The Classic Wineseller

The Classic Wineseller is a unique underground shop.   Photo: Keli Keach Photography
The Classic Wineseller is a unique underground shop.
Photo: Keli Keach Photography

Perfect for Shopping, Dining, and Live Entertainment

Tucked away in an underground cellar at 20 Church Street, just off Main Street in historic downtown Waynesville, is an unassuming retail wine and beer establishment known as the Classic Wineseller. For 18 years, founder and owner Richard Miller has been strategic in adding to the shop’s inventory which now boasts over 12,000 bottles of wine and more than 100 craft beers. Wine prices start at $5.99 (less for beer) and can reach more than $3,000 for highly collectible or rare wines. Miller’s shop also has some of the best vertical collections around, as well as large format bottles, a great selection of half bottles, and a room dedicated solely to Port, a wine fortified with brandy.

In the last few years, the Classic Wineseller has gained additional notoriety as a small plate restaurant and intimate live music venue. Imagine a Harlem speakeasy in the 1920s – a secret venue where you can escape to a cozy atmosphere, and where the performers are within arm’s reach. The Classic Wineseller is evocative of Hollywood movies about that era, including the European styling and Old-World charm.

The restaurant, open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, accommodates approximately 50 patrons. Everyone is seated around tables, with front row tables for two, where you could (not advised) reach out and touch the performers. The menu has an impressive list of charcuterie and accompaniments including all-natural cured meats, all-natural local and imported cheeses, and olives imported from Spain and Italy. You’ll also find appetizers, salads, soups, flatbreads, small plates, and desserts prepared in-house Wednesday through Saturday night.

Drop by from 6-8 p.m. for Wine on Wednesday (W.O.W.) tastings each week, and live music every Friday and Saturday night. Discrete waitstaff provide table service throughout the musical performances, fetching wine and craft beer orders, tasty small plate fare, tantalizing desserts, and a selection of all-natural sodas, tea, and coffee (including the Irish varietal).

The Classic Wineseller is well worth a venture out — and down (it really is underground). Meet-up with friends to escape the cares of the world. No matter where you sit, you can dine, drink, and relax to an evening of music from American Roots to Delta and Piedmont Blues guitar, to Pop, Rock, or Jazz standards played on the new Steinway piano.

“Jazz Divas” begins Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 7 p.m. with jazz and pop singer, Paula Hanke and partner Tony Godwin (guitar, vocals). Tickets are $44.99 per person and include a four-course dinner. Reservations are required, call (828) 452-6000.

The Classic Wineseller
20 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
828-452-6000