EAST WILLIAMSBURG — A new wine and liquor shop in the neighborhood wants locals to learn more about the borough — through alcohol.
Grain & Vine, which opened last month at 190 Union Ave., plans to start hosting wine and liquor education classes in the coming weeks, including a class focused on Brooklyn-made spirits, according to wine manager William Whelan.
The class, which is still being planned, will lead locals through the different kinds of spirits made in the borough, with samplings from distilleries like Brooklyn Distillery, Van Brunt Stillhouse and Kings County Distillery.
"Everyone wants to know more about Brooklyn," said Whelan said. "The idea is that we can help them with that."
Grain and Vine will teach people boozy basics, like the difference between rye and whiskey, and offer background on the various distilleries, Whelan said.
In that vein, there will also be classes on wines from specific locations, teaching people about both the region and the wine, he added.
"It’s not about pushing a certain product or wine," he said. "It’s about exposing all of us to more."
Classes will happen weekly. People interested in attending classes, which will cost between $5 and $10, can follow updates on Grain & Vine's Facebook page.
The shop will also eventually start making videos explaining the differences in various wines and regions, Whelan added.
Despite the goal of increasing knowledge, Whelan rejected the "culture of pretentious behavior" that often follows wine or whiskey lovers.
The shop sells wines that cost less than $10 and hopes people feel comfortable in the shop whether they go for those wines or for more expensive bottles, he said.
"I want you to get the same experience whether you buy an $8 or $45," he said. "You should get the same attitude."
