A forthcoming Country Wine & Spirits store, which will retail boutique alcohol along with craft wines and beers, is slated to open in Ramona earlier this summer.

On Thursday, the Ramona Community Planning Group members unanimously gave the green light for a liquor license for the fourth Country Wine & Spirits store in Ramona. The license will be moved from the Country Wine & Spirits outlet in Tierrasanta, informed Vince Kattoula, the CEO of Kattoula & Associates.

The new address is the prior Elam’s Hallmark store at 1423 Main St. located in the Plaza Shopping Center. The owner, Guy Elam, shut down the store adjacent to Albertson’s grocery store on Valentine’s Day of the previous year, citing the excessive cost required for operating the business.

Kattoula updated the Planning Group members that the upcoming Country Wine & Spirits is poised to retail high-end products which include boutique liquors, and craft wines and beers amongst other items. The outlet will also be selling wines produced in Ramona, European-style chocolates, and flavored craft sodas sourced globally.

One product that stands out in the selection is Pappy Van Winkle, a high-class range of bourbons and whiskeys, according to Kattoula. This brand is often not found in usual stores, he noted.

Kattoula shared that an uncommon item intended to be on offer is a tequila bottle sculpted like a shotgun and stands 3 feet tall.

Kattoula strongly believes that the establishment will appeal to tourists, who, in turn, could revitalize Ramona’s economy by patronizing local stores, food establishments, and wineries.

“This place is more of a tourist spot and presents an opportunity to discover exclusive bottles for momentous events,” stated Kattoula, following the approval of the liquor license by the Planning Group.

Andrew Simmons, a member of the Planning Group and chair of the Town Center Subcommittee, reported that the subcommittee members unanimously endorsed the alcohol license at their meeting on March 27.

“Everyone is keen on the concept,” said Simmons. “The expectation is that it will stock premium products that may become popular.”

Simmons pointed out that there appears to be a need for a convenience store in the shopping center. This is particularly true for customers who desire a quick pick-up of alcohol or snacks.

“We draw tourists all day thanks to our wineries and music scene, as well as being on the way to Julian and the desert,” Simmons commented. “While I’m unsure if anyone in San Diego would travel up the hill to visit a liquor shop, I do see a chance for passersby to spot the shop and stop in.”

Robin Joy Maxson, a member of the Planning Group, stated at the meeting on Thursday that a similar store she had been to in Lake Tahoe was immensely popular, always bustling with customers.