By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA — A new business has joined the growing local economy as Country Wine and Spirits officially opened its doors.
Located in the former Southgate Wine and Liquor location on Route 9W in Ravena, Country Wine and Spirits is bringing an expanded selection of fine wines and spirits to the community. The store, co-owned by best friends Ankara Purani and Hitesh Surti, is already becoming an active part of the local business network.
Purani, who was born in the Indian state of Gujarat, moved to South Cairo with his family when he was 18, said the location’s proximity to major highways and the area’s growing economic potential were key factors in the decision to invest in the community.
“There’s a lot of potential here,” Purani said. “We see businesses growing in this community, and in the next five to 10 years, we expect even more industries and residents to come in.”
A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Purani and Surti bring extensive business experience to Ravena, with Purani’s family having operated businesses in Greene County for decades. Their approach to business focuses on listening to customer needs and continuously improving their offerings.
“We’ve already added about 220 new SKUs in three months,” Purani said. “Customers are asking for products, and we’re making sure to get them in stock.”
“We would like this to be the premier shop that people think of. We don’t want people to have to travel outside of the community to get something special. If they are looking for something special and they let us know, we will get it in if we can,” Purani said.
Regular customers have noticed a difference. Niona Augar of Ravena stopped by the shop last Friday during the wine tasting (tastings happen each Friday) to pick up a bottle of wine for her upcoming birthday.
“I see tons of positive changes since the new owners took over. The whole dynamic of this place has changed tremendously. Everyone is super-friendly and outgoing and very welcoming,” said Augar. “The reward system is great, too. You just put your phone number and name in, and you earn rewards.”
The store has also undergone renovations, including new signage, security upgrades, and a redesigned wine section to create a more organized and inviting atmosphere. Where many shelves were once bare or held extra stock, every shelf is now filled, and Purani said they will be changing the layout of the store to be able to add even more inventory.
Beyond retail, Purani has expressed interest in further investments in Ravena, potentially expanding business operations in the area.
“I want to understand what the community needs and see how we can contribute to that,” he said. “It’s all about growing together.”
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION PLANNED
The store is set to celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the RCS Community Business Association (RCS CBA), which Country Wine and Spirits recently joined. The event, tentatively scheduled for June 14, from 12-8 p.m. will feature free tastings, giveaways, and local food trucks.
“We want to make it a destination,” Purani said. “We’ll have tastings throughout the day, and we’re working with local vendors who will set up inside and we’ll have food trucks, including a potential ice cream truck and other exciting additions outside.
Country Wine and Spirits’ membership in the RCS Community Business Association aligns with a broader initiative, “Discover RCS,” aimed at attracting businesses and residents to the area. The association has been a driving force behind local business development, and Purani said he looks forward to collaborating with fellow members to enhance the local economy.
The store is currently open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular Friday wine tastings from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. have also been introduced, giving customers a chance to sample new selections in a relaxed setting.
If you’d like to get to know Purani and learn more about his vision, Country Wine and Spirits will be the featured business at this month’s RCS Community Business Association’s Business After Hours event at Rail to River Brewing, located at 109 Main St. in Ravena. The featured speaker for the program will be Katie Newcombe, chief economic development officer for the Center for Economic Growth. To learn more, visit the RCSCBA website at www.rcscba.com.
