Business Spotlight: Grapes & Rye – Where Craft Cocktails Meet Community in the Heart of Hutto

If you’ve been searching for a space that brings people together over expertly crafted cocktails and unforgettable experiences, Grapes & Rye is your new go-to. This curated cocktail and experience company recently opened its innovation hub right here in Hutto, offering more than just drinks, it’s redefining how we gather, celebrate, and connect.

Grapes & Rye offers: 🍸 Interactive mixology classes🚚 A sleek mobile tap trailer for events🍷 Custom curated cocktail experiences for any occasion🏡 And a beautiful event space right in town

What truly sets them apart is their commitment to not only mixing amazing drinks, but creating meaningful, community-driven experiences that make every guest feel at home.

💬 “Our mission is to build genuine connections through the art of mixology. Every detail is personal—from the ingredients we use to the atmosphere we create.”

Tell us a little about your business. What do you offer, and what makes it unique?

Grapes & Rye is a curated cocktail and experience company with a new innovation hub in Hutto, TX.

We offer a range of services, including engaging mixology classes, a stylish mobile tap trailer for events, and bespoke curated cocktail experiences tailored to any occasion.

What makes us unique is our focus on crafting not just delicious drinks but also fostering genuine community and creating memorable experiences. We're passionate about the art of mixology and dedicated to bringing a personalized touch to every event. Our new Hutto location also serves as a hub for cocktail enthusiasts and a space available for private event rentals.

How did your journey as a business owner begin? What inspired you to get started?

Our journey began organically in our home, where we loved hosting gatherings and creating cocktails for friends and family. The joy of bringing people together over unique drinks and the positive feedback we received inspired us. After years of these home events and encouragement from our friends, we decided to take the leap and turn our passion into Grapes & Rye, a blend of my (Rachel's) love for wine (as she studies to be a Sommelier) and Lawrence's appreciation for whiskey and rye.

How long have you been in business, and why did you choose Hutto as your home base?

While the informal gatherings and community building started a few years prior, Grapes & Rye officially launched as a business a year ago. We chose Hutto for our physical location and innovation hub because we felt a strong sense of community here. It's a growing and vibrant town, and we saw an opportunity to contribute to its unique character and become a local gathering place for cocktail enthusiasts. The welcoming spirit of Hutto has been fantastic.

What’s been one of your most memorable moments as a business owner?

One of the most memorable moments was definitely the grand opening of our physical location in Hutto. Seeing our vision come to life and having so many members of the community, along with friends and family, come out to celebrate with us was incredibly rewarding. It felt like a true culmination of our journey from hosting small gatherings at home to establishing a dedicated space for Grapes & Rye.

What do you think makes the Hutto community special?

The Hutto community is special because of its genuine warmth and strong sense of local pride. We've been welcomed with open arms, and there's a real feeling of people supporting each other and local businesses. It's a place where you feel connected, and there's a great mix of established residents and new energy that makes it a dynamic and friendly environment.

What advice would you give to someone just starting a business here?

Our advice would be to really immerse yourself in the Hutto community. Get to know the people, other businesses, and the local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. Be genuine in your interactions, and focus on building relationships. Hutto is a supportive place, and connecting authentically with the community will be invaluable to your success. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for support or collaborate with others.

When you're not working, where can we find you around town? (Favorite coffee, food, or hangout spots?)

When we're not at Grapes & Rye, you might find us hanging at one of our favorite Hutto coffee spots, Afuga Coffee or Lamppost Coffee.

Anything exciting coming up you'd like the community to know about?

Yes! We have a few exciting things on the horizon. We'll be hosting our first ever “Lab Day” at our Hutto location. This signature event invites attendees to be among the first to sample Grapes & Rye's innovative new cocktails. This event occurs quarterly. We're also planning some fun collaborations with other local businesses, like Red’s Smoke Shop for their hand rolling cigar classes and our awesome collaborations with Honeycomb Harvest to offer bottomless Churetie at several of our upcoming events.

So stay tuned to our social media for announcements!