Business Spotlight: Arista Wine Cellars
Small businesses and the people who own and work in them are the heart of our Edmonds community. To keep our downtown thriving, it’s more critical than ever that we think local first.
In this new series, we will be highlighting independently-owned businesses, and learn more about the folks that make them run!
Meet Roger Clayton from Arista Wine Cellars
What is your favorite part of your business?
The customers. Many of them have become friends. And of course tasting wines.
Why did you start your business?
I kind of fell into this business. I was laid off from my previous job (many years ago) and was looking for a career change. I approached David & Ruth Arista about employment, not knowing anything about wine except that I liked to drink it. They hired me in July 2002, and I’ve been here ever since. I have owned Arista Wine Cellars, along with my wife, Marisa, since March 2016.
Why did you choose Edmonds for your business?
What’s not to like about Edmonds?
What is unique about your business?
The choice of wines. You will not find any of these wines at grocery stores. The knowledge of our staff. We have over 125 years of combined wine drinking experience with our staff.
Why should people do business with you?
Again, our staff. We are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but we’ve tasted almost every wine we sell here at Arista.
What are you currently doing differently during this time?
We’ve always offered free delivery, but it’s really caught on the last few months.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have about 900 bottles of wine in my personal cellar.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your business?
We have a terrific Wine Club here at Arista. We also cheerfully accept special orders, which we can usually fill within a week. AND, we offer free delivery within Edmonds ($75 minimum order).
Arista Wine Cellars
320 5th Ave S
Years in business: 23
Photos by Matt Hulbert
