Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTasha Smith.
Hi LaTasha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Opening a wine bar had been a longtime dream of mine, and my husband supported it all the way to the finish line. I was tired of having to leave our neighborhood for date night, and I wanted to bring a space to Dutchtown where people could enjoy a night out without having to travel far. We originally planned to open in a different location—but surprisingly, we were told no. So our journey to find the perfect space continued.
Later, things shifted when the Dutchtown Main Streets board and the City of St. Louis worked together to create the Special Use District Zone (SUDZ), which allowed for live/work spaces to operate along the Virginia corridor. That opened a new door for us. Once that happened, we secured the building—there were renters upstairs, so we began building out the wine bar space on the first floor.
From there, we started securing funding and building partnerships. Most banks wouldn’t touch a brand-new business—especially one just starting out—but we were fortunate to receive support from a neighboring organization (thanks, Justine Petersen) that believed in our vision and was generous in lending to a startup. That kind of support is rare, and we’re grateful for it.
Once things were in motion, we shared our plans with family, friends, and neighbors—and the excitement was incredible. Dutchtown can be a transient neighborhood, and there was some hesitation at first. But when people learned that we’re not just business owners—we’re homeowners just three blocks away—the energy shifted. Folks were excited to see a business built by people who live here and are deeply invested in the community.
We officially opened Intertwine Wine Bar on March 21, 2024, and just celebrated our one-year anniversary. The name Intertwine reflects everything we believe in—bringing together family, friends, business, community, fun, and work in one space.
It’s been a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and support—but we’re just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A couple of our biggest “aha” moments we had to work through were funding and securing our liquor license. Let’s be honest—most banks won’t lend to a brand-new business. They want to see you already in business for three years before they’ll help you get started. Backwards, right? Thankfully, a neighboring organization believed in our vision and was generous in providing startup funding when others wouldn’t. That support made a huge difference.
Getting the license was tricky because Dutchtown is a very transient neighborhood—many neighbors rent, so as we canvassed, they had moved out. Some live out of town, so we had to hunt them down, and others were understandably hesitant about a wine bar on the block. But once we shared how dedicated we are to this community—the work we’re doing here, the fact that we’re homeowners just three blocks away, and that we also own a second business in the neighborhood—people got excited. They saw that this wasn’t just a business; it was part of a bigger vision to help improve the quality of life here while helping families of color build generational wealth!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Intertwine Wine Bar?
What I’m most proud of is how Intertwine has become more than just a wine bar—it’s become a hub for connection, creativity, and community. From the very beginning, our vision wasn’t just about pouring wine. It was about building a space where people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired to share what they love.
If you’re in a band and need a stage, we’ve got you. If you’re passionate about poetry and want to host a night, our doors are open. We partner with local nonprofits and schools to host fundraisers that give back, because we believe good business should also do good work.
This mission is deeply personal. My husband and I live just three blocks away, and we opened Intertwine because we were tired of having to leave our own neighborhood for a date night or a night out with friends. As an educator by trade, I’ve always believed in investing in people—and that belief is woven into everything we do here. We’ve spent years working to uplift Dutchtown, and we’re constantly looking to connect with others who want to do the same.
What sets Intertwine apart isn’t just the wine (though we’re proud of our selection) or the cigars or even the cozy, modern atmosphere—it’s the intention behind it all. We built this space to be something unexpected, something special, right in the heart of a neighborhood that deserves more spaces to gather and grow.
Intertwine is where community and culture meet—where everyone knows your name, and you always feel at home.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me? Family and community—those are the heartbeats of our bar. Intertwine was built to be a place where everyone feels like they belong. It’s where entire families come together for karaoke nights, where friends gather over a bottle of wine to laugh and reconnect, and where men can kick back, relax, watch the game, and just be—no pressure, no pretense (yes, even with a cigar in hand!).
Creating a space that welcomes all of that—at the same time, under one roof—wasn’t easy, but it was the most important thing to us. And honestly? We’re proud to say we nailed it. This isn’t just a wine bar. It’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in: real connection, real community, and a place that always feels like home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://intertwinebar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intertwinewinebar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552009332721
