Just before Christmas saw the opening of a new wine bar at 21 Killigrew Street, Falmouth. Kernowine is the latest addition to one of Falmouth’s most iconic streets and is the result of four years of planning by Del Crookes and his wife Natasha, to create a space which will be a mix of in-store retail, wine bar and a school, supported by an online retail offering.
Owner Del’s love of wine led him to study the WSET diploma, which he passed in 2020. He wanted to share that knowledge and love of wine in a bar that feels like it adds to the neighbourhood and community. The ethos of the business is to be as sustainable, ethical and local as possible.
Visitors to Kernowine will be able to take advantage of some of the sustainable decisions, such as the refill taps that cut down on glass bottles by allowing people to bring their own in to be refilled with a range of wines. As part of the WSET course, Del won the highest score in the world for his knowledge of sparkling wine, so expect a great offering of fizz from around the world to drink in or take home.
Commenting on the opening, Del said: “We really wanted to create a space that felt inviting and cosy and part of the community. It is important to us that we support Cornwall and the creativity of the food and drink producers as much as we can and now we are open we can’t wait to meet local residents and visitors and share our knowledge and love of wine”.
With Kernow on the label, there will, of course, be a great selection of Cornish wine, cider, beer and soft drinks to support local Cornish producers, as well as having a curated list of interesting wines and spirits from across the world, including a selection of rum-based cocktails to drink in-house and wines by the glass to try. The drinks will be complemented by a small revolving lunch menu and charcuterie platters throughout the day and evening.
Sophie Chapman of commercial interior design agency, Studio Gorse, has worked alongside Del to help bring the Kernowine vision to life. Commenting on the project, she said: “It’s been a great pleasure to create a window into the brand’s ethos, with 21 Killigrew Street as the first physical presence of Kernowine. Studio Gorse has delivered a relaxed, all-day retail and cafe space that transforms to an intimate evening venue. The space can also play host to a full calendar of events, where there’s something for everyone.”
Kernowine will be open seven days a week during December from 11am to 9.30pm, with more events coming in the New Year.
For more information on the wine selection, visit www.kernowine.co.uk, or follow @kernowine on Instagram and Facebook. Kernowine is located at: 21 Killigrew Street, Falmouth, TR11 3QA.
