News Summary
Raleigh sees the opening of St. Pierre, an upscale wine bar that enhances its food scene. Owned by the Guerras, along with a former sommelier, the bar offers curated wines in a cozy environment. As Raleigh’s culinary landscape grows, new projects and events emerge, showcasing the city’s vibrant local scene while addressing community issues like food insecurity.
Raleigh Welcomes New Wine Bar and Expansion of Local Food Scene
Raleigh, NC—A new upscale wine bar, St. Pierre, has officially opened its doors in the city, marking a significant addition to Raleigh’s vibrant food and beverage landscape. Situated at 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, the establishment aims to provide a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere for wine enthusiasts and casual guests alike.
St. Pierre’s Offerings and Design
St. Pierre features a thoughtfully designed space with ample seating, relaxed background music, and areas designated for wine tasting and social gatherings in the evening hours. The establishment boasts a curved, marble-topped bar that can seat about ten guests, complemented by approximately twenty additional seats within the indoor space, creating an inviting environment for both individual wine lovers and groups.
Strategic Leadership and Collaborations
The venue was established by Anthony and Brett Guerra, owners of Oakwood Pizza Box, who expanded their hospitality footprint with this new venture. Joining as a partner is Scott Hardiman, a seasoned former sommelier formerly associated with The Umstead Hotel and Spa. The collaboration emphasizes a focus on curated wine selections and a welcoming ambiance.
Expansion and Related Projects
In addition to St. Pierre’s debut, the Guerras have announced several expansion efforts this year, including the opening of Tutti Pizza in Charleston and a new carry-out location, Capital Pizza Box, situated near St. Pierre to serve quick and convenient pizza options to the neighborhood. These projects reflect the owners’ active investment in growing Raleigh’s casual dining scene.
Menu and Beverage Focus
St. Pierre emphasizes wines that are selected based on their quality and interesting stories behind each bottle, aiming to offer compelling choices at reasonable prices. The wine shop prioritizes accessibility and good value, making it a suitable spot for both novice and connoisseur drinkers. The bar offers a curated selection of wines, highlighting storytelling and education around the selections.
Additional Food and Drink Developments in Raleigh
The city’s food scene continues to evolve with new openings and renovations. Pizzeria Toro plans to open a new location downtown at Seaboard Station by next summer, promising more pizza options for local residents. Capulet Cocktail Club, announced by Patrick Shanahan, is also preparing to open this fall in The Exchange at Midtown, offering a new place for craft cocktails and socializing.
Other Notable Culinary Events and Venues
Among upcoming events, Peregrine will begin offering Sunday brunch starting September 21, and Foxcroft Wine Co. has been rebranded as Foxcroft Food & Wine to reflect its expanded service offerings. Downtown, Bright Side Books & Wine is set to open this fall at Platform Apartments, marking Raleigh’s first combined bookstore and wine bar.
Local Food Scene Highlights and Events
Other events include the final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo for 2025 scheduled for November 2, featuring more than fifty trucks, and Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village on September 20, which will feature German-inspired festivities. The Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will debut on October 18 at Blackwood Farm Park, showcasing local chefs and live music.
Community and Economic Impact
Despite these developments, Raleigh continues to face challenges such as the ongoing hunger crisis, exacerbated by recent federal funding cuts affecting food assistance programs. Local organizations continue to urge community members to donate to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, as community support remains vital in addressing food insecurity.
Future Opening Plans and Other Projects
In addition to Raleigh’s new venues, there are other notable openings in nearby areas. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot recently opened in Durham, offering all-you-can-eat dining, while Gussie’s will occupy the former location of Left Hook Coffee as the latter shifts focus toward their new East Raleigh establishment. New eateries like Cabo Mexican Cuisine are preparing to open at Brier Creek Commons, expanding the region’s diverse culinary options.
Special Events and Fundraising Initiatives
The fall season also brings various community events, including the annual Lucky B’s Dive Bar 20th anniversary celebration on September 13. Additionally, the Chefs for Change Gala & Live Auction is scheduled to benefit Families Moving Forward, with tickets now available for this notable fundraiser. Meanwhile, the First Annual Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will draw visitors to Blackwood Farm Park in October, highlighting the local food and music scene.
As Raleigh’s food and beverage sector expands with new establishments like St. Pierre and others, the city continues to enhance its reputation as a dynamic destination for culinary experiences. Community events and ongoing initiatives reflect a vibrant local scene committed to growth and inclusivity.
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Additional Resources
- News Observer: Raleigh Welcomes New Wine Bar
- Wikipedia: Raleigh
- WRAL: Oakwood Pizza Box Owners Expand Wine Shop
- Google Search: Raleigh food scene
- Axios: Oakwood Pizza Box Owners New Wine Bar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Raleigh Today: Bright Side Books and Wine
- Google News: Raleigh wine bars
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
