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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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At the new Cork & Craft Wine Lounge on Haywood Road in West Asheville, owners Cody and Lila Stokes are emphasizing the wine side of their new business.

That’s a significant change for their location, which had been home to the Hops & Vines beer and beer-making supply shop for more than a decade. Cork & Craft will still stock high-end beers, especially hard-to-find brews, and will serve up local craft beers on tap.

But wine – organic, biodynamic, vegan and much more – will be the star, on taps and stocked at moderate prices. A new area designed to showcase the work of local artists and encourage people to sip wine and work, anchors the rear of the store once packed with brewing equipment.

There’s an outdoor balcony with a handful of tables, too. Don’t miss the black walnut bar (made by Cody).

“We really want to be the place you can get really great wine at a reasonable price,” Lila says as Cody adds, “That’s right – approachable and non-pretentious. We want people to come in and taste and enjoy.”

The husband-and-wife team are well-known on the Asheville scene from a variety of work experiences.

Lila worked as Sunburst Trout’s first national sales manager and she and Cody opened a food brokerage to get foods into big stores. After the birth of her daughter, she took a break, and came back to work as a dental assistant for two years.

But she says she always loved sales, and always enjoyed wine.

“I fell in love with wine when I was eating at a five-star restaurant in Chicago that was doing a pairing, and that was the first time I realized wine could change your experience with food,” she says.

Cody was a chef and restaurateur in Sylva for 10 years, was a co-creator of the popular Roots Hummus in West Asheville and also worked as a wine distributor for a handful of years. He’s also worked as a wine importer and sales and distribution manager for a time at Green Man Brewing.

“Everything we’ve done has led to this,” he says.

Look for $5 mimosas on Sundays, as well as live music. Other events coming include wine and beer dinners, pop-up dinners and wine tastings, of course. There’s a meat and cheese selection for sale at the shop for those looking for a snack any time.

Cork & Craft is located at 797 Haywood Road, Suite 100. Call them at 252-5275. There’s parking at the back of the building.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. on Monday; noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Follow them on Instagram @corkandcraftwestasheville.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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