Drink it in: A. Renee gives a small town wine store big city appeal.

Gifts & Decorative Accessories, February, 2006 by Schwartz, Meredith

Mother and daughter Cindy Beier and Amy Calhoun began their entrepreneurial voyage planning to open a tea room in the growing college town of Bloomington, IL. But the idea soon evolved into a different drink, wine, which has become the centerpiece of a local emporium for the finer things in life: Illinois wines, gourmet delicacies, chocolates, cigars, fine art and accessories.

In November 2003, the duo was set to open A. Renee; the space they'd chosen had been fully renovated (the paint was still wet) when the lease fell through. A new location was needed, and fast.

One other ...