City officials cut ribbon for organic wine shop

Evan Bourtis

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — After a long journey, a Rochester entrepreneur finally opened his organic wine shop on Friday.

State and city leaders, including Mayor Malik Evans, cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the sustainably-sourced wine company Aldaskeller. The shop on Gregory Street in the South Wedge neighborhood is now open for business.

The state liquor authority initially denied the owner, Brandon Opalich, a license in February because the chairman said natural and organic wine was not "economically feasible" and a liquor store already existed on the same block.

“I was very disappointed in the New York State Liquor Authority’s demeanor I felt that they had made up their decision on my application before I even got there, I felt disrespected,” Opalich told News10NBC.

After Opalich applied for reconsideration and a News10NBC investigation, the liquor authority changed course and granted him a liquor license.

According to the website for Aldaskeller, their products come from vineyards committed to sustainability.

"We believe that sustainable agriculture is vital to a healthy climate future and our shop aims to support the growing number of winemakers who are working to make viticulture practices sustainable," said the website.