Club Newsletter - April 2026
- Gary Parker
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Discovering the Journey of Gary Parker: A San Diego Wine Enthusiast
A Glimpse into My World
Here are some excerpts from an interview I had with Canvas Rebel Magazine. Thought you might like to get to know me and how we got here a little better. This is a two-part series.
My Early Days in San Diego
I was studying architecture at San Diego State College when a pivotal moment occurred. One of my professors advised me to either get a job in the industry or transfer to a Cal Poly school. I had just moved here from Los Angeles in 1973. Leaving this fabulous city wasn’t an option for me. So, I took a part-time job doing graphic illustration work for a mid-sized company.
To supplement my income, I worked every position I could at a French restaurant in Solana Beach called Mon Ami. It was there that I took my first sip of a great wine, and I was instantly hooked. I dove into learning everything I could about wine, despite the lack of internet resources. I decided to dedicate my life to wine and food. I even fantasized about owning my own restaurant and playing jazz in it, as I was studying the saxophone at the time.
Fast forward to today, and we are celebrating our 38th year of business. We’ve built a loyal following of those who live and love wine and fine dining. We host special wine dinners every month and weekly tastings, providing lunch and dinner service to the Sorrento Mesa area.
Pride in Our Wine Club
One of my proudest achievements is our wine of the month club. We offer four different membership levels, with 400-500 subscribers. Each month, we provide educational tasting notes, recipes, and an epicurean newsletter. Members also enjoy a free tasting of the featured wines in our restaurant.
All wines in the club are sold below their suggested retail prices and come from various wine-growing regions worldwide. It's heartwarming to see members who signed up in 1999 still enjoying the club today, twenty-seven years later!
Funding the Dream
In 1988, I committed to moving into the yet-to-be-built building we still occupy today. I needed $120,000 to assist with the construction and furnishing of the restaurant, including outfitting a new kitchen and inventory for the wine shop. Having never raised money before, I faced a challenge.
Back then, there were limited resources available to guide me in attracting investors. I gathered a few prospectuses designed for larger companies and used them as a general outline for my investment package. I included working projections based on anticipated diners, food and beverage costs, labor, rent, utilities, and potential rental income from wine storage lockers.
The investment package was about 20 pages long, complete with a touch of romance—photos of other restaurants, wine bars, and retail wine shops. Remarkably, I raised all the money in just three months.
Multiple Revenue Streams
Having multiple revenue sources at The WineSellar & Brasserie has been crucial to our long-term success. Initially, we operated a full-service wine shop, a French restaurant serving lunch only, and a wine storage facility for private collectors.
Over time, we expanded by opening The Brasserie Restaurant to serve dinner and introduced winemaker dinners and themed wine tasting events. In 1999, we launched an online wine auction, which boosted our wine sales by $500,000 annually.
By 2000, we began our three separate levels of wine of the month clubs, which are still thriving today with hundreds of members. In 2001, we started conducting wine tours for small groups, which have become a highlight. We’ve traveled to South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Greece, Sicily, Portugal, and this year, Croatia. These wine trips also incorporate local cultural features, and we see many repeat travelers each year. You should go!
So much fun!
The Importance of Community
At The WineSellar, we believe in fostering a community of knowledgeable wine lovers. It’s not just about the wine; it’s about the connections we create. We invite you to join us for our special events, tastings, and dinners.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your journey, there’s something for everyone. We’re here to share our passion and knowledge, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
Join Us on This Journey
As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to offering unique tasting experiences and a curated selection of small-production wines. We hope to inspire a love for wine and food in everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to see you at The WineSellar & Brasserie!
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