Behind the Business: Lagarde's Fine Wine and Spirits

Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 11:40 GMT by WLOX
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Lagarde's Fine Wine and Spirits is located at 128 Blaize Avenue in Bay St Louis.

Behind the Business: Lagarde's Fine Wine & Spirits – A Gulf Coast Gem Uncorked

In the heart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where the salty breeze of the Gulf of Mexico meets the vibrant pulse of local commerce, stands Lagarde's Fine Wine & Spirits. This unassuming yet sophisticated establishment has become a cornerstone for wine enthusiasts, spirit connoisseurs, and casual sippers alike. Founded in 1987 by local entrepreneur Jean Lagarde, a French immigrant with a passion for viticulture inherited from his Bordeaux roots, the store began as a modest shop in Biloxi, offering a curated selection of wines that reflected Jean's European heritage. Over the decades, it has evolved into a multifaceted business that not only sells fine beverages but also educates and connects the community through tastings, events, and personalized service.

Jean Lagarde's journey to opening the store is a tale of resilience and vision. Arriving in the United States in the early 1980s, he initially worked in the hospitality industry, managing bars and restaurants along the coast. However, the devastation of Hurricane Camille in 1969 had left a lasting impact on the region, and Jean saw an opportunity to bring a touch of elegance and recovery through fine wines. "I wanted to introduce the Gulf Coast to the artistry of wine-making," Jean once shared in an interview. "It's not just about drinking; it's about savoring life's moments." Starting with a small inventory of French wines, the store quickly expanded to include selections from California, Italy, Australia, and beyond, adapting to the growing American palate.

Today, under the stewardship of Jean's daughter, Marie Lagarde, who took over operations in 2015, the business has flourished. Marie, a certified sommelier with a degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi, has modernized the store while preserving its old-world charm. The physical space, located on Howard Avenue in Biloxi, features rustic wooden shelves lined with over 1,500 labels of wine, from affordable everyday reds to rare vintages that can fetch hundreds of dollars. The spirits section is equally impressive, boasting premium whiskeys, craft gins, artisanal tequilas, and even locally distilled options from Mississippi's burgeoning craft scene. "We've made it a point to support local producers," Marie explains. "Our shelves include spirits from distilleries right here on the coast, like Cathead Vodka and Lazy Magnolia beers, blending global sophistication with Southern hospitality."

What sets Lagarde's apart is its commitment to education and community engagement. The store hosts weekly wine tastings, where patrons can sample new arrivals paired with cheeses and charcuterie from nearby farms. These events often draw crowds of 50 or more, fostering a sense of camaraderie among locals and tourists. During the holiday season, Lagarde's transforms into a festive hub, offering gift baskets, custom engravings on bottles, and even virtual tastings for those unable to visit in person. Marie has also partnered with local charities, such as the Gulf Coast Food Bank, donating a portion of proceeds from special events to support hunger relief efforts. "Giving back is in our DNA," she says. "After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we were one of the first businesses to reopen, providing not just supplies but a place for people to gather and find normalcy."

The business has weathered its share of challenges, from economic downturns to natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pivot to online sales and curbside pickup, which Marie credits with expanding their customer base beyond the local area. Now, Lagarde's ships to several states, with an e-commerce platform that includes detailed tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and even virtual consultations with staff sommeliers. This digital evolution has attracted a younger demographic, with millennials and Gen Z customers seeking sustainable and organic options. The store has responded by stocking eco-friendly wines from biodynamic vineyards and low-intervention producers, aligning with modern values.

Customer stories abound, painting a picture of Lagarde's as more than a retailer—it's a cultural touchstone. Longtime patron Robert Thompson, a Biloxi resident, recalls discovering his favorite Cabernet Sauvignon during a tasting event in the 1990s. "It's where I proposed to my wife over a bottle of champagne," he shares. Such anecdotes highlight the store's role in personal milestones. For businesses, Lagarde's offers corporate gifting services and bulk orders for events, supporting the local tourism industry by supplying wines to hotels and casinos along the coast.

Looking ahead, Marie envisions further growth, including a potential expansion to a second location in Gulfport. She's also exploring collaborations with winemakers for exclusive blends tailored to the Gulf Coast palate—perhaps a seafood-friendly white wine inspired by local cuisine. Sustainability remains a focus, with initiatives like recycling programs for corks and bottles to reduce environmental impact.

In an era where big-box retailers dominate, Lagarde's Fine Wine & Spirits stands as a testament to the power of personalized service and passion-driven entrepreneurship. It's a place where the clink of glasses echoes stories of heritage, community, and the simple joy of a well-chosen pour. Whether you're a novice looking for your first bottle or a collector hunting for a rare find, Lagarde's invites you to uncork the possibilities. As Jean Lagarde might say, "Life is too short for bad wine." With its rich history and forward-thinking approach, this Gulf Coast staple continues to raise a glass to the future.

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