Drink Up: Wine and Beer Businesses Open in Capitola

Despite the , two local entrepreneurs are following their dreams.

Tina Metzger opened It’s Wine Tyme in the Village just two months ago, situated on Stockton Avenue.

“You just know what you have is going to work, and you envision what it’s going to be like and you put it together,” she said.

Metzger’s wine bar is comfy and cozy with a fireplace and local art decorating the walls. They serve an array of local and regional wine and beer, and so far, Metzger notes that business has been “fabulous.”

She has been able to reach out to the community by building an online presence through a website and email list. Metzger has also begun creating a wine club to provide benefits for frequent buyers, which will be finalized in the coming months.

Tim Clifford is also on the road to business ownership in Capitola, as he will be opening the doors to Sante Adairius Rustic Ales on March 10 at 103 Kennedy Dr. next to .

“I wasn’t really paying attention to businesses closing," Clifford said. "I just recognized a need for Belgium-style beers and felt I could compliment the other breweries in the area.”

Like Metzger, Clifford has also utilized the Internet in order to get the word out about his business.

“I haven’t done a whole lot of advertising, (but I) have been relying on Facebook, which has been a wonderful resource for letting people know where we are and getting immediate feedback.”

Although each business has its own unique style and atmosphere, they share similar alcohol-related services. Clifford is confident that there is room for both establishments.

“When the economy goes bad, people still drink, and when the economy is good, people still drink,” he said.

Can hard work, Internet presence and the everpresence of the drive to drink help these new businesses survive? Have you been to It's Wine Tyme Yet? Are you looking forward to Sante Adairius opening? Tell us in the comments!