Inspiration behind fine wine shop is sophisticated ladies

Opening on Dec. 6, 2007, patrons of the Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe are still searching for the two curmudgeon females that the fine specialty store is supposedly named after.

Not to ruin the surprise, but the only thing finer than the wines in the corner bistro in downtown Leesburg is the warm welcome patrons receive from the two wonderful co-owners, Linda Kohlmeyer and Beatrix Isaac.

"Fine wines have been a passion of ours for many years," Isaac said. "In the past we had to go out of town to get fine wines. The time was right. The storefront opened up and Two Old Hags was born."

Kohlmeyer added, "It was a perfect time to open. I think the community is sophisticated enough to appreciate it.

In addition to hard-to-find boutique and imported wines, Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe features an array of gourmet foods and specialty items, including chocolates, cheeses, salsas, cigars, boutique beers, organic teas and gift baskets. Many of the specialty items are handmade by local artisans.

"A farmer out of Georgia makes the cheeses from free grazing goats and cows," Isaac said.

Isaac's and Kohlmeyer's attention to the finer things in life is in part to their other professions. Isaac is co-owner of the Starlight Ballroom and Dance Center and Kohlmeyer is co-owner of Vic's Embers Supper Club, which are both located in Leesburg.

With a feeling of a European sidewalk cafe, Two Old Hags is quickly becoming a popular hangout to relax, share a few stories and taste some outstanding high-end and everyday wines along with a menu of delectable hors d'oeuvre, such as artichoke and capers pesto, shrimp cocktail and organic cheese. The wine shop features a daily wine tasting beginning at 4:30 p.m.

"People just love to come here so we don't leave until they’re finished," Isaac said. "People feel like they are going to someone's home not a retail store."

For large gatherings, Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe also provides wine presentations.

"A lot of social groups are asking us to help provide wine for their function," Kohlmeyer said. "We feel appreciated that they will consider us."