Volta Wine + Market will open on the ground floor of The Residences at 400 Central later this year. The shop brings wine, food, and a bar to downtown St. Petersburg. Construction begins this month on the 2,000-square-foot space, making it one of the first shops at the 46-story condo tower.
Michelin-recognized sommelier Zach Pace started the business with partner Rachelle Tomushev. New York-based Red Apple Group developed the tower, which is almost finished.
Shoppers can choose from more than 3,000 bottles across 300 different wines. Prices start at $15 and go up to rare vintages. The shop will stock wines from small producers across the United States and Europe, plus pantry staples and specialty foods.
“The world’s best wine shops share a common trait: the feeling of being welcomed into someone’s home,” Pace said in a statement, according to St. Pete Rising.com. “Whether you’re a novice wine lover or a luxury collector, all are treated as honored guests.”
The shop will sell artisanal dairy, prepared foods, tinned fish, olive oils, condiments, and other boutique grocery items. These come from local and international sources. A six-seat bar sits at the back with by-the-glass selections, craft beer, sake, and low- and nonalcoholic drinks.
Customers can grab a bottle from the shelves and drink it on site. The corkage fee is $15. No TVs will be installed. Instead, vinyl records and analog hi-fi sound will play.
“Volta’s north star is to transform your weekly errands into a joy,” Tomushev said. “It’s a place to discover quality products you can use daily, in addition to gifts and special occasions. We want guests to leave feeling inspired and restored.”
The owners plan to host events in the space. Pace and Tomushev want to offer educational wine experiences, curated pairings, and social evenings where people share wine and conversation.
Right now, the shop is raising money and offering investors a chance to become Founding Members. Benefits include access to exclusive events, discounts, priority bottle allocations, and sommelier concierge services.
“Zach and Rachelle’s entrepreneurial spirit, experience, and the quality of their wine and market items are why we were so excited to announce Volta as our first tenant,” said John Catsimatidis Sr., CEO of Red Apple Group. “The residents of 400 Central and the entire St. Petersburg community will love it.”
Sarasota-based Michael Saunders & Company and PNC Bank will occupy part of the tower’s 60,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Dynasty Financial Partners will take 45,000 square feet of Class A office space on the eighth floor.
Dining and Cooking