About Us

Ron and Traci Weber of Cedar Rapids designed their business, 1st Avenue Wine House, as a comfortable place that welcomes both knowledgeable wine lovers and those just learning to appreciate wine. The store at 3412 1st Ave NE pours through the rooms of an old house filled with shelves of bottled wine, gourmet foods, gift baskets and accessories that help make wine a gift to enjoy.

Ron was a long time wine collector before he met Traci eight years ago. Traci admits knowing nothing about wine when they first met and only drank wine to impress him while they dated. His passion has now rubbed off on Traci and her parents Jim and Carolyn Taylor who also share an important role in their business.

Ron, an insulation contractor and Traci, then a health educator, were buying gasoline at the Handimart at 35th Street and 1st Avenue 6 years ago when they saw the house next door for sale. Traci's parent's refurbished old homes while she was growing up so they could all see the vision of this run down house as a quaint shop and of course loved the idea of having the exposure of 1st Avenue. It was meant to be.

Thousands of hours, lots of blood, sweat and tears, many bottles of wine and a few dollars later, their dream became a reality and their shop opened in October 2003. The shop has hundreds of imported and domestic wines ranging in price from $8 to $200 per bottle (most falling under $20). The Weber's also stock gourmet foods, imported & domestic cheeses, wine accessories and giftware. Carolyn Taylor, owner of her own company, Taylor-Made Gift Solutions, designs gift baskets for the shop. Jim Taylor is the "creative muscle" stocking shelves, helping customers and is the "door man" at all of the events. They are both retired educators from the Cedar Rapids Schools.

Ron and Traci like the idea of having a unique business and feel that their customers enjoy the family run atmosphere, a friendly environment and personal customer service. They look forward to your visit.