Opening the door to Kinship Wine + Wares feels like you’re stepping into your friend’s cozy living room. That was the goal for owner Jennifer Monago at her new shop at Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza. There, you can try the certified sommelier’s favorite wines and browse the curated vintage décor.
Monago says the shop is a culmination of her life and career experiences. After graduating from college, she worked in political fundraising in New York.
Following the 2002 election cycle, she decided to shift gears, and ended up in retail working for Restoration Hardware. She was promoted to a position at the company’s California headquarters, where she worked in corporate store operations and communications. While she was living in Marin County, she would make weekend visits to nearby wineries.
“I really got hooked on the geekiness of wine, the story of wine, and really got to know the people who made wine,” Monago says. “That was my passion, my hobby.” She became the friend to call when deciding on what bottle of wine to buy.
When she moved back to the East Coast with her family, she became a certified sommelier. Over the last several years, she’s hosted tastings and classes and then worked for wine distributors.
Creating a Comfortable Space
Monago always wanted to have her own shop. So, when a space became available at Lake Anne next door to her close friend’s Elden Street Tea Shop, she decided it was time.
“The store turned out to be the marriage of two things that I’m really passionate about — vintage items and wine — because I believe both tell a story,” she says. Kinship opened earlier this month and will have a grand opening in September.
Monago aims to make wine accessible for everyone, whether you’re a wine novice or a longtime wine lover. She’s offering wine tastings in the shop and virtually, as well as in-person workshops and consulting for those looking to build a wine cellar. You can find tasting times on Instagram, @kinshipwine.
In her “tiny” space, she stocks wines she’s tried herself and loved, and she changes the offerings out frequently to feature new finds.
“I wanted a safe, comfortable space, like coming into my home, so that people can be relaxed and find something to connect over,” she says. “I love sharing stories with people and I love connecting people. I am passionate about the things that I’m passionate about, and I am happiest when I’m sharing them with people. So you’re going to feel that when you come into my store.”
1635B Washington Plz., Reston, kinshipwine.com
Feature image of Kinship Wine + Wares by Amy Ayres
