We always delight in meeting our local business owners. Although each brings a unique store concept and personal story to our area, a few common characteristics always shine through: hard work, tenacity, and a fervent entrepreneurial spirit.
Esteban Brunello embodies all of these qualities and has a tireless interest in engaging with fellow wine and hospitality enthusiasts. He has traveled to and worked in domestic and international locales, from Buenos Aires to San Francisco. We’re thrilled to see that he’s landed in Chatham County, in Governors Village, with his latest venture: namesake storefront EB Wines.
Meet Esteban Brunello
An award-winning sommelier and Cornell-certified winemaker, Brunello is the owner and affable guided-tasting instructor at EB Wines. Over the last three decades, he’s amassed impressive credentials, having trained with the International Sommelier Guild and holding the title “Italian Wine Specialist” through the North American Sommelier Association and the Associazione Italiana Sommelier.
His professional journey began at the prestigious Ecole Pour L’Hôtellerie in Switzerland, lauded as one of the world’s premier hospitality management programs. Following graduation, he entered San Francisco’s culinary scene, rising through the ranks from table busser to become the Wine Director at some of the Bay Area’s most renowned restaurants. In 2013, he received a “Rising Star Sommelier of San Francisco/Bay Area” Award from the New York-based culinary magazine StarChefs.
By 2016, Esteban was ready to venture out on his own, opening “Bar Brunello” in downtown Durham. The space, boasting a selection of over 650 wines, quickly earned a reputation for introducing global wines to a local audience. Almost a decade later, after weathering pandemic slowdowns, market saturation, and a shift in customer spending habits, Brunello has brought his vision to Governors Village, becoming the newest addition to Chatham County’s Craft Beverages & Country Inns Trail, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him to our corner of North Carolina.
Introducing EB Wines
More than a shop, EB Wines is a third place that brings friends and (potential) wine enthusiasts together to learn and connect in an intimate, relaxing setting. Brunello carefully curates his wine list, featuring unique bottles from around the world, including his own creations produced in partnership with Pleb Urban Winery in Asheville, NC, and Rosha Wines, nestled in the Republic of Georgia’s Kakheti Valley.
Though primarily focused on retail, the new shop also offers a limited selection of wine by the glass – perfect for sipping in the comfortable tasting room or, when weather permits, outside on the patio. A generous host, don’t be surprised if Brunello busts out a bottle or two to taste, chosen just for you based on your taste and preferences.
No matter your skill level in sipping fine wines or your knowledge in selecting a hostess gift, wine is undoubtedly part of a universal language. We may feel completely awkward about wine selection, or we may think that we know what we like, so we’re in a good place to choose for others. Either way, Brunello skillfully provides guidance, tips, and ideas in a friendly manner, drawing on his extensive knowledge and travels.
His shop also hosts guided tastings packed with tips and recommendations fit for experienced tasters and inquisitive beginners alike. Monthly classes engage your senses: the floral aroma of a German Riesling, the velvety texture of a smooth Merlot, the fizzle of a bubbly Prosecco as it fills a Champagne flute. Pairing expert instruction with an approachable, welcoming style, Brunello’s classes cover tasting notes, food pairings, and unique insights, from grape to glass. Participants walk away with a greater appreciation for the culture, geography, and technique behind every bottle.
Recommendations for Your Visit
There are many good reasons to shop for a bottle of wine, beyond birthdays and holidays:
- Pair a lovely bottle with a delicious spread for guests, or even consider hosting a wine-pairing dinner.
- Celebrate a milestone or thank someone for a favor.
- Buy a housewarming present, or, if you’re a realtor, add a bottle to a gift basket for first-time homebuyers.
- Thank friends and family while staying with them on vacation.
- Show appreciation to a client.
- Skip the holiday meal prep and bring a great bottle of wine to dinner instead (of course, make sure to check with the host first, or consider gifting a bottle to the host in addition to prepping a dish).
The list is endless. No matter the reason, Brunello will offer expert recommendations catered to your taste, budget, and occasion.
Along the way, discover our Craft Beverages and Country Inns Trail, home to award-winning craft beverage makers, unique bars and bottle shops, cozy farm stays, and charming bed and breakfast inns. Fit in a game at the award-winning 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Governors Club, or plan an outing to explore nearby Jordan Lake Educational State Forest. Gov’s Fusion Cantina, Tarantini Italian Restaurant, and Flair Fusion Restaurant & Wine Bar are all great local dining options. Accommodations are just a short drive away at The Inn at Governors Club.
Prefer an intimate setting for a fun, festive outing? Consider a private event at EB Wines, perfect for a bridal party, corporate outing, or simply an opportunity to gather and enjoy wine with your closest friends and family. They can also bring tastings to your venue of choice, offering a truly intimate, one-of-a-kind experience.
