brother, my former sister-in-law, and I traveled throughout Europe, spending countless evenings discovering neighborhood wine bars filled with character, live music, and a welcoming sense of community. My brother also gained experience helping set up bars, which gave us insight into creating memorable hospitality experiences. Inspired by those travels and our Chilean roots, we opened Grape & the Grain—a family-owned neighborhood wine bar with a spacious patio where friends, families, and neighbors can gather to enjoy great wine, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like the local wine bars we fell in love with across Europe.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many small businesses, Grape & the Grain has experienced both incredible highs and challenging lows over the past eight years. We were forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic, but when we reopened, business came back stronger than ever as people were eager to reconnect and socialize. In recent years, however, consumer spending habits shifted, with many people drinking less and dining out less frequently. At the same time, inflation, tariffs, and rising costs for wine, food, labor, insurance, and other operating expenses significantly increased the cost of doing business. Through it all, we’ve continued to adapt, invest in our guests’ experience, and stay true to our vision. Today, we’re seeing business level out again, reminding us that owning a small business is truly a roller coaster—one that requires resilience, flexibility, and a passion for serving the community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Grape & the Grain Wine Bar?
At Grape & the Grain, we specialize in offering an approachable yet thoughtfully curated selection of wines from around the world, alongside local craft beers, our signature frozen rosé, and house-made sangrias that have become guest favorites. Beyond the drinks, we’re known for creating experiences. Our spacious patio is the heart of the bar, hosting everything from baby showers, birthday celebrations, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and private gatherings to live music, themed events, and community celebrations. Whether you’re joining us for a quiet glass of wine after work or celebrating life’s biggest milestones, our goal is for every guest to feel welcomed, relaxed, and at home. Grape & the Grain isn’t just a wine bar—it’s a neighborhood gathering place where lasting memories are made.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One of the biggest surprises about Grape & the Grain is that from the street, it looks like a small blue house. Many first-time guests expect a tiny wine bar, only to discover a hidden gem. While the indoor space is an intimate 1,200 square feet, it opens up to a beautiful 3,000-square-foot backyard patio that becomes the heart of the experience. Surrounded by string lights, live music, and plenty of seating, the patio gives guests the feeling of escaping to a neighborhood wine garden. It’s the perfect setting to relax with a glass of wine, celebrate with friends, or attend one of our many events, and it’s often what turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grapeandthegrain.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grapeandthegrain/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grape%20&%20The%20Grain/534042526991482/#
