Rebel Wine Lounge, the chic wine bar that grew into a downtown Mesa favorite, is closing its Macdonald-and-Main location later this month and shifting its entire operation to Gilbert. The owners say the move will let them grow the kitchen, add a private-events room and generally level up in a new space inside The Gilmore. Until then, the Mesa bar is rolling out clearance drink specials as it empties the cellar ahead of the move.
Owners Christina Goldsmith and Macee Tillman announced the decision on social media on July 15 and said the Mesa room will stay open through July 24, or until they run out of beer, wine and spirits. To clear out inventory, they are pouring $5 beers, $5 wines and offering discounts on bottles, according to Phoenix New Times. Goldsmith told the paper, "I think it's not the right fit for Mesa at this time."
Why the owners are moving
Goldsmith and Tillman said business in Mesa has been inconsistent, and the new apartments nearby have not delivered the steady crowds they were counting on. By moving to The Gilmore, they plan to bring several concepts together under their Incomparably Dope Venture Partners umbrella and focus on more daytime traffic and event business in Gilbert.
What The Gilmore will offer
The Gilmore is a 35-acre mixed-use project at Val Vista Drive and Germann Road that has already signed more than two dozen retail and restaurant leases, including Rebel Wine Lounge and Phantom Fox Beer Co., according to a Thompson Thrift press release via PR Newswire. Developers say a wave of retailers is expected to begin opening in the latter half of 2026, and the Rebel team anticipates getting the keys in August to start the buildout.
What customers should know
The downtown Mesa room will stay open for a final stretch of service while the owners work through remaining inventory. When Rebel reopens at The Gilmore in early 2027, customers can look for a fuller menu, private-event options and coffee service. Several of the owners' other concepts, including Level 1 Arcade and Alchemy 48, are slated to join the Gilbert center, and Phantom Fox will add a second Gilbert location. For current hours and the latest updates, the Rebel website lists the Mesa address and operating hours and includes a closing notice for the location: Rebel Wine Lounge.
