Neighbors rally to save one of the few Black-owned wine shops in Park Slope

Hit hard by Covid and rents, Good Wine is asking for $75,000 to help pay down various financial issues, including debt and taxes

By Brooklyn Magazine Staff

Neighbors are rallying to save Good Wine, a 7-year-old wine shop in the heart of Park Slope that’s steeped in financial turmoil.

Owner Heather Johnston wrote on her GoFundMe page that the store, which is one of the few Black-owned wine shops in the United States, has suffered from a “series of setbacks from the pandemic, supply problems in the wine industry, a threat of eviction, and predatory lending practices.”

She’s asking the community for $75,000 in donations, a goal that’s she’s halfway toward. So far, roughly $43,000 has been raised.

“We are in a position to overcome our problems quickly and with great success if we can rally some small support from our wonderful customers and others who believe in American small business, Brooklyn spirit, and diversity in retail environments,” Johnston wrote.

Money she collects will be used to pay off taxes, refinance her store’s debt and “demonstrate what victory looks like for a small business supported by its community.”

Park Slope neighbors, and residents beyond, are responding warmly to Johnston’s request. “I lived next door to you for many years and your wine kept me sane,” one person wrote. “Wishing you all the best and missing your great selection!”

“We love the shop since we moved to the area, it is our local shop,” another person added.

Looking to support local businesses? Here are a few other Black-owned wine shops to check out in the borough: