E-Ville Spirits & Wines
E-Ville Spirits & Wines
Celebrating 20 years in business; Customer Appreciation Day Dec. 4th
“It seems like just yesterday I was dreaming of owning my own wine and spirits shop,” said Shannon Carscallen, owner of E-Ville Spirits & Wines at 10 Monroe St. It’s true that the years have passed quickly, and now Carscallen is thrilled to be celebrating a milestone that not many small businesses ever achieve: her 20th anniversary! As she looks back on the past two decades, the entrepreneur is proud to share her journey, including her inspiration, international travels, passion, and gratitude for all of those who have supported her along the way.
Opening E-Ville Spirits & Wines was the fulfillment of Carscallen’s dream that was many years in the making. “I had some influence in this decision since I watched my parents own and operate their own shop, Gates Circle, in Buffalo,” she explained. “I knew it was what I was meant to do.” In order to make her dream a reality, Carscallen decided to learn as much as possible about the products she would offer her customers so that they could feel confident in her recommendations and suggestions.
She recalled, “I was incredibly lucky to have the freedom to travel across the world sipping the finest wines in countries like Argentina and South Africa. I learned everything there was to know about the grapes, soil, elevation and so much more. Each area offered more knowledge and I was a sponge absorbing every lesson.”
Carscallen’s passion for understanding the region, culture, and history behind her products is something that comes across in every interaction she has with her customers. In her words, “Just being able to speak about each wine as if it has a real personality excites me, and sharing that excitement with my customers is a bonus!”
Once Carscallen gained the experience and background knowledge that she needed to open her own store, she began to build her business with Bob Duke. Of Duke, she said, “[He is] the man that stood by my side for 18 years helping me develop my store into what it is today: a positive experience. We are so proud to be a business in this community for the last 20 years.”
For Carscallen, building her business has also been an opportunity for her to give back to and support the local community. Through donations and special fundraisers, E-Ville Spirits & Wines has helped local residential community members. “Helping this community and believing in our ability has helped shape this business into what it is today,” said Carscallen.
Over the years, Carscallen’s customers have grown to love the amazing selection, as well as the opportunity to learn about the origins of some of their favorite products. Carscallen has offered monthly wine classes at her store, and customers can also join her wine, bourbon, or single malt scotch clubs which feature different growing regions and practices around the world by bringing hand-picked bottles to club members who are interested in expanding their tastes.
While no one could have foreseen the COVID-19 pandemic and how it would impact both small and large business alike, Carscallen adapted to the changes to meet the needs of her customers in efficient, safe ways. Customers can still place curbside pick-up orders online at www.evillespirits.com and pick them up as soon as an hour later. E-Ville Spirits & Wines also offers FREE delivery to customers in the village of Ellicottville.
On Saturday, December 4th, stop by the store to celebrate its 20th anniversary! “We’re doing 15% off on all wines that are 750 milliliters or larger all day,” said Carscallen. E-Ville Spirits & Wines is open from 10:00am-6:00pm on Mondays, 10:00am-7:00pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:00am-8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon-6:00pm on Sundays. For more information, visit www.evillespirits.com or call 716-699-4474.
Carscallen is looking forward to seeing her shop continually evolve and looks forward to celebrating 20 more years! “I just want to say thank you to all my customers, staff, sales reps, delivery men, all members of our bourbon and scotch clubs as well as all attendees of my monthly wine classes,” she said. “I have learned so much from so many of you and developed great friendships with all of you as well. A special thank you to my family and Bob Duke. You have been my backbone in so many steps in this journey and I just want you to know how much I appreciate you all.”