Bars & Nightlife Business Development Food, Restaurants & Dining Travel, Shopping & Leisure Fara Illich September 25, 2015

bottles

Hidden Track Bottle Shop offers unique, hand-selected bottles of wine perfect for sharing with friends and family. (Photo: Hidden Track Bottle Shop)


As a Downtown Phoenix Ambassador, my job is to greet people, make people feel welcome and represent the people and businesses that call Downtown Phoenix home. I’m a people person — I enjoy talking to others, helping them and learning their stories when possible.
One of the cool things I’ve found while walking amongst the large buildings is all the great local businesses that make up the Urban Core. One such business is the Hidden Track Bottle Shop, which recently opened July 1. When I wandered in for the first time and met the owners, I was immediately welcomed by their warmth, humor, knowledge and love of the products they sell.
Craig and Danielle share a passion for wine and the products they sell. (Photo: Hidden Track Bottle Shop)</

Craig and Danielle share a passion for wine and the products they sell. (Photo: Hidden Track Bottle Shop)


After talking with the owners, Craig Dziadowicz and Danielle Middlebrook , I learned that Hidden Track Bottle Shop is the only place in Downtown Phoenix where you can pick up a unique, hand-selected bottle of wine or beer. By offering “hidden” wines you never knew existed, or things you love, but can never find in a corporate retail or grocery store, this couple took their love of hard-to-find flavors and turned it into a business.
Personally, I love new places and finding out about them before anyone else does. As an Ambassador, it’s my job to “be in the know” and a resource for all things Downtown Phoenix. So when I saw a sign posted on the glass door of the 111 W. Monroe building in May, I was really excited and knew great things were in store.
I received a tip from the employees at Mornin’ Moonshine – which is a great locally-owned coffee shop located next door – that Hidden Track Bottle Shop was finally open. So I popped in to make my first “business contact,” as it’s called by Ambassadors.
I was instantly greeted by owners Craig and Danielle and found their candor refreshing. Their knowledge of wine and passion for the products they carry is very admirable and even a bit infectious. The vibe of the shop is as unique and welcoming as the owners, and I was glad I stumbled into the shop that day.
I’ve learned quite a bit about the shop since the first day I popped in, including the fact that the owners have extensive knowledge and experience. Craig previously worked in the restaurant industry, other wine shops and for a wine distributor. Coupled with Danielle’s enthusiasm for wine, the couple decided to open their own business.
 The Wine Club costs $25 per month and includes two bottles of wine, 12 percent off and no tasting fee. (Photo: Hidden Track Bottle Shop)

The Wine Club costs $25 per month and includes two bottles of wine, 12 percent off and no tasting fee. (Photo: Hidden Track Bottle Shop)


At Hidden Track’s regular wine tastings, which you can find on Facebook, you can discover something perfect for your palette and pocketbook. If they don’t carry something you’re looking for, they will try to order it and deliver it to your door.
In addition to great customer service, they also have a Wine Club, which costs $25 per month and includes two bottles of premium wine, 12 percent off and no tasting fee.
It might be a bit “hidden,” as the name states, but many hidden things are worth finding and revisiting over and over. It’s actually pretty easy to find though, located just inside the lobby of the 111 W. Monroe building.
With the holidays just around the corner, this is definitely a local shop that I’ll be recommending personally and as an Ambassador. To check out Hidden Track Bottle Shop, visit Craig and Danielle at 111 W. Monroe Street or call 602-566-7932. The hours are Monday-Saturday 12-7 p.m. and closed Sundays.