This new approach to the hotel beverage experience is designed to deliver enhanced choices to hotel visitors. “We have seen a community trend moving away from wine consumption in lounges and restaurants, said David Rothwell, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. “We have heard first-hand the desire of millennials and other generations for more options in how they consume and experience their wines, and Hidden Wine has been created specifically to address this.”

The Ritz-Carlton guests can take Hidden Wine purchases to their luxury guest rooms, to another destination, or to the hotel Lobby Lounge, where the wine can be professionally served. Lobby Lounge service of wines purchased at Hidden Wine is also available to local residents.

Hidden Wine will offer a large selection of European and American wines, as well as sparkling wines and Champagnes. A further offering will focus on organic, biodynamic and small batch labels, while a select retail offering will also present wines available only at this boutique prior to broader release in the region. Labels planned for the shop include Klein Constantia’s elegant 2013 Estate Red Blend from South Africa, and Left Coast Cellars’ Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, among several dozen other prized names.  None of the wines sold by Hidden Wine will be available for purchase at other dining outlets at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

As an added service, and especially for those purchasers wishing to dine outside the hotel, Hidden Wine will provide an in-store listing of local restaurants that permit guests to bring in their own wine. The list will include related corkage fees associated with each dining establishment.

In keeping with the commitment to the environment of the LEED Gold-certified Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, the wine boutique has been mindfully designed in close collaboration with the sustainability-focused Encore Architectural Salvage of Charleston South Carolina. All floors, shelves and walls are fitted with reclaimed woods and recycled cast iron materials.

Hidden Wine opens Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.