ACROSS THE BEAVERKILL In its new location at 65 Main Street in Livingston Manor, the former Laundry King laundromat, Upstream Wine & Spirits continues to offer shoppers a wide variety of its namesake product. Angie Hund photo
Upstream moves up the street
Lost lease necessitates a venue change
LONG ANTICIPATED MOVE Owner Meg McNeill, below, is happy with the new space, and says the change has resulted in an increase in business. Angie Hund photo
By Angie Hund | Manor Ink
Livingston Manor, NY – Since 2017, Upstream Wine & Spirits has been located in Livingston Manor. Known for its diverse variety of wines, the independent wine shop has now moved to a new storefront, due to rental disagreements and ongoing disputes with their former landlord.
Previously located with a view of the Willowemoc next to Main Street Farm on the hamlet’s Main Street, Upstream has moved further down the street to 65 Main Street. Neighbors now include popular businesses like Life Repurposed, Long Weekend, the Walk-in, the Neon Croissant and Will Hardware.
Last year, Upstream decided to relocate to the space at 65 Main Street. McNeill began renting it in January, planning to move then, but updating her liquor license first required approval from the State Liquor Authority. That delayed things.
BRIGHT WINDOWS Upstream Wine & Spirits is now part of the increasingly busy west end of town. Angie Hund photo
For many businesses in the hamlet, affordable rental space has become a recurring issue. As rents increase, shops that originated in Livingston Manor have moved to other locations in Sullivan County.
Since reopening at its new location, Upstream has seen an influx of new business. Community support and a warm welcome from the surrounding businesses has been especially gratifying. McNeill is also pleased with the new space. “We’ve been pretty happy,” she said. “We’ve moved into a bigger space with a nicer flow, more storage for us and higher ceilings, so it is nicer – and it’s above the flood zone!”
Upstream Wine & Spirits can be found online at upstreamwine.com and at instagram.com/drinkingupstream.