I’m replying so I can keep track of this thread. I have a locker at The Wine Rack by David Gray but would absolutely be interested in leaving if a cheaper, more accessible option opened up. It would also be a bonus if you could have wine shipped directly to the facility so I stop getting funny looks from my co-workers…
If a few DC-area Berserkers get fed up enough to open one themselves, I might be interested in investing, too.
Marcus,
We are at the stage of lease negotiations on 3 potential buildings. Given that each has slightly different amounts of buildout required, its a bit early to speculate on an opening date. Please forgive my vagueness, but I would rather not over-promise. We should be up and running this year if that helps!
Thanks,
Marc
I’m in the same boat as many of us. We store our nascent collection at Zachys because we don’t have good options down here. I have talked to several DC wine retailers that are considering entering the storage market, but one thing or another (i’m not aware of significant regulatory barriers to entry) puts them off.
I’m definitely a potential customer post-competitive entry (pre-entry prices are just too high). I’m also thinking about entering myself. What does it take? Space, climate control, advertising, time - anything else? I agree with previous posters that this looks like a great opportunity.
I have been interested in wine storage venture for awhile but a couple possible proposals have fizzled. The issue is per bottle cost and I have always insisted that it would have to be cheaper than the current DC based storages. As an alternative, I store my wines near BWI at the safe harbour.
http://www.safeharbourwinestorage.com/
Bill is a good guy. BTW I am not interested in his business other than storing my wines there. It is about 30 minutes away without traffic via BWI parkway.
Although I don’t care for most partnership, perhaps a coop could be an option. I also prefer the business to be owned by locals.
While I’m not in need of storage, I think the business potential is definitely intriguing. I’d think Foggy Bottom would be the ideal location: nexus of red and orange lines, as well as close access to Georgetown (where a large chunk of the residential purchasers live).
The rent will kill you in FB.
There is an absolutely amazing piece of property across from Children’s Hospital on North Capitol Street. It is owned by the DC Government I think…probably 10 acres all in. It has strange brick structures on top of the ground and beautiful, amazing vaulted brick structures underground. It used to be a water treatment facility, but has gone unused for a long long time now. If someone could convince the city to rent them a portion of the property at a reasonable price, you would only have to clean up the portion you use and create some good access. The underground brick storage facilities are already there.
Security Storage is $3/case with a $30 minimum month to month at 55 degrees with power backup. Access 8-4 M-F only and no holidays so not too convenient. Storage at the Florida Ave and Dulles locations. I spoke with Ira in DC at 202-797-5690
Those hours aren’t as good as at Wide World of Wines, which is open Saturdays and many holidays, but are better than Wine Rack (40 hrs. per week at Security vs. 4-1/2 at Wine Rack); one other expense, it’s my understanding that, at least at the Florida Ave. location, there’s a fee each time you visit your stash at Security because the wines are stored in a common space and you need an escort.
Many of the storage facilities in California seem to be able to make a business of it with fees in the $1-2/case/month range.
Any facility needs enough convenient, safe parking for the expected client traffic, which would rule out some locations in the DC area; add to that Kevin’s mention of commercial rents in some neighborhoods as potential deal killers. Personally, I’d love to see something west of the beltway, like around Manassas or Chantilly – lower rents I assume, plenty of parking, easy access to the beltway or I-66… And for myself, I’d be happy with a bare bones operation; I don’t need a tasting room or anything else that could increase costs.
My idea was to create a storage that can charge $1.25 per bottle annual based on 40 case locker and not losing money. As Frank said a bare bones operation, not receiving any shipment, open only one night a week plus Saturday. More of real wine geeks gathering place. Not an easy task I found out.
Maybe the new market entrants will create multiple levels of offering or inspire incumbents to do so. As someone who could add cellar space to his suburban home as a more cost-effective option in the long-term, a social gathering place with a membership orientation would greatly increase my interest.
Unless of course you guys want to hang out with me in my basement… ![[drinkers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/82916bed5ad74ac8470bc04089d9758b0c80c9fa.gif "drinkers"){kind=small}
Sounds to me as if DC doesn’t need another part-time solution, but a full-time, full service operation. Including extended hours, delivery acceptance, and potentially a tasting area to start with.
I believe each city has different needs. I think that people would prefer to pay $1.25 per bottle with less service than $2 per bottle with full service. DC needs another storage @ reasonable cost period. If anyone can provide all you mentioned at $1.25 per bottle or less, more power to him and I will certainly support.
As far as I’m concerned, Kevin is on the right track. We already have expensive storage facilities; I’m interested in something less expensive. I don’t need a social club, I’ve already got friends I drink with; I can have the wine delivered to my house and keep track of my own inventory. I just need cold, secure, convenient storage at the best possible price. Which might not mean within half a block of Metro; the closer to mass transit, the higher the rents. I already have to drive an hour+ into DC where my wines are stored, so a 20-30 minute drive across Key Bridge and over to Fairfax or wherever doesn’t strike me as such a hardship for DC residents.
What is the per bottle price for The Wine Rack? I tried to work it out, but have no clue how big my locker is or what I pay. I upgraded mid last year to a larger size and wrote a check for the upcharge plus the next year all in one go.
As I recall very expensive like $4 per bottle.
That is a little less than my wild guess was. So awfully high.
Like you mentioned Kevin, I don’t need anymore services or hours, but would love lower fees. I guess order acceptance would be nice for me as a MD resident.
Ira did not mention an access fee but then I did not specifically ask about this. I’m for lower fees with good access and a secure power supply with backup. Those of us here unfortunate enough to have PEPCO as their supplier of electricity know what I’m talking about in terms of uninterrupted power. I think the location should be central and thus in DC not in VA or MD as traffic is terrible here. Metro access would be nice as well if you don’t feel like driving. As much as I enjoy drinking with fellow winos, I’m not sure how much slurping I want to do at 55 degrees! DC is also an easy place to have wine shipped as well.
Damn! $1.25/btl on an annual rate would be amazing. I pay $960/yr for my locker at 55 Degrees and they only hold 120 bottles. At these rates, that’s $8/btl.
Geez, it would be cheaper for you to store your wine with me in Seattle and fly out occasionally to get a bottle. A 12 case locker is $235.