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Local wine shop doubles in size, adds kitchen as it debuts new food menu

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/30 .. ize-adds-kitchen-as-it-debuts-new-food-menu.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 30th 2025 at 0:55 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Walnut Hill Wine Shop Expands, Adds Kitchen and Fresh Food Menu to Cincinnati’s Culinary Scene

A long‑standing staple of the Walnut Hill neighborhood, the local wine shop has just announced a dramatic expansion that will double its physical footprint, add a fully‑equipped kitchen, and debut a new food menu that showcases both local produce and classic pairings. The move, which was officially unveiled during a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on Tuesday, marks the shop’s first foray into the “wine‑and‑food” model and signals a broader trend of specialty retailers branching out to offer a more immersive dining experience.

From a Cozy Wine Bar to a Full‑Service Wine & Dine Destination

Originally opened in 2018 by wine enthusiast and entrepreneur Daniel Souder, the shop began as a modest 3,000‑square‑foot space that catered primarily to wine lovers with an extensive selection of domestic and imported bottles, a tasting room, and occasional pairing events. Souder’s vision—“to create a place where people could feel comfortable exploring new wines without the pressure of a full‑scale restaurant”—resonated with the community, and the shop quickly built a loyal following.

“The expansion is a natural next step,” Souder told reporters. “We’ve always wanted to offer food that complements our wines, and now we have the space to do it properly.” He added that the decision to add a kitchen was driven in part by customer feedback; a recent survey found that 68% of patrons expressed interest in tasting local dishes paired with the shop’s curated wine list.

The new space is now roughly 6,000 square feet, with the kitchen occupying about 2,500 square feet of that area. The design retains the shop’s original rustic charm—exposed brick, reclaimed wood tables, and an open‑concept bar—but incorporates a modern, commercial‑grade kitchen equipped with stainless‑steel appliances, a commercial refrigerator, and a dedicated prep area.

A Menu That Marries Wine and Local Flavors

The newly launched food menu, curated by chef partner Iris Read (a name that has become synonymous with the shop’s culinary vision), focuses on small plates and shareable items that pair seamlessly with the existing wine collection. “Our goal is to make each dish a conversation starter,” Read explained. “We’re talking about dishes like the Walnut Hill Cheese Board, featuring a selection of local artisanal cheeses, fresh figs, and honey‑glazed walnuts—an absolute hit for the shop’s regulars.”

Other highlighted items include:

• Charcuterie & Cheese Boards – locally sourced meats and a rotating selection of cheeses.
• Seasonal Flatbreads – topped with local mushrooms, smoked trout, or roasted heirloom tomatoes.
• Brunch‑Style Pastries – croissants, Danish pastries, and a signature “Walnut Hill Cinnamon Roll.”
• Daily Soup & Salad – featuring a rotating menu of soups made with farm‑to‑table ingredients and fresh greens.

All dishes are designed to complement the shop’s wine list, which now boasts an expanded range of both domestic and imported options, including small‑batch vintages and rare finds. For example, the shop will offer a new pairing menu featuring a local house‑made fig jam with a sweet Riesling from Oregon, and a robust Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a grilled steak tartare.

Community and Economic Impact

The expansion has been welcomed by local business owners and residents alike. “I’ve seen a lot of businesses here grow, but nothing that blends the local food scene with a specialized wine offering in this way,” said Maria Lopez, owner of a nearby bakery. “This is going to bring more people into the neighborhood, and that’s good for everyone.”

The addition of a kitchen also creates new job opportunities. The shop plans to hire six staff members, including a head chef, sous‑chef, and several prep cooks. Souder emphasized that hiring locally is a priority; “We’re looking to bring on people from the community, and we’re even offering culinary apprenticeships for students looking to get hands‑on experience.”

Looking Forward

The shop’s grand reopening event on Thursday will feature a live wine‑pairing demonstration led by Read and Souder, complete with a tasting of the new menu items. The event will also showcase a new, expanded wine collection that includes a limited‑edition 2022 vintage that the shop acquired during its first year of operation.

The Walnut Hill Wine Shop’s expansion is a microcosm of a larger trend among niche retailers, who are increasingly blending retail, dining, and experiential services to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. For residents of Cincinnati, the new wine‑and‑food destination offers a convenient, community‑focused alternative to large chain restaurants.

For those interested in a preview of the new menu or to learn more about the shop’s upcoming events, visitors can visit the Walnut Hill Wine Shop’s website at www.walnuthillwineshop.com or follow their social media channels for the latest updates.