The Grape closed late last year, but co-owner and sommelier Courtney Luscher quickly found a new passion project.
Luscher launched The Lusch List, a website and newsletter which recommends affordable wines, local wine experiences and personalized wine experiences.
The sommelier, who usually received wine from distributors at The Grape, found herself overwhelmed by wine options at local stores.
“I remember walking into Total Wine thinking, ‘Oh my God, how am I going to even navigate this,’” Luscher told Dallas News.
She began a home wine list by trying numerous wines with friends and her husband and previous co-owner of The Grape, Brian Luscher.
While the Lusch list finds affordable and good tasting wines, it also focuses on promoting small wine shops.
“The more local places we can buy our products, the better. I’m helping drive people to the smaller businesses,” Luscher told Dallas news. “For me, one of the biggest components is, ‘How can I help people in the industry who are struggling with this pandemic?’ We have to band together and promote one another.”
Luscher’s future plans for The Lusch List will incorporate local restaurants. She plans to curate pairings with three course meals and host virtual happy hour wine tastings.
