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Monday, December 8, 2008
We're Just about There
We've passed another hurdle today and are about to complete another. Yes, we are still delayed, but keep looking
for us in the New Year. Painting and flooring are almost done. There are still some final touches to do on the
cabinets and LOTS of cleaning. Have a happy holiday season.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
It's Thanksgiving week and I take this time to be thankful. Our phone and fax lines were run last week and best
of all we received our TTB wine permit. Now we need our Ohio inspection and then we can work on label approval. We are
thankful that while everything has taken much, much longer and cost a lot more than we had ever thought, it appears that 2009
will provide us with the opportunity to recoup some of the money we've put into this project. We are thankful for
all our supporters and while the economy seems to be in the pits, there is hope that we will open the doors in January.
Stay tuned.
10:05 pm est
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Watch for a new website
Coming soon. A new website for Unicorn Wine Guild. Yes, new and improved. Our website consultant is in
the final stages up updating and we should be online soon. Yes, same address. Just a new design. Meanwhile,
we are trucking away as best we can. The floor painting should be done soon. The ceiling tiles are being installed.
Non-alcoholic supplies are starting to arrive in hopes of an opening date in the near future. Be sure to visit again
and see the new website.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Welcome to November
It's November and we're still not open for business, BUT we're a lot closer. We've had three inspections
in the last couple of weeks and been given provisional go aheads to the next stage. Everyone seems to want to
be the last one to inspect and they all want to see it with the "napkins on the table" and set for dinner.
Meanwhile, we are plugging away. I guess the good news is that we have received the "final" bills from two
of the contractors. So, we must be down to the finishing touches. We've been painting, getting our supplies,
finishing the construction of the cabinetry and trying not to think about the money going out with no income coming in.
Oh, and we've been filling out more forms and trying to educate ourselves some more. This little hobby has
turned into quite an expedition. Stay tuned. One of these days there actually may be a ribbon cutting.
8:49 pm est
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Yes, we're still out there
Yes, we're still out there, working at the remodel and waiting for approval from the government. One delay after
another and everything takes longer than planned. Over the last month we have been working away painting, installing
cabinets, ceiling grid, building the tasting bar and working on the paperwork.
We have had our first interviews via phone
with the TTB and it appears the Ohio Liquor Control foks have made a site inspection. We are hopeful that we will hear
from TTB soon and obtain our health license in the near future.
Keep checking back. We're spending all our
free time working on the business and it has been an adventure. The way things look with the stock market, we won't
have to sell apples on the street like back in the thirty's, but we will be able to turn those apples into something tasty.
8:25 pm est
Thursday, September 11, 2008
We're getting closer
We just wanted to keep in touch with you as we have been busy, busy with the building project. Right now it seems that
we are about 90% done. We have several projects to complete but there is a lot that is done. Some floor finishing,
some ceiling tiles, a few cabinets and counter-tops, some trim paint, a big clean-up project to make the place sparkle and
we're done. We are also in the process of upgrading the website and getting a schedule set. Thanks for your
patience. We are sure that you will enjoy the final product.
4:53 pm est
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Progress - slow, but sure
There is finally a faint light at the end of the tunnel. Is it a train or the end of the tunnel? It's too
early to tell, but it seems that every room is 75 or 80% done. A few more days of contractors. A few more weeks
of paint and wait. Meanwhile, we are still educating ourselves and planning, planning, planning. Keep tuned.
It will happen.
7:40 pm est
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The smell of paint and wood
Yes, we're still here. Yes, we're still hoping to open in a couple of months. Yes, I just loved spending
my vacation painting because it means progress is being made. The last week has been spent painting the rooms
(trim and a couple of walls to go), laying tile, attaching the cabinets to the boards that are attached to the walls and making
a quick trip to Columbus to file for the license. It's actually beginning to look like something and I can finally
see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just hope it's not the train coming. Keep checking back. As
we get even closer to opening we'll let you share our excitement.
7:08 pm est
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Smell those fumes
Yes, smell those fumes. That's the smell of progress. The first fumes are from the glue used to secure the
marlite to the kitchen wall. The others are from the paint. We're waiting on the last of the black ceiling
paint to be sprayed on. But, it's about 80 percent done. In the meantime, the base coat is on the new drywall
and the final coat is on the two rooms and the hall. It's easier to paint now before having to worry about all the
trim. Slowly but surely it's all coming together.
8:50 pm est
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fixing the Problem
It has been a challenge fixing the problem with the Father's Day link. It's just been one of those days where
you wonder what else will go wrong. The shipment of supplies we expected got "lost". It was finally
found in Columbus, but after waiting all day. Then we're told that we have a gas leak - at home. And received
the sad news of the death of one of our mentors. When it rains, it pours, as the commercial says.
8:29 pm est
8:20 pm est
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Yes, I Know Father's Day is Over Yes,
I know that Father's Day is over, but for some reason I cannot get the Father's Day Amazon link to uninstall.
