Grapes & Grains

Specialties

The goal of Grapes & Grains was to clearly set itself apart from everyday liquor stores were price is parity. Focusing on the overall customer experience because Wine & Spirits are a treat. Grapes & Grains is focused on becoming the best wine shop in the East Bay. Grapes & Grains has become a destination of wine connoisseurs who are seeking the handpicked varietals’ in the «Reserve Room» or to have the ability to taste a wine and speak with the wine maker using Skype technology.

History

Established in 2012.

Matthew Amaral, lifelong resident of Barrington, R.I. always dreamed of owning his own business. The dream of owning a business in his hometown presented a challenge because Barrington, R.I. did not permit a Class A liquor license. Starting in 2009, Matthew began the process to amend zoning ordinance 185 – 12 «specific prohibited uses Line G, Package Liquor Stores. Matthew presented to the Town Council a request to submit a resolution to the RI General Assembly to consider authorizing a Class A beverage license to be issued in Barrington. The resolution was heard and passed unanimously by the General Assembly. This movement allowed the Class A topic to be added to the November 2, 2010 referendum.

Residents were excited and supportive of Grapes & Grains as it reflected in the 58% approval rate for the Class A license. Matthew Amaral then proceeded with the Class A application and public process. It was not until November 2011, a year later that one Class A license was issued.

Meet the Manager

Peter A.

Manager

I always thought I’d work in kitchens forever, but working in an Italian restaurant changed that. Living in Northeast Italy was where I changed my career path from cooking to wine. I moved from a hot kitchen in the mountains, to a farm in the Northeast (Piedmont). Picking grapes, working in the winery, attending wine tastings translating Italian to English for my non-​english speaking wine-​maker boss; that is what hooked me for life. Now at G&G, I focus on procuring wine, beer, and spirits, made in the same fashion. Small production, soulfully crafted, passionately made beverages is what we carry. And we do carry wine from the winery that I worked for; Cantina Iuli