Spokane Valley, WA – A new venture aimed at enhancing the local wine experience has opened its doors in Spokane Valley. Cellar & Scholar, founded by mother-daughter duo Justine Recor and Cathy Hand, seeks to bring a global selection of wines to the region, catering to both wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Justine Recor identified a gap in the local market for more diverse wine options, especially those made using sustainable, organic, and biodynamic practices. After years of intensive study with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Justine, along with her mother Cathy, decided to launch Cellar & Scholar to fill that void.
“We believe wine should be approachable,” said Justine, who serves as the Wine Director and Owner of the new establishment. “There’s a world of incredible wines out there—vibrant, alive, and made with sustainable practices. Many of these wines don’t make it into big retail chains because they’re produced in small batches, but we’ve created a path to bring these unique offerings to our community.”
Cellar & Scholar offers a curated selection of wines by the glass, flight, or bottle, paired with chef-created plates designed to complement each wine. The shop also features a variety of bottles available for purchase to take home. For those seeking a personalized experience, the business offers a custom-curated wine club, where members receive wine allocations tailored to their preferences and budget.
In addition to its retail offerings, Cellar & Scholar provides wine education through classes and consultations. The establishment also offers discounts for those in the hospitality industry.
The wine shop and lounge is located at 15412 East Sprague Avenue, at the corner of Sprague and Sullivan. Justine and Cathy encourage wine lovers to explore their unique offerings, including the opportunity to join their wine club and deepen their knowledge of wines from around the world.
Justine Recor is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and a graduate of the prestigious WSET Diploma program. Only 13,000 people worldwide have achieved this level of expertise. Cathy Hand is also a Certified Sommelier and is currently pursuing her WSET Diploma.
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