New Owner, New Name: Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits Caters to Customers

Peter Shah recently took over the liquor store at the intersection of Sheephill Road and Palmer Hill Road, renaming it Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits in honor of the adjacent historic bridge over the Mianus River.

The store, previously LaBella’s Fine Wine & Spirits for 16 years, is located at the juncture of several different neighborhoods, but technically is in Riverside.

Mr. Shah liked suggestions to rename the store in honor of the historic Palmer Hill Road bridge that dates back to 1687. It is one of the historic assets protected by the Scenic Road designation approved by Greenwich in P&Z commission in 2024.

Mr. Shah got his start in Greenwich when he took over Cos Cob Wine & Spirits back in 2022.

He said the drive from the Cos Cob hub to Palmer Hill Rd takes under 10 minutes, but the change in atmosphere is noticeable.

With a country-like feel, Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits has nice views of both the historic bridge and the Mianus River, lined with Weeping Willows and dotted with kayaks.

And even though Mr. Shah expanded his Cos Cob store into the atrium at 130 E Putnam Ave in 2024, Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits has more square footage, a front porch, and three dedicated parking spaces out front.

Mr. Shah opened Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits in February, then closed for 10 days for a major renovation, including new lighting and shelving.

In addition to a variety of wines and spirits, Mr. Shah has space in the new store for a wider beer selection and IPAs.

Prices are competitive and there are several wines selling for 2/$20.  Through April there is a featured deal on Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay, regularly $19.99, now $17.99.

“I’m asking everyone what they like and I’ll stock it here,” he said, explaining that this strategy drives the difference between his two stores, with inventory reflecting customer preferences.

“I’m here to cater to my customers,” he said on Tuesday, as he pointed to some items he stocks at the request of his local clientele, including pre-mixed cocktails called BuzzBallz Biggies that were recently featured in the New York Times.

Stop by and meet Mr. Shah, and take a moment to admire the setting and views.

Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits is located at 340 Palmer Hill Rd, Riverside, CT 06878

There is dedicated parking out front, and additional parking around the side on Sheephill.

Follow Stone Bridge Wine & Spirits on Facebook.

Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 11:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Tel. (203) 406-7940

See also:

Palmer Hill Scenic Road Okayed: Protect historic trees, stone walls and bridge December 2024

Cos Cob Wine & Spirits Celebrates Extensive Renovation and Expansion May 2024