By Mike Goodman
Cordial Craft Wine, Beer and Spirits, located at 35 Sutton Square, SW, has been at the Wharf since 2017, and remains focused on making local, artisanal libations available to all. This is not your typical liquor store, as it emphasizes products from family vineyards, D.C.-area distilleries, and small batch craft brews.
“Our focus is on small producers. We look for unique, interesting producers that provide great value. Often they are family owned businesses,” says owner Chuck Waldmann.
Waldmann, who purchased the store in 2018, takes great pride in finding local producers with high quality products. For example, the store is one of only a few retailers that carries Lost, a local bourbon bottled in Fairfax County. “We try to rep the DMV in our brands as much as possible,” says Waldmann.
Cordial is not exclusively local, though, as there are some products that simply can’t be found in the region. The store features a good selection of Japanese whiskies and carries a wine selection from around the world. Many of their local and international brands are on display for regular tastings, every Friday from 5-8 p.m., and every Saturday from 3-6 p.m.
With the recent closing of the store Anchor, Cordial is now the only alcohol retailer in west-Southwest. Waldmann, who has been in the wine and spirits business for 27 years, views his store as a part of the Southwest community, and enjoys sharing the products that he finds. “We’re happy to be a part of this community,” he says.
Information about tastings and other events at the store can be found at cordialwharf.com.
Editor’s note: Due to the recent Covid-19 outbreak, many local businesses at the Wharf, including restaurants, may have special operating times and instructions. More information can be found at https://www.wharfdc.com/current-operating-status/?fbclid=IwAR1Sd8Mhan-G6W55zDMz55avzmwwIMmRbRentKqkjPlRCamOxvNpjdFfn4M.