Change brought The Wine Spot to CH

Since the early 1920s, 2271 Lee Road has been an important location to the Cleveland Heights community. Originally, it was home to Bruder's Dairy, which provided milk and dairy products to residents during war time. In 1955, it became Seitz-Agin Hardware. For 56 years, Seitz-Agin literally helped build Cleveland Heights. Now, 2271 Lee Road is opening its doors once again as The Wine Spot.

The Wine Spot is the brainchild of Adam Fleischer, a Cleveland Heights resident born and raised in the community. After a career in healthcare information technology, where he spent the majority of his time on the road, Fleischer now plans to share his passion for wine and microbrews.

“The Wine Spot seems like a perfect fit for the community. At the moment, there are no wine stores in the area. Cleveland Heights residents are currently driving out of the city for their wine, or settling for the limited selections at the grocery stores," said Fleischer.

When Fleischer first visited the empty storefront at 2271 Lee Road, he could envision the walls filled with wines from Argentina, Spain, Portugal, France and Australia; coolers full of microbrew beers; a private tasting room for business presentations and social events; and an inviting atmosphere with televisions and comfortable furniture, perfect for holding tastings and social events. The Wine Spot will have all of these things, and more.

Fleischer realized that the landlord Bill Mitchell, owner of Mitchell's Fine Chocolates, shares his vision and love of Cleveland Heights. The two instantly saw the potential in a partnership and in The Wine Spot.

Fleischer sees the large parking lot behind the store as an asset. It is convenient and will facilitate home delivery service, he said.

“This location makes it easy for The Wine Spot to be an active part of the community," said Fleischer.

Construction has commenced on The Wine Spot, and the interior looks more like a wine store everyday. Fleischer is doing his best to preserve the 100-year history of the building, while at the same time creating a fun and inviting atmosphere.

Among Fleischer’s goals for the business are providing an international selection of wines, educating customers on all aspects of wine, offering wines at reasonable prices, providing samples to the adventurous shopper, offering tastings that allow for local networking and partnerships with other Heights merchants. Fleischer plans to open by mid November—just in time for the holidays.