Wine shop with cellar storage

Local wine lovers, gift buyers, restaurants and bars, and collectors who want somewhere safe to keep their bottles.

Margin on bottle sales, case orders for restaurants, tastings and events, and recurring storage fees from cellar clients.

• Good wine knowledge and tasting
• Selling and building regular customers
• Stock control and ordering
• Managing a small team or staff rota

• Alcohol retail is strictly regulated and the rules differ widely by province, so check which licence or authorization you need and how long it takes
• In some provinces, such as Quebec, there are specific rules on where you can buy and sell wine, so check with the provincial regulator
• Stock is a big upfront cost and unsold bottles tie up cash
• Commercial general liability, property and stock insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules by province)
• Responsible service rules and staff training requirements
• Municipal zoning, signage and opening hour rules

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000 CAD, depending on premises, fit-out and stock. Stock is a big upfront cost, and unsold bottles tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $15,000 to $70,000 CAD, depending on location, stock range and how many restaurant and storage clients you win. Rent, stock and wages come out of that revenue.

Alcohol retail is strictly regulated and differs by province, so check which licence you need and how long it takes. In Quebec, check specific buying and selling rules. Also check insurance, responsible service training, zoning, signage and opening hours.