Putnam’s Vine/yard

What Putnam’s Vine/yard does

Putnam's Vine/yard is a founder-owned, single-location hybrid hospitality business in White River Junction, Vermont, combining a wine bar (3:30 PM to close), a specialty coffee bar (8 AM to 3:30 PM), a retail wine/bottle shop, weekend brunch service, and a private event space within the historic 1930 Freight House building. The venue is differentiated by a plant-filled "secret garden" atmosphere maintained by a Master Gardener and approximately 400 plants, alongside a curated wine program emphasizing women winemakers, family farms, and First-To-Vermont direct imports. Revenue is generated through five streams: on-premise beverage and food sales, retail wine and merchandise, two monthly subscription wine clubs (Wine Society at $90/month and Bottle Drop at $35/month, both pickup-only due to Vermont shipping restrictions), ticketed Wine School and Vine School educational classes, and private event bookings. The technology stack is intentionally minimal: the business uses Square for e-commerce, ticketing, retail, gift cards, and subscription management, with no proprietary platform, API, or mobile app.

The go-to-market motion is community-led and physical-first, anchored in the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. Customer acquisition relies on popup programming (Satur-YAY Saturday vendors, Foodie Fridays, food trucks on the front porch), curated local vendor partnerships (Little Seed Coffee Roasters, Beltane Coffee, Kiss the Cow Farm, Vermont Salumi, Farmhouse Pottery, among others), organic social media across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, and earned third-party credibility via the Wine Spectator 2025 Award of Excellence. Customer segments include wine enthusiasts seeking curated discovery, daytime café and brunch patrons, private event hosts, and local vendors and entrepreneurs who use the venue as a retail and showcase platform. Distribution is regional and omnichannel in a limited sense: in-person at the single White River Junction storefront, plus Square-powered online retail, ticketing, gift cards, and subscription signups.

The business is led by Founder Kelsey Rush (Dartmouth '05, WSET 2 with Merit) and a small team of 1–10 employees, including a General Manager, a Director of Wine Program (WSET 3 Diploma Candidate with Rhône Valley harvest experience), a Director of Coffee Program (WSET 2 with Distinction), a Director of Operations, a Private Events Manager with Michelin-recognized prior experience (Emmer & Rye, Suerte), a Master Gardener, and front-line baristas, bartenders, and a baker. No institutional funding, parent company, acquisitions, or geographic expansion beyond the Upper Valley are disclosed in the source data. The company is privately held, profitable or break-even status is not disclosed, and revenue figures are not publicly available.

Name

Putnam’s Vine/yard

Legal name

Putnam's vine/yard

Website

https://putnamsvineyard.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Putnam's Vine/yard is a founder-owned hybrid wine bar, specialty coffee bar, retail bottle shop, and private event venue in White River Junction, Vermont, serving the Upper Valley community with curated wines, food, and educational classes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wine Bar & Café

NAICS

Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (722410)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Wine Bars (THAFAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail) (CRANABAF), Wine Retail (Bottle Shops & Wine Merchants) (CRANABAB), Wineries & Vineyards (Tasting Rooms) (THAFALAE)

Keywords

• Wine bar services
• Specialty coffee cafe
• Wine club subscriptions
• Private event hosting
• Brunch restaurant

Headquarters

HQ city

White River Junction

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Retail Wine and Beverage Sales: On-site wine, beer, spirits, coffee, and food sales at the bar. Retail wine bottles are also available for purchase. Custom wine orders (single bottles to cases) are placed via email.
2. Wine Club Subscriptions: Two recurring monthly subscription tiers: Wine Society ($90/month, includes 2 bottles of First-To-Vermont wines with monthly sit-down tasting, curated bites, and tasting notes) and Bottle Drop ($35/month, includes 1 hand-selected bottle). Subscriptions auto-renew on the 1st of each month. Pickup only due to Vermont shipping restrictions.
3. Food and Café Sales: Food and beverage sales including brunch on weekends (Saturday and Sunday 10AM–4PM, Satur-YAY 10AM–2PM with popup vendors), coffee bar (8AM–3:30PM), wine bar (3:30PM–close), and pastries, light bites, and sweet treats throughout the day.
4. Private Events and Classes: Private event hosting for celebrations including graduations, bridal/baby showers, birthdays, corporate off-sites, and more. Also offers Vine School (plant/DIY) and Wine School classes (curated wine flights) with advance ticket purchase required.
5. Ticketed Classes and Courses: Wine School and Vine School classes are ticketed events sold through the Square e-commerce platform. Advance ticket purchase is required for these educational experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Putnam's Vine/yard is a hybrid wine bar, specialty coffee bar, brunch venue, retail shop, plant shop, and private event space in White River Junction, Vermont. The business sells curated wines (including First-To-Vermont direct-imports and bottles from women winemakers and family farms), specialty coffee, light food and pastries, brunch on weekends, and retail merchandise including plants, gifts, and local art. It also generates recurring revenue through two monthly wine subscription clubs (Wine Society and Bottle Drop) and ticketed educational classes (Wine School and Vine School).

