Since its inception in 1974 by Victor and Rita Dombroski, The Wine Cellar has been a fixture of Northeast Wisconsin. What began as a modest venture has evolved into a premier destination for discerning enthusiasts of fine wines, craft beer and spirits. In 2000, the baton of ownership passed to Victor and Rita’s son, Dale Dombroski, and his wife Lori. Their stewardship saw significant expansion and transformation, elevating The Wine Cellar as a cornerstone of De Pere’s community.
In 2015, Dale and Lori made a pivotal move to a larger unit within the same plaza. This strategic decision not only increased the store’s physical footprint but also allowed for a substantial enhancement of its offerings. Dale personally undertook much of the interior construction, imbuing the new space with his vision while honoring his parents’ legacy.
Under Dale and Lori’s guidance, The Wine Cellar blossomed into a multifaceted emporium, boasting 33 cooler doors, a Beer Cave and Victor’s Smoke Shop — a custom humidor named after Dale’s father. The establishment solidified partnerships with the top local purveyors of meat, cheese and seafood, enriching its product range with an eclectic array of gourmet products. One of The Wine Cellar’s most beloved offerings is the fresh cheese curds delivered weekly.
In 2021, The Wine Cellar entered a new chapter with its acquisition by Patrick and Desi Johnson, ensuring its continued status as a family-owned and operated business. Armed with a wealth of experience in restaurant hospitality and beverage sales, Patrick and Desi brought fresh perspectives and expertise to the business. Desi’s accreditation as a Level One Sommelier and Patrick’s extensive knowledge of spirits and craft beer further enriched The Wine Cellar’s offerings.
“We and our staff love to help our clients find the best selections and values for their specific needs,” Patrick says. “We search for products from all corners of the globe, and take pride in curating options not available anyplace else in the area.”
Patrick and Desi’s dedication to excellence quickly garnered recognition, including the store’s consecutive accolades as one of the Top 100 Beverage Retailers in the United States by Beverage Dynamics Magazine in 2022 and 2023. In addition, Desi was recently awarded Certified Sherry Specialist by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
The store’s inventory reflects a curated selection of premium beverages, including store pick single-barrel bourbons, limited edition tequilas, reserve wines, rare champagnes, and both local and imported craft beers. Additionally, The Wine Cellar caters to the evolving preferences of its clientele by offering the area’s most extensive collection of non-alcoholic wines, beers and spiritless cocktail alternatives.
Amid their success, Patrick and Desi remain deeply appreciative of the Dombroski family’s legacy and the steadfast support of the De Pere community over the past five decades. They are committed to upholding The Wine Cellar’s tradition of excellence while embracing innovation and remaining at the forefront of industry trends.
Today The Wine Cellar stands not only as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders but also as a testament to the unwavering commitment of successive generations.
“We are so grateful to the Dombroski family for their dedication to the De Pere community that have been their loyal customers for 50 years,” Desi says, “and we want to keep the same level of commitment to excellence they have always delivered.”
801 Main Avenue • De Pere, WI 54115 • 920-336-0811 • deperewinecellar.com
