By Kevin Collison
The West Bottoms is about to welcome another winery to the eclectic blend of businesses that have found a home in the old industrial district of downtown.
Jay and Melissa Pietkiewicz hope to open Fountain City Winery by Christmas at 1409 W. 11th St. The couple met while working in the wine industry in Virginia and moved to Kansas City in 2016.
Jay also had experience at wineries in Santa Barbara County in California, and before relocating here was the head wine maker at the Cedar Ridge Vineyard near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He said the West Bottoms fit what they were seeking when it came to a hospitable environment for their new venture which also includes an event space.
“We liked the vintage, craft feel of the Bottoms,” he said.
The new Fountain City Winery occupies about 4,000 square feet in one of the century-plus old brick warehouses of the district.
The plan calls for the couple to produce and sell their own wines using local and Coastal juices including Bordeaux red blends, chardonnays, rieslings, fruit wines and dessert wines. Mulled wines and sangrias also will be offered.
There will be a couple of craft beers from small brewers on tap as well.
The hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays with extended hours on some Fridays and certain holidays.
The Fountain City Winery will be joining established West Bottoms winery Amigoni Urban Winery at 1505 Genessee for anyone interested in a vine crawl.
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