The Urban Grape, a major player in Boston's wine scene for the past thirteen years, has closed its doors abruptly following the breakdown of negotiations with their local SBA lender, Cambridge Savings Bank. According to a social media post from the company, owners TJ and Hadley Douglas expressed that despite their relentless efforts and the backing of a dedicated group of investors, the outcome was not in their favor. The store closure was immediate.
The couple has steered The Urban Grape to be more than just a retail spot, implementing the Progressive Scale which organizes wines by body rather than region or varietal—a first in the nation. Over the years, they've achieved a sales milestone of nearly $50 million in wine, spirits, and beer, with a track record of public tastings and charitable contributions. The store's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic included job provision for displaced hospitality workers and significant donations towards struggling restaurants and educational initiatives. "During COVID, we provided jobs to out-of-work hospitality workers, raised $150,000 for struggling restaurants, and another $250,000 to begin an endowment at Boston University that funds The Urban Grape Wine Studies Award for Students of Color," the Douglas couple's statement on MassLive reads.
As lauded contributors to the local and national wine industry, the closure of The Urban Grape sends ripples through the community. The business has not only been recognized with multiple awards, including the United States Small Business of the Year in 2021, but also holds a prominent place in the hearts of its patrons. Customers shared their support on Instagram, with comments such as, "Sending big love to you both. This could not have been easy. We’ll follow you anywhere and everywhere." The store played a significant role in community building, with patrons ranging from various generations and backgrounds converging in a shared love for wine.
In the face of this setback, the owners maintain an optimistic outlook, assuring customers that the essence of The Urban Grape will persist. "We will gather around our tasting table again, Boston. You can count on it," they pledged in their Instagram announcement. Patrons and supporters are invited to stay connected through The Urban Grape’s Substack newsletter, "The Second Bottle," and to follow them on the Instagram for future updates. Despite the storefront at 303 Columbus Ave. being no longer in operation, the Douglases seem determined to keep their community engaged and the spirit of The Urban Grape alive.
