Rising Stars: Meet Sally Stewart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Stewart.

Hi Sally, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Sally and together with my life partner Steven, we run Denver Wine Merchant. We were sommeliers in Fine Dining restaurants in Manhattan for several years and in 2019 I was diagnosed with ALS. I was 32 at the time and nothing can prepare someone for being diagnosed with a progressive and terminal disease with no apparent cause or viable treatments.

In October 2019, I was forced to stop working as a sommelier when walking became increasingly difficult and unsafe. When the pandemic hit in 2020, restaurants closed and Steven was indefinitely out of work as a wine director of a newly opened Italian restaurant. We took the opportunity to shift gears and decided to pursue our dream of owning and running the best wine store possible. We visited and moved to Denver and purchased an existing liquor store and transformed it into a shop that we had imagined for so long. Denver Wine Merchant became a reflection of our years of experience with wine, restaurant service, and traveling. We aim to offer an expansive collection of excellent wines that are standouts in their respective regions of origin. We seek out authentic expressions of grapes and regions made by passionate people.

I’m very fortunate to pursue my dream despite a terminal diagnosis at such a young age. Owning Denver Wine Merchant with Steven gives me a great sense of accomplishment and happiness that I can still practice my beloved craft even after losing my ability to walk.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Running a business is hard work and it’s complicated with so many specific laws, commitments, and expenses. Focusing on my health as well as completely invested in running the shop is a tedious and at times stressful balancing act.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own and operate Denver Wine Merchant with my partner Steven Washuta.

We are professional sommeliers turned store owners. We specialize in the best wine the world has to offer. We’re proud of our extensive experience, producer, and tasting knowledge.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Cooking recipes with my mom and learning the nuances of baking and cooking techniques.

Pricing:

• We have a broad range in pricing from under $20 to very collective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denverwinemerchant.com/
• Instagram: @denverwinemerchant