Such is the fate of amateur website builders. I will keep working on it and learning more. Stay tuned for further updates.
Saturday, July 5, 2008 Celebrating the 4th - Not
Time flies when you're having fun. I didn't
realize it had been so long since I had updated everyone on the progress of the winery. So much has happened this last
month. The drywall is about 99% complete and has been sanded awaiting the first coats of sizing and paint. The
wine showcases are in the process of being made by Joel and the HVAC is scheduled to be in next week. At last.
Several trips have been made to Columbus and the vendor list is being reduced to manageable levels.
There's
still a lot to do - windows, doors, paint, paper, floors. So while we are moving along, it looks like it will be another
couple of months. Sigh. Stay tuned for further updates. 4:02 pm estSunday, June 8, 2008 We're Havin' a Heat Wave - I Hope It's
in the 90's here and with the big storm we had earlier in the week, it's also humid. I was hoping this was a
heat wave, but it doesn't appear that the weather is going to improve. Meanwhile, drywall is starting to go up and
it's actually starting to look like more than a big room. It's starting to look at lots of rooms. While
construction is ongoing, small-ware purchases and working on procedure manuals and other items of "office work"
are in process. Hopefully in the next month or so we'll have a better idea of an opening date. Stay tuned.
5:21 pm estTuesday, June 3, 2008 Another Milestone has been Reached We've
passed the electrical inspection and the drywall has arrived. Unfortunately the rain is leaking in where a vent pipe
has gone through the roof. That should be repaired soon. Meanwhile we've begun the search for "small-wares".
That is "stuff" like glasses, plates, flatware and cookware. Slower than we'd like, but surely, the winery
is shaping up. Keep coming back for updates and we'll see you soon.
Sunday, May 25, 2008 We've passed another inspection Hi, everyone It's been longer than I had planned since my last update. Time flies when you're having fun, as they say.
The metal studs are up for the first phase of the build out and the electrical and plumbing lines are just about in.
In fact, we have had our second plumbing inspection and passed it with flying colors. This was after a camera inspection
by Mr. Rooter to be sure that no one had driven a nail through the line. They hadn't, but did discover that sewage
was backing up into our new, never used sewer line from somewhere upstream. So, rather than fight city hall and the
landlord, we paid for the jetting that would be needed to pass the inspection (and future sewage). Oh, but what's
another $400? Let's see. Carpeting or tables or table service or.... any of a number of nicieties we would
liked to have had. Yes, this project is certainly more expensive than we had hoped. Come see us when we're
open. Our store may not be the most glamorous around, but I bet it will be one of the friendliest. Sunday, May 25, 2008 We've passed another inspection Hi, everyone
It's been longer than I had planned since my last update. Time flies when you're having fun, as they say.
The metal studs are up for the first phase of the build out and the electrical and plumbing lines are just about in.
In fact, we have had our second plumbing inspection and passed it with flying colors. This was after a camera inspection
by Mr. Rooter to be sure that no one had driven a nail through the line. They hadn't, but did discover that sewage
was backing up into our new, never used sewer line from somewhere upstream. So, rather than fight city hall and the
landlord, we paid for the jetting that would be needed to pass the inspection (and future sewage). Oh, but what's
another $400? Let's see. Carpeting or tables or table service or.... any of a number of nicieties we would
liked to have had. Yes, this project is certainly more expensive than we had hoped.
Come see us when we're
open. Our store may not be the most glamorous around, but I bet it will be one of the friendliest. 7:14 pm estThursday, May 1, 2008 We Have Walls! We have walls! Well, at
least studs. Most of them, anyway. I finally can see the rooms in 3-D. I've been doing rain dances this
week. Some of you may not want it, but if t rains, we get workers at the winery. Most of the studs are up
and the electrician comes next week. We hope. There is still so much to do, but as I see the walls go in, I realize
that it's time to start finalizing the menu, the dress code and start thinking about employees. Wow. I can't
believe it's really coming to fruition. People have been so supportive. If all those people who tell us they
will patronize us really do, we should do just fine. I'm still going to keep my fingers crossed, though.
Check back soon and also be sure to check out our sister site "Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild." And if you're
in the mood for something from Amazon, please go through the link on the right. 3:34 pm estWednesday, April 23, 2008 Road
Trip It's been a busy week for us as we ready the Unicorn Wine Guild, LLC for the public.
We spent the weekend at the winery of our consultant learning more about small batch production. We also had a nice
stay at a bed and breakfast that also serves tea by reservation. The owners were nice enough to spend a couple of hours
telling us how they run their business. And on the home front, work has slowed as we await the contractor to finish
with a previous job and get started on ours. But, at least the utilities (except telephone) seem to be on schedule.
We're still hopeful for an early to mid-summer opening.
Monday, April
14, 2008 Progress Update
As the trees bud and bloom, the winery does, too. The sewer system is installed and passed inspection and the
cement floor has been repaired after all the digging that was required. Some of the heating and air conditioning is
in and hopefully the roof repair is done. (We'll find out next time we have a good rain.) Interior wall construction
should begin in the next week. We're also in the process of registering our trademark and slogan.
We've had some more publicity with a feature in last Sunday's business section of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.
Again, thank you, Jolene Craig, for the coverage and to Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down for a Thumbs Up. And thank you, those
who have said they will patronize the business once we're open. We look forward to serving you. I'm also
told we've been mentioned on the radio, but missed that.
Tuesday, April
8, 2008 PA Restaurant Association
Meeting We've just returned from the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association Meeting, the first of this
type of meeting we've attended. We missed out on the Ohio Restaurant Association show, so chose this one.
It was quite an experience and was useful in helping us understand how these meetings worked and we did meet some great
people and made some useful contacts. One of the highlights was the fire alarm sounding on Sunday afternoon. Everyone
exited the building in a timely fashion and enjoyed the brief respite. Rumor has it that one of the cooking
contestants managed to set off the alarm.
Again, thanks to Jolene Craig of the News and Sentinel for her
interview and to those who are supporting us in our efforts. We are still weeks away from opening and realize there
is so much to do to prepare for the opening. Come back soon and we'll keep you posted.
7:57 pm est
Thursday, April
3, 2008 News at the Unicorn
Wine Guild, LLC This has been a busy week for the Unicorn Wine Guild, LLC. Construction continues
with the heating and air conditioning. The big news is that the local television and then the local newspaper put out
articles about the future winery. We were surprised about this as we did not contact them and did not intend to until
closer to opening. But, it is what it is and we felt both media were favorable. We were also happy to see the
results of the poll done by the local television. Almost 75% of the respondents were in favor. Thanks, folks.
We look forward to providing the city with a quiet, relaxing place where friends and/or business associates may meet.
We have a lot of plans for events at the winery such as classes about tea, coffee, wine (and maybe even chocolate), a wine
club, tea club, and various other seminars. We'll let you know when we are closer to opening. 3:57 pm est
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Sunday, March 30, 2008 A
Progress Update This whole process has been an education for us, that's for sure.
We've learned a lot about law and safety issues as well as learning about food, drink and computers. Please keep
visiting us as we come closer to opening. The mailing list should be up and running within the next few weeks as we
decide on a company to help us manage it. Be sure to visit our sister blog - the link is in the mailing list box
on the right - and learn about the tea culture.
Meanwhile, here are a few tips for you, courtesy of Food
and Wine. A standard bottle of wine contains about 750 ml. or about 25 ounces. So, you can serve 5 five ounce
glasses. For a two hour (or so) cocktail party, you might want to allow for each attendee consuming three
glasses of wine. So, if you have 20 guests at that party you might consider that they will consume a case of wine -
which is 12 bottles.
For a four hour dinner party with 8 people, they might consume 5 glasses in those 4
hours. So, consider the need for a bottle of wine per person - or 8.
They also tell us that to
bring wine to the proper serving temperature, you need to consider the following: White wine is served at 55 degrees
F. That means it will need about an hour and a half in the fridge to reach that temperature. To speed things up,
you can put it in the freezer for 40 minutes (don't forget it's there) or in ice and water for 20 minutes.
Red wine is served at 65 degrees F. That takes about 20 minutes in the fridge.
I hope that helps you
with planning your next party. Come back and visit again soon.
Monday, March 24, 2008 The Unicorn Wine Guild, LLC Just what is the Unicorn Wine Guild, LLC?
The Unicorn Wine Guild, LLC, where there’s “a little
magic in every sip,” will be a microwinery dedicated to providing our customers with hospitality, knowledge, and quality
services for an enjoyable beverage-related experience. In addition a tea room and coffee shop
will complement the experience. This concept is also known as a “fusion” beverage store.
Storage space for wine in process along with supervision, equipment and expertise
to assist the hobby wine maker in producing a quality product will be a part of the business as will educational and entertaining
seminars, classes, clubs and other events. Wine, tea and coffee related food, gift items and baskets; meeting
facilities and a friendly and comfortable atmosphere will assist in providing a complete beverage experience for wine hobbyists,
coffee and tea enthusiasts, area residents and tourists.
8:42 am est
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Welcome to our web site! We
have been planning the business since 2007, and we pride ourselves on providing customers with the best-quality
products and personal service. You will be able to order from us using our online catalog, order over the phone, or visit
us in our retail location. Please note: As wine sales are regulated by individual states, wine shipment to you
or your designated gift recipient may not be available. As we expand our business, we hope to serve your
coffee, tea, wine or facility needs. Come back and watch as our dream comes true. We take an enormous pride in creating
our winery and our line of products, and hope that you will find something in the catalog were are developing that
you like. We will have items related to the enjoyment of wine, coffee and tea. We also will create custom
orders (again, wine regulations will limit alcohol choices); let us know what you want. We look forward to doing business
with you. We look forward to doing business with you.
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Saturday
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Sunday
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We are proud members of the following organizations:
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