Longtime resident opens new Wauconda wine shop

Maria Weisbruch recently opened a wine and gift shop in the community where she grew up and is now raising her family.

Weisbruch and her husband, Scott, launched Bliss Wine & Gifts at 201 S. Main St. in downtown Wauconda. The couple believes the area is in need of this type of shop.

"It's a friendly downtown gift shop with wine and specialty beer," Maria Weisbruch said.

The store features 140 wines from all over the world, starting at $8.99 a bottle. An array of wine-related gifts and micro-brewed beers are other highlights.

For years, Maria has thought about opening a shop in Wauconda.

"This really complements the town. There's a need for this type of shop. It's a nice blend," she said.

Maria, who works part time as a vice president handling finances for an Arlington Heights construction company, opened the business last week. Her husband, who grew up in Crystal Lake, works in the public works department for Cuba Township.

Finishing touches are currently being made at the new business. High school art students are working on a full wall mural this week to set the stage for the artwork to be sold at the business. Students and professional artists will sell their work on consignment at the shop.

The business is also available for wine tasting parties. Maria, 45, also offers wine by the glass or half glass.

Maria, a Wauconda High School graduate, said she was not hesitant about opening the business during a down economy.

"We decided to jump in with both feet and see what happens. It was good timing for our family," she said. The couple is raising two children, Sarah, 15, and Hannah, 12.

The business is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call (847) 526-7133 or check out blisswineandgifts.com.

Now open: A new sushi restaurant has opened in Schaumburg. Sushiya operates at 261 S. Roselle Road. Lee Kyoung of Des Plaines is the owner of the new eatery.

Two decades: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria's Buffalo Grove location is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. As part of the promotion, customers at that location placing orders through Thursday will receive a coupon for 20 percent off. The Buffalo Grove family-owned pizzeria, the seventh of 30 locations to open, is at 85 S. Buffalo Grove Road.

Kim Mikus covers retail and small business. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com or (847) 438-9697.