“We've offered a neighborhood wine bar that people can call home, a place where people can come whether they're with a group or by themselves. It's a super cozy, fun spot to be,” Cellar 24 owner Shelli Moran said.
How it started
With 35 years of experience in the wine industry, Moran said she decided to venture out on her own after operating Fleming's Prime Steakhouse on the south side of The Woodlands Mall as a partner for 10 years.
As a Level 2 sommelier, or wine expert, her professional experience comes from her time studying for the Court of Master Sommeliers and her time creating wine lists for several Fleming's Prime Steakhouse restaurants.
Moran said rather than renewing her contract with the restaurant, she decided to open her own wine cellar.
The location where Cellar 24 operates was previously under different ownership as a wine company. When the wine company closed, Moran's connection with the previous owners led her to acquire the place. Moran said her contract with the steakhouse expired on the 24th, which inspired her to include the date in her newly acquired wine bar.
How it’s going
After serving The Woodlands area for 10 years, Moran said Cellar 24 narrowed its wine selection to fit customer requests. Today, Cellar 24 offers a unique selection of small boutique “clever drinking-outside-of-the-box wines,” Moran said.
“I've curated a really cool collection of white wines of interest and red wines of interest. Wines that kind of force you to drink outside of the box, and, you know, turn guests on to wines,” Moran said.
Cellar 24 also added charcuterie boards to its rotating menu made up of small bites made in-house. Other services offered include club membership options, wine classes, wine tastings and retail services. Cellar 24 also provides live music on Fridays featuring local artists as well as a DJ on Saturday nights.
The wine bar supports its community by holding charity wine tasting events that benefit nonprofit organizations. Some organizations Cellar 24 has supported include the Montgomery County Food Bank, Inspiration Ranch, Yes to Youth and Interfaith of The Woodlands. In honor of its 10-year anniversary Cellar 24 held a charity event that benefited Wheelchairs for Warriors with $26,000, Moran said. The organization provides wheelchairs for veterans and first responders, according to its website.
“Whether you know wine or you want to learn about wine, or just truly want to enjoy a craft beer, Cellar 24 is recommended to anyone over 21,” Moran said.
- 6700 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands
- www.cellar-24.com
