If you think wine shopping means wandering around staring at hundreds of bottles while pretending you know what you’re looking for…you need to meet Paula Alonso-Perez!
We recently stopped into Sommlike on Ridgefield’s Main Street and spent time with Paula, the woman behind this sophisticated new wine shop – and, we learned a lot. Most importantly? Great wine doesn’t have to be complicated, intimidating, or expensive.
Read more: SommlikeSip, sip, hooray! Meet Sommlike!
Keep reading & scrolling for an Unlocking CT discount code to attend Sommlike’s upcoming Sunset Wine Party at Lounsbury House.
How Sommlike found its home
Sommlike may be new to Ridgefield, but Paula’s wine journey is anything but. Since 2010, she’s been hosting wine-tasting events in New York City. When she moved to Ridgefield, she brought that love of gathering, tasting, and discovering wine with her.
In October 2022, Sommlike launched as an online marketplace, allowing guests at Paula’s tasting events to purchase the wines they loved. Then, last October, she found the perfect space on Main Street – and Sommlike officially evolved into the brick-and-mortar wine shop it is today. And what a space it is!
Sophisticated, but never snobby!
The aesthetic is sleek and modern, with a black-and-white palette, streamlined displays, and gorgeous wine coolers that let the bottles take center stage. But despite the polished look, the vibe is anything but stuffy!
All the good wine, none of the guesswork
Paula’s philosophy is simple: wine should feel welcoming, personal, and approachable. Rather than overwhelming shoppers with endless choices, Sommlike offers a thoughtfully curated selection from around the world, with plenty of quality bottles under $35, plus special-occasion wines, spirits and a small selection of craft beer.
You’ll also find Wine Enthusiast glassware, decanters, and wine accessories – now we know what we’ll be putting on our Santa wish list!
Every bottle has to audition!
Here’s something we found fascinating: before Sommlike opened its doors, the team spent three months tasting and “auditioning” every single wine and spirit (our jobs in our next lives 😆) before deciding what would make it onto the shelves.
The question they asked?
“Would I take this home and drink it with my own family?”
If the answer was no, it didn’t make the cut.
We LOVE that. It means you’re not wandering through Sommlike wondering whether a bottle is actually worth buying. Every bottle has been thoughtfully chosen 👌
Drink what you like, not what you’re supposed to
One of our biggest takeaways from Paula? You don’t have to spend a fortune to drink great wine. A higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean a better bottle – the best wine is simply the one you love.
Her advice: stay curious, try new regions and grapes, ask questions, and most importantly, drink what you like!
We’ll raise a glass to that. 🥂
Cheers to a good cause
Join Sommlike for its Sunset Wine Party at Lounsbury House on Sunday, October 4, featuring 60+ wines, grazing boards, a sparkling lounge, wine-by-the-glass bars and DJs. VIP starts at 5 PM; general admission runs 6–8 PM. Even better, 100% of proceeds benefit Lounsbury House!
Unlocking CT readers get $10 off the Sunset Wine Party with code UNLOCKING10. 🍷
Sommlike – 407 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Pics: Lora Noyes / Words: Bev Canepari