Vesper Books and Wine Named Retailer of the Year
The Detroit neighborhood shop is being recognized for its unique mix of natural wines and diverse cookbooks.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Local Shops
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Core City wine bar and bookstore Vesper Books and Wine has been named the Next Wave Retailer of the Year. The shop, which opened in 2024, operates out of a historic former Detroit Savings Bank building.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a unique model for local business growth, aiming to provide neighborhood access to natural wines and diverse culinary literature while balancing the local economy.
The shop serves the Core City neighborhood, where the median household income is approximately $35,000. It distinguishes itself by stocking cookbooks representing Detroit's ethnic diasporas.
The players
Symantha Duggan
Co-owner and founder of Vesper Books and Wine who returned to Detroit in 2019.
Robert Wilson
Co-owner and founder of Vesper Books and Wine who helped lead the renovation of the historic building.
The details
Owners Symantha Duggan and Robert Wilson renovated the 19th-century bank building with support from artists and architects. The shop maintains price accessibility by manually sourcing high-quality inventory from catalogs and magazines. Beyond retail, the space functions as a social hub for community-focused events like a Cookbook Club, signings, and winemaker meet-and-greets.
Timeline
• 2019: Symantha Duggan and Robert Wilson first connected after Duggan returned to Detroit.
• 2024: Vesper Books and Wine officially opened to the public.
• October 2026: The business received the Next Wave Retailer of the Year award.
The Home Front
The emergence of Vesper Books and Wine reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic commercial architecture in Detroit for modern, community-centric businesses. This development aligns with the ongoing expansion of the city's wine scene.
If you are interested in local culinary literature or wine, consider visiting the shop to view their curated collection of diverse cookbooks. You can also look into the business calendar to join upcoming author signings or Cookbook Club gatherings.
The takeaway
The success of this retail space shows how small businesses can integrate into a neighborhood's culture by offering tailored, accessible experiences. Locals should check the store website or visit the shop to see if the current event schedule aligns with their interest in food and drink.
Further reading
Explore more neighborhood favorites in our guide to Local Shops.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VinePair.
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