Bottle House
1261 Meriden Road
Wolcott, CT

Square footage: 8,000

Years in operation: 2 years

By Sara Capozzi

Voted No. 1 Liquor Store in the 2024 Waterbury Republican-American Reader’s Choice Awards, Wolcott’s Bottle House has earned itself a following among shoppers in the area and beyond in its less than two years under new ownership.

Bottle House, which began serving customers from its eye-catching red building in 2007, was purchased by Sanjiv Gupta in May of 2023. He runs it day to day with business partners Jay Joshi, Shailesh Patel and Kushal Patel, with Michelle Bianchi.

Jay, Kushal and Shailesh have owned and run other types of retail stores, but this was their first experience in the package store industry, while Sanjiv, a native of the Waterbury area, has more than 20 years in the industry. “It was his interest in the liquor business and his knowledge that made us think about it,” Shailesh said. “He showed us everything. We’re really happy we chose this because we’re looking forward as we speak. We want to grow in this industry.”

Bottle House’s devoted customer base is mostly local to the Waterbury and Wolcott areas, with some out-of-towners. According to Shailesh, the team has established trust with customers through its extensive product knowledge and recommendations, along with its discounts.

“The previous owner had a good customer base, but we found a lot of new, good customers and the important part is we got connected with the old customer base so quickly. That credit goes to the customers; they gave us a chance and we’ve been adopted quick,” Shailesh said. He noted that support from wholesalers, vendors, merchandisers and delivery people helps the Bottle House team bring a superior shopping experience to its customers.

“From when we open ’til when we close, one of [the partners] is always here on the floor,” Jay said. “You’ll always be able to find one of us on the floor any time of day.”

Bottle House stays in communication with customers through social media channels and its loyalty program, which allows the team to send regulars texts about store events and promotions. “So even before they come in, they know what’s on sale,” Jay said. “That makes them more likely to come back again.” Shoppers are also drawn back to Bottle House for its regular weekend tastings and special bourbon barrel releases, along with its sales and closeout deals.

Michelle Bianchi is a former bartender, so she brings that knowledge to help customers select products based on what they’re trying to make. The shop offers a range of products from high-end wine and spirits to closeouts to appeal to its broad customer base. “There’s something for everyone,” Michelle said. Popular items include XXL Moscato in every flavor, whiskey and Surfside RTDs by Stateside Vodka. Wines with low or no sugar and no added sulfites are also “a big hit” with shoppers, she said.

Both Michelle and Sanjiv are natives of the area, which adds to the store’s friendly, almost family-type atmosphere. “[Bottle House is] not just a retail store,” Michelle said. “All of our customers are our neighbors. I’ve lived here my whole life, so that’s one of the reasons I like learning everyone’s name … it’s like we’re all family. There’s a lot of history in this area for us; that’s why I say everyone who walks in here is our neighbor. We’ve all had a history here or a new beginning here.”

Future plans include expanding its wine selection, constructing a new tasting area and walk-in humidor, producing a store app and offering classes—and ultimately looking for new spaces to expand.