It’s a round-about route but the passage of I-1183 has apparently brought about a decision to put one of Capitol Hill’s three independent wine shops up for sale. Steven Brown sent a mail to customers Wednesday afternoon announcing he was getting out of the independent wine shop business and was putting 12th and Olive Wine on the market.

(Image: 12th and Olive Wine)

“A great opportunity has been presented to me and I’m compelled to act on it,” Brown wrote in his email to customers. “I have decided to put 12th and Olive Wine Company up for sale.”

According to Brown, changes in the industry — including November’s approval of laws privatizing Washington’s liquor industry — have opened up an opportunity for him to work in wine sales across the western United States.

Brown opened 12th and Olive in spring 2008 in the ground floor retail space of the Onyx condominium building.

The independent wine retail scene on the Hill is an intimate affair limited to three main players. Boylston Ave E’s Vino Verite has also been serving Capitol Hill since 2008. Both are regular advertisers with CHS. Meanwhile, 15th Ave E’s European Vine Selections holds the longest tenure having moved to the Hill in 1984, according to the collective shop’s Web site. 

View Larger Map

Recent attempts to sell Capitol Hill businesses have been hit and miss propositions. A similar recent example is the Pike Street Beer and Wine shop which reportedly finally found a buyer last winter after months on the market — though the shop has not re-opened. Other recent successful sale examples are the transfer of ownership of Table 219 — now  Americana — and 10th Ave E’s  Frank Espresso.

Below is a portion of the sales pitch Brown has mailed to potentially interested parties. The space has room for 784 “single bottle facings” if you’re shopping around. There are no details on the existing lease and we have yet to ask Brown his price. In the meantime, the shop remains open for business.

12th and Olive Wine Company located on Seattle’s Capitol Hill is officially for sale.

This is your chance to “live the dream”!

12 th and Olive is profitable and a successful enterprise to say the least and is a “turn-key” deal. Walk in and start selling wine.

 If you are already in retail, this is your chance to expand your empire onto the most dynamic neighborhood in the city!

To those in the Import/Distribution at present, you can take advantage of the recent changes to the states laws and vertically integrate. You can own and operate your enterprise from importation to retail sales capturing all profits from landed cost to full retail sal

The facility is fully compliant for limited food preparation and sales. There are areas of latent profit and sales yet to be applied such as Wine Club sales, online sales and residential and business delivery.

If you would like to set a private appointment to discuss the possibilities please feel to contact me directly.