We have some huge news to share! Vino & Tap was officially featured in the August 2026 issue of Cary Magazine as their Small Business Spotlight! 📰🍷
For over 20 years, Cary Magazine has been Western Wake County’s premier lifestyle publication, showcasing the absolute best in local dining, community features, and small businesses across Cary, Apex, and Morrisville. To be spotlighted by Erin McKnight, Jonathan Fredin, and their incredible team is such a proud milestone for us!
Whether you’re already a regular or haven’t yet stepped inside the historic Pasmore House on East Chatham Street, here is a peek at what Cary Magazine had to say about our story, our setup, and our passion for wine.
💡 “Hospitality is More Than Service”
Writer Erin McKnight captured the heart of what managing partner and general manager Robbie Schenck (and his father, Drew) wanted to create when opening Vino & Tap.
“Service is getting what you asked for in a timely manner. Hospitality is more of a connection. It’s a service that’s enjoyed… You’re not just doing it for the job — you want people to have the best experience possible.”
— Robbie Schenck, Managing Partner & GM
That family tradition goes way back—even down to our surname! As noted in the article, the Schenck family name traces back to Germany, where it translates to “cupbearer”—the honored individual entrusted with serving drinks and wine for nobility and royalty. It’s safe to say beverage hospitality is literally in our blood!
🍷 Proper Wine Temperatures: Non-Negotiable
If you’ve ever had a glass of red wine served too warm at a local spot, you know how disappointing it can be. Cary Magazine highlighted our dedication to doing things right:
“Temperature, Robbie explains, is non-negotiable… That’s why at Vino & Tap, every white is stored at 47 degrees and every red at 62, with bottle chillers above the bar and a purpose-built wine cellar upstairs that maintains those temperatures around the clock.”
Every bottle ordered comes directly down from our custom, temperature-controlled cellar so it’s served exactly as the winemaker intended.
🥂 Unlocking the Upstairs: The Collector’s Club & Members Lounge
Cary Magazine also gave readers an inside look at our brand-new upstairs offerings!
This summer marked the launch of our Collector’s Club Membership Program—a quarterly subscription designed for wine lovers who want hand-selected bottles reserved and stored directly in our upstairs cellar, alongside member pricing and exclusive event invites.
Looking to host a private gathering? Our Members Lounge is a cozy, private upstairs sanctuary that seats up to 16 guests:
- Private Gatherings: Perfect for intimate parties, corporate socials, or celebratory nights out.
- Tailored Packages: Custom event packages featuring 1.5-gallon sangria carafes, build-your-own mimosa bars, and even a rental champagne tower!
📍 What Makes Vino & Tap Special (According to Cary Mag)
Beyond the wine and hospitality, the feature highlighted a few unique things that make our spot right on the edge of Downtown Cary Park so special:
- 1920s Victorian Charm: Transforming the historic Pasmore House into an intimate, atmospheric lounge.
- Downtown Social District Friendly: Drinks like our Cider Royale and champagne cocktails can be enjoyed inside or taken to-go as you stroll through Downtown Cary.
- Local Bites & Food Trucks: Pairing drinks with local treats like Frankie B’s Pimento Cheese, Slice Pie Company, and Cary Caramel Company, along with a rotating lineup of food trucks.
- Serene Patio Views: Our expansive back patio overlooking Downtown Cary Park offers the ultimate sunset spot.
Thank You, Cary Magazine!
We want to send a big “thank you” to Erin McKnight for telling our story so beautifully and Jonathan Fredin for capturing the space through his lens!
Most importantly, thank you to YOU—our amazing Cary community—for welcoming us with open arms since we opened our doors.
Want to read the full article? Pick up a physical copy of the August 2026 issue of Cary Magazine or read the full spotlight online here!
Come raise a glass with us at 307 S. Academy St. this week! 🥂✨