Product overview

Putnam's vine/yard is a hybrid wine bar, café, and event space that combines a full-service wine bar (operating from 3:30PM) with a specialty coffee bar (8AM-3:30PM), a retail shop, and a private events venue. The core experience centers on curated wine selections, craft beverages, and food pairings. Add-on offerings include Wine School and Vine School educational classes, regular Pop Up vendor events, and two wine club subscription tiers: Wine Society ($90/month with sit-down tastings) and Bottle Drop ($35/month for monthly bottles). Custom wine ordering extends the retail experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wine Society: Monthly wine subscription club with 2 bottles of First-To-Vermont wines, includes sit-down tasting, discounts, and exclusive wines at $90/month.
• Bottle Drop

Products and services

• Wine Bar Full-service wine bar featuring curated wine selections, local draft beer, and intentional cocktails, open from 3:30PM to close daily, designed for individual consumers and small groups in the Upper Valley community.
• Coffee Bar Specialty coffee and tea service operating from 8AM to 3:30PM, featuring espresso, matcha lattes, New Orleans Iced Coffee, and shrubs in a secret garden setting, targeted at local residents and daytime visitors.
• Retail Shop Retail space offering personally selected wines, coffee beans, teas, gifts, local art, plants, and special creations from local artists, available for walk-in customers and via the Square online storefront.
• Weekend Brunch Weekend brunch service every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM-4PM featuring signature Mimosa Flights, with Satur-YAY pop-up vendors from 10AM-2PM.
• Private Events Lush, plant-filled private event space for celebrations, corporate events, showers, and milestone gatherings, with access to curated wine list, craft beers, coffee, and small bites.
• Wine School Educational wine classes featuring curated wine flights, taught by certified wine professionals; advance ticket purchase required via Square.
• Vine School DIY plant-related classes and projects held at the venue; advance ticket purchase required.
• Wine Society (Subscription) Monthly wine club subscription at $90/month including 2 bottles of First-To-Vermont wines, a monthly sit-down tasting with chef-curated bites, detailed tasting notes, and discounts on food, beverage, and retail; pickup only.
• Bottle Drop (Subscription) Monthly wine club subscription at $35/month including 1 hand-selected bottle (white, red, rosé, or sparkling) with 10% off retail wines and merchandise; pickup only.
• Custom Wine Orders Special order service for single bottles to full cases, with sommelier guidance for cellars, dinner parties, and specific varietals or winemakers, placed via email to [email protected].
• Pop Up Events Regular vendor events featuring local artists, food trucks, and entrepreneurs, including Satur-YAYs and Foodie Fridays, operated as a venue for community-driven retail discovery.

