Coeur d’Alene wine bar pushes through the pandemic to give visitors a taste of home
Coeur d’Alene’s Wine House — housed in a historic building that was formerly a pawn shop — recently added domes for wintertime dining.
Story and photos by Brittney Long
When Nicole and Conor Hammons bought a historic building on the up-and-coming end of Coeur d’Alene’s East Sherman Avenue in 2019, it seemed like a great opportunity to start a business.
The couple faced construction woes, opening setbacks and impending closures due to the pandemic – but it turns out the challenge was worth it. The Hammons opened Wine House in July 2020, and the wine bar has become a neighborhood hot spot.
The Hammons didn’t always have a wine bar in mind for the building.
Nicole and Conor Hammons pose with their children, Rowan and Avery, at Wine House.
"We bought it and didn't really know what we were going to do with it right away," Nicole said.
The idea came about when they were on vacation.
“We went to a place that was super relaxed, not pretentious, and that was when the idea struck. This is what we should do,” she said.
Wine House provides a casual atmosphere with a sense of community. Nicole, whose day job is fostering local youth with Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County, wanted to create “a place you can host events, give back with donations, an environment of community for people to just meet up and hang out."
Don’t feel intimidated by the swishing and swooshing of stereotypical wine tasting here. Both experts and beginners can find a seat at the table.
"If you love wine and don't know a thing about it, welcome,” Hammons said. “If you are an expert, welcome."
Wine is, of course, the centerpiece of Wine House’s menu. The diverse wine list includes selections from winegrowing regions of the Northwest, such as Walla Walla, as well as niche wines from around the world. For beer lovers, the "original brown bag special" is a mystery beer in a bag for $4.
The light food menu features charcuterie, desserts and flatbreads (such as a pumpkin, mozzarella, gorgonzola, apple and pecan option) to start.
Nicole, who has a design degree, used her experience to overhaul the building, which was originally built in 1920. She transformed the interior into a mid-century modern meets farmhouse style with elements of design both feminine and masculine welcoming anyone who walks through the door.
"I have a love for old buildings … especially downtown," she said. "We wanted to save it and have it remain as original as it could be."
Wine House’s atmosphere is a neighborhood spot featuring a home-away-from-home feel, with easy-going firepits, lawn games and a stage. Nicer weather beckons a rotation of local artists performing live music.
"The backyard looks like your backyard at home, but someone is serving you a cocktail – which is a dream," Hammons said with a laugh.
Visit Wine House:
1621 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene
3-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday
3-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
www.winehousecda.com
