We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael & Maranda Einstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael & Maranda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Wine has always been a passion for Michael and after a couple decades in the corporate world, we decided to chase that dream. We are lucky enough to live in Grapevine – the cultural capital of Texas wine – but we thought there was still a market for what we wanted to offer : premium wines, knowledgeable and approachable staff, a casual atmosphere and the feeling of community. Only a few months in, we feel vindicated in that opinion. We continue to grow with new customers while brining back our regulars time & time again.

What should our readers know about your business?
12 months ago we found ourselves at a tipping point – if we wanted to take the leap in to starting our own business, we had to dive in head first. In order to get an alcohol license, we needed a lease agreement – and that would lock us in for 5 years at a minimum. The legal paperwork had to be started, we had to petition the city in a two month+ process for approval. We looked for funding, worked closely with a Small Business Administration consultant, and got our check about 24 hours before we opened our doors in October. Nothing was easy, but also nothing was insurmountable. As an owner, you learn to do everything from understand regulations to fix your restroom faucet and decide what wallpaper matches the chairs you found at auction. It’s that “blood, sweat and tears” that make you personally invested in the happiness of your customers when your doors do open.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We have to give a shoutout to the staff at the City of Grapevine, Chamber of Commerce and the Convention & Visitors Bureau. We could not be more grateful for the assistance and support they have given us. It was barely a year ago that we started on this journey – two fresh-faced entrepreneurs trying to open a brick and mortar business in 2025! From the early recommendations on how to structure our business to be successful through connecting us with all the right people to integrate in our community, when Grapevine says it wants to support small businesses, they actually mean it. In this age where so many of our civil servants and public sector workers are not getting credit for their contributions, I want to give a shoutout to the backbone of our community.

Website: https://winesteinstastingroom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winesteins.tasting.room/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winesteinsgrapevine/

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