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Katie the Bagel LadyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured on weekend brunch menu and at Satur-YAY Pop Up events (first Satur-YAY in 2023 featured Katie the Bagel Lady and a 'Toast Your Own' bagel setup). Sundays 10AM–2PM she operates a Pop Up in the retail space with bagels to go. Based in Grantham, NH.
• Little Seed Coffee RoasterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership began during the 'Pour Over Days' at opening. Owners Anthony and Maggie helped select beans for the café. Their roasted beans are featured in espresso drinks and espresso martinis. The motto '#coffeeuntilwine' at P's reflects this partnership. Based in Middlebury, VT.
• Old Settlers PotteryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal New Hampshire artist Barbara creates pottery displayed in the café and used in the kitchen for serving snacks. Items are available for purchase in the retail shop. She studies with women of the red clay in Mexico during winters. Based in Alstead, NH.
• River Roost BreweryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNeighbors in White River Junction. Their Más Verde IPA has been a staple of the draft beer menu since the business launched. Recommended as a nearby tap room to visit. Based in White River Junction, VT.
• Village Garage VodkaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCraft spirits from Bennington, VT used in the Bloody Mary and French Martini. Founded by Glen Sauer and Matt Cushman who shared their dream of opening a craft distillery in their hometown. Based in Bennington, VT.
• Kiss the Cow FarmcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal pasteurized milk from Vermont cows is the sole milk option at the café. Operated by Lisa and Randy as a dynamic, small, diversified farm focused on feeding friends and neighbors. Based in Barnard, VT.
• Knot Just PretzelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVeteran and woman-owned pretzel company featured on the menu and at monthly Pop Up events featuring beer pretzels, dips, and sweet treats. Based in Canaan, NH.
• Barr Hill GinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAward-winning gin from Montpelier, VT started in 2011 by a distiller and beekeeper. Featured in cocktails with natural, juniper-forward botanicals.
• Vermont SalumiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFounded in 2011 by Peter Roscini Colman, combining Italian traditions with Vermont agricultural history. Produces antibiotic-free, humanely-raised, regionally-produced meats paired with Vermont cheese on charcuterie boards. Based in Barre, VT.
• Violetta's CreationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal gluten-free and vegan treat maker in Quechee, VT. A rotating selection of her treats is always available in the café, with the barista announcing the day's special.
• Blakehill PreservesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArtisanal preserves from Windsor, VT featured at Putnam's.
• First Branch CoffeeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWoman-owned and operated coffee staple in South Royalton, VT. Provides the perfect chocolatey dark roast for the Iced New Orleans Coffee, cold brewed with chicory root. Also a community collaborator.
• Farmhouse PotteryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFrom opening, their mugs were selected after testing which design felt perfect for the secret garden. Two years later, cheese boards and food options are served in and on their pieces. Based in Woodstock, VT.
• My Original CocominorGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple Good Food Award winner Amy creates cocoa mixes with minimal high-quality holistic ingredients. Featured in the mocha latte along with VT roasted beans and VT milk. Based in White River Junction, VT.
• Beltane Coffee RoasterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal roaster Jesse has been with Putnam's from the beginning, providing unique high-quality beans from around the world. Responsible for the nitro cold brew system featuring a chocolatey, nutty roast from Pitalito, Colombia. Cold brewed weekly. Based in Vershire, VT.

Scale indicators2 records

Direct peers

• The Four Horsemen: Brooklyn wine bar with a curated natural-wine program and on-site bottle retail, plus a food menu. Closely comparable to Putnam's hybrid wine bar + bottle shop + curated producer focus.
• Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant: Berkeley-based curated wine merchant focused on small producers and importer relationships, with retail and tastings. Directly comparable to Putnam's direct-import/First-To-Vermont thesis and curated bottle shop.
• Corkbuzz Wine Studio: Wine bar and education-focused concept offering curated flights, classes, and retail bottles in NYC and Charlotte. Directly mirrors Putnam's wine bar + Wine School + retail combination.
• Uncorked Wine Bar: Multi-location wine bar concept combining retail bottles, by-the-glass pours, and educational tastings. Comparable to Putnam's wine bar + retail + classes hybrid.
• Verve Wine: NYC and online retailer combining curated natural wines, retail, and education events. Comparable to Putnam's wine retail, classes (Wine School), and story-led curation.
• Pasanella & Son Vintners: Lower East Side shop combining a wine bar, curated retail, and a story-driven program around small producers. Comparable to Putnam's wine bar + bottle shop + women/family-farm curation.
• Heritage Wine Cellar: Wine bar and retail shop featuring curated small-producer bottles and in-house events. Comparable to Putnam's wine bar + bottle shop + educational programming.
• Belly Wine Bar: Neighborhood wine bar and kitchen offering small-producer bottles, retail, and regular educational events. Mirrors Putnam's hybrid wine bar + retail + community-event format.

Emerging players

• Winc: Subscription-driven wine club with curated bottles and tasting notes — directly analogous to Putnam's Wine Society and Bottle Drop model, though at national DTC scale.

Regional players

• The Barrel (Hanover, NH): Hanover, NH wine bar serving the same Upper Valley market as Putnam's with a curated small-producer list. Directly comparable offering in the immediate catchment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/putnamsvineyard
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/putnamsvineyard
• Instagraminstagram.com/putnamsvineyard
• TikToktiktok.com/@putnamsvineyard
• Pinterestpinterest.com/putnamsvineyard

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Putnam’s Vine/yard