Brittney Abell, a New Jersey native with an incredible journey into the wine world, shares her story and the ethos behind Grape Collective, a unique wine shop in Montclair offering carefully curated selections. From her start at a wine bar to becoming Wine Director at Grape Collective, Brittney’s passion for wine has been her guiding star.
“I started at a wine bar during college to make ends meet. It was survival at first, but the more I learned about wine, the more I fell in love with it,” Abell says. “I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning…but the enthusiasm of the staff and the depth of the wine world drew me in.” She credits foundational courses like WSET Level 2 and the Court of Master Sommeliers certification with sharpening her palate and expanding her understanding. Her journey has included rigorous certifications, international travel, and countless hours honing her palate—turning her passion into expertise.
A Unique Approach
Walking into Grape Collective isn’t like visiting a typical wine shop. You won’t find big brands or familiar labels. Instead, you’ll discover a carefully selected assortment of wines made by families and small producers. “Our mission is to connect people with wines that tell a story,” Abell says. “We aim to educate customers, whether they’re new to wine or seasoned enthusiasts. It’s not just about selling wine—it’s about hospitality and creating a warm, welcoming space where people feel inspired to explore.” Brittney’s approach involves helping customers build their confidence and understanding of their own palates. “We start broad—what fruits or colors do you taste? Then, we narrow it down. It’s about giving people tools to describe what they like so they can better navigate the wine world.”
A Personal Touch with Every Bottle
What sets Grape Collective apart is its mission to educate and inspire. Brittney takes a personal, hands-on approach to guiding customers, whether they’re novices or seasoned wine enthusiasts.
“I like to start broad and then narrow it down,” she says. “For beginners, I map out the store with regions and tags, then ask about their preferences. I recommend three bottles: a safe choice, a perfect match, and an outlier. It’s all about exploration.”
- A safe choice: Something familiar.
- A perfect choice: A slight risk based on their preferences.
- An outlier: A bold option to expand their horizons.
“I encourage people to take notes, send me photos, and share their thoughts. It’s a collaborative journey,” she says.
Exploring Hidden Gems
Brittney’s role involves frequent travel to wine regions worldwide, including Sicily and South Africa. These trips, she says, are invaluable for understanding winemaking processes and connecting with producers. “There’s something magical about sipping a wine in the vineyard where it’s made,” Abell says. “It deepens your appreciation and helps you bring those stories back to the consumer.” Her travels have also introduced her to wines from emerging regions like Slovenia and the Czech Republic. “These regions are producing some of the most exciting wines right now. They’re sleeper hits, and I can’t wait to see more of them on our shelves.”
A Gathering Place for Wine Lovers
At its core, Grape Collective is about community. “Wine is about connection—it brings people together,” Abell says. “We want the shop to be more than a place to buy wine. It’s a space for people to gather, learn, and feel welcome.”
Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your palate or a seasoned wine lover eager for the next hidden gem, Grape Collective offers an experience as rich and layered as the wines they sell.
Grape Collective
620 Valley Rd, Upper
Montclair, NJ 07043