Saugatuck Grain & Grape Pop-Up Store Opens in Westport to Pay It Forward

For those of us who shop or live in the Westport area, you could hear a communal groan of sadness when Saugatuck Grain & Grape closed up shop by the train station in 2018. It was audible. Owner, Mimi McLaughlin ran her small boutique wine and spirits shop like a family, and every time you walked in that door, she taught you something, or opened your eyes to something new. Shoppers walked out excited about a new small producer wine label, a local distiller they’d never heard of…or a cocktail, made perfectly. Her passion and knowledge of all things “grain and grape” created a brand that took her love of educating the consumer and made her a leader in her field.

Fast forward to 2020 and…wait for it…Mimi is back. Last week she opened a Saugatuck Grain & Grape pop-up location at 1460 Post Road East. You can still lean on her for that perfect red wine recommendation, but it’s different this time around. McLaughin says ”I am back because I came to a realization during quarantine, that what I really want to do, is support the local community, those who need it most.” She has put her money where her mouth is, as SG&G is giving 15% of ALL SALES to local charitable organizations.

What does this mean for you, the shopper? It means when you stock up on the wine and spirits you need to get you through the daily trials of 2020, you’ll feel great doing so, as you will be supporting your local Connecticut community. “Pay it forward” is the goal of this new shop, and guests will find Mimi at her usual post, ready to provide consult on everything from expanding the range in your wine collection to identifying the right small batch rum to complete the evening’s signature cocktail.

Mimi hopes to be able to hold small events and tastings as she did with such flair at the old shop, but time will tell. Till then, go forth and shop…and feel good doing it.

Saugatuck Grain & Grape 1460 Post Road East, Westport 203-292-5555 M-Sa. 11-6

@saugatuckgrainandgrape