We asked. You answered.

Here's what's next.

Hi friends,

Last week, many (hundreds!) of you took the time to fill out a short questionnaire about our wine lists, events, and how you experience our spaces. I want to start by saying: thank you. I know time is at a premium for everyone right now, and I was truly humbled by how many of you wrote heartfelt, long form (!) responses to help guide us. Your contributions went far, far beyond my expectations.

Your feedback was thoughtful, honest, and generous. The through-line was incredibly clear—and reassuring.

Here’s what I heard:

You value curiosity more than prestige.

You told us that what excites you most isn’t necessarily the rarest or most expensive wine—it’s discovery. Wines that surprise you. Wines that drink above their price. Wines that come with context and care.

Many of you said you like knowing rare or hard-to-find wines are there—even if you don’t always order them. That access signals trust. What you don’t want is to feel like the list is built for someone else’s reality.

We heard that loud and clear.

Value isn’t about being “cheap”— it’s about being thoughtful.

When we asked what feels like a “great value,” most of you landed in the middle: wines that feel fair, generous, and well-chosen. The takeaway for us wasn’t just “lower prices,” but clearer framing—helping you understand why something costs what it does, and always offering compelling options at different comfort levels.

You want to feel confident ordering on a random Tuesday and occasionally say yes to something special. Not one or the other.

Although the recent tariffs have affected our ability to source wines that align with our high standards for production at lower costs, I came into my career in wine during the 2008 recession, and writing lists and programs that reflect our economic reality is a skill I’m ready to reach for again.

Events matter when they feel generous.

Across the board, you told us that events feel “worth it” when:

• the value is clear

• the vibe is relaxed

• learning doesn’t feel intimidating

• and you trust the people curating them

Access to rare wines is exciting—but it’s rarely the sole reason you decide to come. What matters more is feeling welcomed, well-hosted, and glad you went.

So what does this mean for 2026?

Here’s how we’re shaping our programming moving forward:

• Wine lists will continue to center value-driven discovery, with a deep bench of wines that overdeliver—alongside a small, intentional number of rare or special bottles for those moments when you want them.

• By-the-glass offerings will prioritize generosity and curiosity first, with unicorn pours staying visible but optional—there because they matter, not just because.

• Events will skew toward mid-range, high-value formats: walk-around tastings, producer stories, theme nights, and educational moments that feel social rather than academic.

• High-end or splurge events will still exist—but as once-in-a-while celebrations, clearly framed and never the default.

Most importantly, we’re doubling down on what many of you told us you already feel here: that you don’t need to “know” anything to belong, and that curiosity is always enough.

Thank you for helping us think this through so honestly. We’re excited about what’s coming—and grateful to be building it with you.

I’ve lined up a few classes for the coming weeks with your feedback in mind (including a free class this Thursday!), and we just had a very long events meeting to plan the next six months for you. I’m very excited about what’s in store, and I hope you will be, too.

As always, if you ever have feedback, questions, or ideas, we want to hear them.

XOXO,
Lauren & the Unruly Hospitality team