Back Room Wines Announces Sale To New Owners

Back Room Wines proprietor Daniel Dawson today announced the sale of his popular wine shop in downtown Napa to Felicia and Prashant Patel of Napa, effective May 9.

Under the stewardship of Dawson, Back Room Wines has built a reputation for its extensive selection of small production boutique wines from Napa Valley and beyond, plus imported wines and specialty spirits, with a legion of loyal customers both locally and around the country. In announcing the sale to the Patels, Dawson said, “After 15 years of selling and enjoying wine at Back Room Wines, I am pleased to be leaving the shop in the hands of such capable new owners. Under their care, I know the shop will continue to evolve while maintaining its character and place in the Napa community.”

Prashant Patel has lived in Napa since age 2, so the new owners are already well established in the area. He owns Invictus Marketing, a local web design company that works with national clients. Felicia Patel, who will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the shop, has a background in wine retail, having run two family-owned wine and spirits shops in Tennessee before moving to Napa to marry Prashant in 2013. Most recently, she was a customer service manager at govino (the wine glass company), which recently relocated to Southern California.

The Patels are eager to maintain Back Room Wine’s quality and reputation. “After running my family’s wine shops in Tennessee, my dream was to open a similar shop when I moved to Napa,” said Felicia Patel. “But starting one from scratch in the heart of Wine County was daunting.” She added, “The stars aligned when the opportunity to purchase Back Room Wines came up – an established wine shop with an exceptional reputation, a fantastic location and a strong customer base. I knew I had found the perfect fit.”

"We are excited to combine Felicia's experience and charm with my background in the digital channels,” said Prashant Patel. “We're not planning to make any major changes. Dan has created a model that works, and we will continue that moving forward. Back Room Wines will have the same unique wine selections not found elsewhere and the same great events for locals. The main difference will be the extra dollop of southern hospitality my wife brings." He added, "Some of my clients may be wondering about the fate of my company, Invictus, but it will be business as usual. The main difference is that Back Room Wines will be one of our newest clients."

Sean Nelson, a wine merchant with Back Room Wines for the last two years, will continue to work at the shop under the new proprietors, helping to assure a smooth transition.

Dawson acknowledges that selling the business is bittersweet. “It has been a rewarding journey, one that has made me many friends on a personal and professional level,” he said. “I thank everyone who has supported the shop all these years, and hope they will continue to do so with the new owners. I see more success ahead for Back Room Wines as downtown Napa continues to blossom into a world-class visitor destination.” He added, “As for my future, after 15 years of more than full-time work, I am planning to take a break to enjoy time with my family while I figure out what is next for me in the world of food, wine and hospitality.”

Back Room Wines opened in 2002 in downtown Napa and has been in its current location since 2008. The shop carries an extensive selection of small production boutique wines from Napa Valley and beyond, plus imported wines and specialty spirits. The wine bar features wines by the glass or flight, and weekly tasting events highlight varietals and wines from all over the world.

Back Room Wines is located at 1000 Main Street (entrance on First) in downtown Napa. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with later hours on Thursday and Friday. Call 707-226-1378 or visit www.backroomwines.com.