WORCESTER — After nearly three years of selling boutique wine at the Worcester Public Market, Canal District Wines announced Thursday that it will close to the public July 28.
The women- and LGBTQ+-owned business announced on its website and social media accounts that it was unable to reach a lease-renewal agreement with the Worcester Public Market.
“After three years of sharing wine with the Canal District, it’s time for our last sip. Regrettably, we were unable to reach mutually agreeable terms for the renewal of our lease, which ends in August,” the announcement read. “Our last day open to the public will be Sunday, July 28. We’d like to thank our store staff past and present, Worcester Public Market staff, distributors, and other partners for their work and support. Above all, we want to thank our terrific patrons. It’s been a blast learning about wine alongside you. We’re grateful for your business, and for all the memories created at the tasting tables. Thank you and… cheers!”
Opened November 2021, shop owners Rachel and Olivia Scanlon — a married couple who go by Rae and Livy — started their business after noticing how often they needed to venture out of the city to stock up on bottles.
The couple opened the shop with a goal of strengthening and serving the Canal District, where they also reside.
Many of the stocked wines are sustainably farmed, certified organic and/or vegan with a focus on featuring women and Black winemakers. The shop also hosts wine tastings.
The store proved popular. In 2022, Canal District Wines’ success led to the store moving to a larger section of the Worcester Public Market. The store currently occupies a corner of the building with frontage visible from the parking lot and Harding Street.
The Scanlons were not present at the store when a reporter visited Thursday afternoon and did not immediately return a call for comment. A call for comment to the Worcester Public Market was not immediately returned.