By Eric Curl
June 3, 2025 – Two sisters and their mother who operate a family winery in Argentina plan to showcase their family wine at a shop and bar on East Broughton St., in a historic property on the eastern end of the downtown corridor.
“After making wine down in Argentina for almost 10 years, we just couldn’t drink it all ourselves anymore,” said co-owner Ingrid Lelos, in an emailed response Monday to Savannah Agenda’s inquiry about the business. “We have a surplus of fabulous wines and want to share them with the Savannah community.”
At today’s meeting, the Metropolitan Planning Commission will consider a special-use application submitted by the trio’s corporation, Siete Wines LLC, to permit the sale of wine by the glass for on-premises consumption at 508 E. Broughton St., in addition to the retail component, “as a natural extension of the use of the property.”
The two-story building dates back to 1898 and has been used as a residence, according to the staff report. Retail sales are permitted by right in the Traditional Commercial district, but the permit is required for on-premised alcohol consumption.
“As locals, we appreciate the quiet, east end of Broughton Street,” Lelos said. “It has more of a residential feel to it, and it is much easier to find a parking space!”
Thier family vineyard, La Paloma (The Dove) is located near Mendoza, Argentina in the Uco Valley at the foot of the Andes mountains, close to the Chilean border. Lelos said the region is most famous for its Malbec, but the Cabernet Franc is gaining attention from wine experts, and the Pinot Noir is” not to be missed.”
Lelos said they are looking forward to working together in Savannah and bringing a taste of the family trade to the community.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “This has been a family endeavor from the very beginning. My mother, sister, and our families planted the vineyard together in 2013, and we all go back down there regularly to blend our wines and enjoy the Argentine culture.”
One opposition letter was submitted by a nearby property owner, who raised concerns about the commercial traffic, noise and parking challenges the business could generate.
MPC staff is recommending approval of the permit, with the condition that it be non-transferable. Exterior modification of the property is not proposed in association with the use, and hours of operation are proposed to be consistent with the adjoining residential character, according to the report.
The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission typically holds their meetings at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays every three weeks at 112 E State St. and can be accessed remotely by registering via the MPC’s homepage.
Find the full agenda and see who else is meeting at Meeting Agendas – Savannah Agenda.
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