Today we’d like to introduce you to The Wine Lounge, Hutchinson.
Can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our story began 14 years ago when we met through a mutual friend, Leah. Over the years, our friendship grew through many shared moments weekly golf outings, shopping trips, annual lefse-making nights, watching our kids play hockey, and most notably, our shared love of wine.
Every fall during MEA weekend, our husbands would head north to hunt near Backus at Laura’s family cabin. While they were away, we started a tradition of casual shopping trips along Highway 371. It was during one of those trips in 2022 that the idea for The Wine Lounge was born. At the time, Laura was navigating a very difficult season as her father battled cancer, and she was doing a lot of soul-searching while starting a new job. Meanwhile, I was building momentum in a new career in real estate.
That weekend, we stumbled upon a charming wine bar and were instantly drawn to its self-pour wine machine. A few glasses in, we found ourselves dreaming out loud about bringing a similar concept back to our hometown. After that trip, nearly every bottle of wine we opened together turned into another conversation about what “our” wine bar could be.
In the winter of 2023, Laura’s father passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He was her world, and his loss transformed our lighthearted dreaming into purposeful planning. We envisioned a space that felt like spending an evening in a friend’s living room—comfortable, eclectic, and inviting. Our goal was to create a warm atmosphere filled with soft seating, coffee tables, couches, and thoughtful details. At the heart of it all was the self-pour wine machine, which allowed guests to explore wines without intimidation and at their own pace.
We also saw the concept as a smart business model. With the self-pour system, we could operate with low overhead and minimal staffing—typically just one or two people per shift—which was essential since we were both balancing full-time careers and families. Laura was working for a pharmaceutical dispensing company, and I was a Realtor running my own business. We told ourselves it would be a manageable, low-risk side venture. Looking back now, we laugh out loud at that assumption.
Things became very real when we met with our business coach, who was truly a game-changer. He challenged us to think critically and plan thoroughly. We quickly realized how naïve we had been about what it takes to open a brick-and-mortar business. But what stood out most during the journey from planning to opening was the incredible community we live in. Hutchinson welcomed us with open arms—from the supportive Chamber of Commerce to the inclusive Main Street business network.
We officially opened The Wine Lounge in March of 2024. We are open Thursday through Saturday from 3–9 p.m. Our menu includes charcuterie boards, a variety of flatbreads, and small bites, with local favorites like spinach and artichoke dip and locally made cheesecakes. Beyond our 18 rotating wine selections, we also offer craft and domestic beer, hard ciders, seltzers, non-alcoholic wine, soda, and sparkling water. This winter, we plan to expand our offerings with craft bourbon cocktails.
What started as a shared love of wine and friendship has grown into a space where community, comfort, and connection come together—exactly as we hoped it would.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new venture while both balancing full-time careers and families
Underestimating the complexity of opening a brick-and-mortar business and gaining confidence as first-time bar/brick-and-mortar owners
Building brand awareness in the community from scratch
Balancing emotional investment with practical business decisions
Keeping our menus interesting and exciting while trying to keep costs low during a challenging economy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
If we understand this question correctly:
We are both co-owners, Laura Longie & Erika Kellen
Laura is a Pharmacist at a retail pharmacy in Hutchinson
Erika is a Realtor in the community of Hutchinson.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We have been incredibly fortunate to receive support from so many amazing partners, including Citizens Bank, the Southwest Initiative Foundation, our Chamber of Commerce, and our Main Street local businesses. Most importantly, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering encouragement and support from our families and friends, who have stood behind us every step of the way.
Collaboration is something we truly love and value. We are surrounded by exceptional Main Street businesses, and we enjoy working together to create events that drive energy, foot traffic, and connection in our downtown. Over the past year, we have partnered on events such as Galentine’s Day, Small Business Saturday, and our annual Evening on Main hosted by a local downtown med spa. During these collaborations, we often run special promotions, offer discounts with receipts from partner businesses, and provide charcuterie boards to enhance the experience. These events are not only great for our businesses, but they are some of the most fun and rewarding moments of what we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thewineloungemn.com/
- Instagram: @the_winelounge
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Wine-Lounge-61553977619337/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wine-lounge-hutchinson
