The Cork & Board (1207 Centre Street) marked its fourth anniversary on Friday, August 14, with wine, anniversary cake, and fried dumplings from one of its newest neighbors.
Owner Ryan Gott, a longtime probate and family lawyer, opened the shop in August 2022, offering fine wine, craft beer, specialty foods, and gifts in the heart of Newton Centre.
For the occasion, Gott poured a curated lineup of wines, nearly all new to the store: Garzón Reserve Albariño 2024 and Reserve Cabernet Franc 2024 from Uruguay, Post & Beam Chardonnay 2023 from Napa Valley, Argyle Brut Rosé 2022 from Oregon, and Ascheri Verduno Pelaverga 2024 from Piedmont. Gott described the Pelaverga as “a rare and unique wine varietal grown near Barolo that is limited to a total of 30 hectares.” The Napa Chardonnay was a nod to his own beginnings: “Nickel & Nickel wines are what got me interested in wine,” he wrote in the store’s newsletter.
“We’re not sticking to one region or one style,” he added. “We’re just opening wines we think are worth sharing for this special occasion.”
“Turnout was better than expected,” Gott said, noting that summer is a difficult season, with many residents away on weekends up north or on the Cape. The crowd favorites among the pours: the Argyle Brut Rosé and the Verduno Pelaverga.
Alongside the cake, the store served shrimp and chicken fried dumplings from Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory (740A Beacon Street), which held its grand opening in March.
The pairing was deliberate. The store regularly showcases local restaurants at its tastings: a sushi and wine pairing with SushiCo, an Italian night with Jinny’s, a Greek wine tasting with Farm Grill and Rotisserie. It has also worked with Sandwich Works, Stella, Mida, Salt Patisserie, Bakey, O’Hara’s, Thistle & Leek, da LaPosta, and Tartufo. “I knew that Formosa was new to the Centre and wanted to feature them at an event,” Gott said.
Melissa Yakimowsky, who works at the shop and handles much of its social media, says the mix beyond the bottles sets it apart. “We definitely have more to offer than just wine and beer,” she said, pointing to the gift selection and a wine wall that spans old world and new world, including Greek, Georgian, Spanish, Portuguese, and kosher bottles. The store pours tastings every Friday and Saturday, and she describes nearby Market-tiamo (36 Langley Road) as a collaborator rather than a competitor: the two shops send customers to each other and have run events together.
In April, Gott led his first customer trip to Napa Valley, visiting wineries with a group that included Yakimowsky and her husband. “It was just a really good experience,” she said, adding that she hopes it becomes a repeat trip. “Ryan is probably the best person to work for.”
The free tastings continue every Friday and Saturday evening, and fall brings themed events: a wine blending class with Catena on September 17, a Portuguese night September 18, a class comparing Burgundy and Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs September 24, and a Greek night October 2. Gott said the clientele has grown every year and the product mix keeps changing; orders now also come through DoorDash and Uber Eats, and he scouts New England-made foods and gifts at regional trade shows.
Gott said most Newton Centre businesses, himself included, want the village’s proposed plaza, but “in a greenspace rather than the parking lot.” He sees the Centre improving: more lights in the park, a new Asian market with fresh fish and produce, Formosa’s arrival, and the restaurant headed for the former train station.
In announcing the event, Gott said, “One of the things we love most about owning a small business is being part of a community of other independently owned businesses. When you shop, eat and drink locally, you’re supporting the people who make Newton Centre a place worth coming to in the first place.”