She’s Behind Memphis’s Newest Wine Bar!
Meet Amy Zuniga of Non-Vintage Wine Bar, a go-to spot for unique wines and tasty bites. Get to know this week's FACE of Memphis! Image: Ashley Weaver
A native of Memphis, Amy Zuniga headed to Columbia College Chicago, studying theatre, music, and art. Next, she headed west to Los Angeles to explore the music scene. She finally decided to return home “temporarily,” and 22 years later, she’s still here! Along the way, she picked up an enviable skill set in the restaurant industry, which she’s putting to good use.
The owner of the now-closed but much-loved Maximo’s on Broad recently opened a new venture, Non-Vintage Wine Bar. Meet the face behind Non-Vintage, and our newest FACE of Memphis!
When and how did you get into the restaurant industry, and how did your career progress from there?
I started waiting tables when I was around 18 and have worked off and on in this field ever since. I’ve also worked in marketing, event planning, and talent booking. I experimented in numerous hospitality environments, working in fine dining, dive bars, hotels, nightclubs, and celebrity catering events. I’ve held roles as a server, cocktail server, bartender, bar manager, and food and beverage manager.
What was the inspiration behind opening a wine bar?
My motivation came from a trip to Florence, Italy, that I took in my 20s. I was very curious about wine back then and mostly only familiar with French varietals. In Italy, we stumbled upon a wine bar owned by a clever elderly gentleman who was amusing, full of knowledge, and had an incredible little store with wine stacked in boxes and crates on the floor and racks along the walls.
In the back of the store was a tiny little bar with maybe six seats. He had daily specials for wine and snacks written on chalkboards hanging overhead. You could order different glasses of wine, get some cheese or a small sandwich, and explore your tastes. On the way out, you could purchase bottles of the wines you enjoyed.
I loved it and have such fond memories of the experience. It was noteworthy how he enjoyed sharing his wines with strangers and friends, talking about wine, and chatting about life. It stuck in my mind as something I aspired to do one day. It’s a little different here, as a wine bar and a retail shop have stern lines that can’t be crossed. But I can still share my wine finds with friends and strangers.
Tell us about the concept of Non-Vintage Wine Bar.
Non-Vintage is your friendly neighborhood wine bar. We love wine and want to introduce wine-curious people to their new favorite varietal, as well as expand the tastes of wine enthusiasts. No pretentiousness going on around here. We are a very mellow, friendly spot.
What three words best describe the vibe at Non-Vintage?
Cozy, quaint, charming.
What do you love most about working in the restaurant/hospitality industry?
It’s an adventure. You never know what could happen. It’s constant motion; you get to move around non-stop, all while meeting different people from all over the world. There’s also an element of creativity to it, which I enjoy.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
Either at the park or at home.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
When I hit a snag while opening my wine bar and was feeling discouraged, my dad told me, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” That gave me the boost I needed to pick myself up and follow through.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
My dogs, music, and (of course) wine.
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For more amazing FACES of Memphis, check out our archives HERE!
Gaye Swan
As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.