The Story Behind EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room
EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room is passionate about exceptional wine, expert craftsmanship, and authentic community connection. We are located in the heart of Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District. Our story is one of dedication to quality, continuous learning, and bringing world-class wine experiences to the Tri-State area.
EJ’s Vision & Foundation
EJ Droessler’s journey to opening EJ’s Wine Shop began with a deep respect for the winemaking process and an unwavering commitment to quality. After spending 15 years as a restaurant owner, EJ dedicated himself to understanding every aspect of wine production, working full-time at an active local winery through three harvest seasons.
The long days, challenging conditions, and hands-on experience in vineyards and cellars gave EJ a profound appreciation for the labor and passion required to create exceptional wine. This respect for craftsmanship became the foundation of EJ’s Wine Shop when it opened in late 2023, bringing curated, quality wines to Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District.
EJ’s commitment was clear from the beginning: providing a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere featuring exceptional quality and value wines. Every bottle in the shop is personally known and appreciated, focusing on supporting winemakers who prioritize authenticity over mass production. You won’t find heavily commercialized labels here—instead, EJ showcases small-batch producers and distinctive wines that tell unique stories.
EJ continues to be highly involved in curating our wine selection, ensuring that Dubuque has access to some of the finest wine choices available. His dedication to quality and passion for wine education remain the driving force behind every selection that graces our shelves.
Growing the Vision
In July 2024, EJ welcomed partners Carl Busch and Mike Schmalz to help grow EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room into the comprehensive wine and cocktail destination it is today. This partnership combined complementary expertise and a shared passion for exceptional hospitality experiences.
Carl Busch joined the team as an award-winning mixologist with an impressive track record in Iowa’s beverage scene. As Iowa’s Top Mixologist in 2013, 2021, and 2023, Carl brings world-class cocktail expertise to EJ’s tasting room. His approach to craft cocktails mirrors EJ’s wine philosophy—using premium ingredients, honoring traditional techniques, and creating memorable experiences without pretension.
Carl’s background in high-end hospitality and his deep understanding of wine and spirits perfectly complement EJ’s vision. His innovative cocktail program has elevated EJ’s from a wine shop to a complete beverage destination, where guests can explore exceptional wines alongside expertly crafted cocktails in Dubuque’s most sophisticated yet approachable setting.
Mike Schmalz rounds out the partnership, bringing additional expertise and shared commitment to making EJ’s the premier destination for wine enthusiasts and cocktail lovers throughout the Dubuque area.
Our Commitment to Dubuque
At EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room, we’re more than just a business—we’re passionate advocates for quality, authenticity, and Community. Our mission is to:
- Curate Exceptional Selections: Every wine and spirit is personally selected for its quality, character, and story
- Educate and Inspire: Share our knowledge through tastings, classes, and personalized recommendations
- Support Authentic Producers: Partner with small-batch winemakers and craft distillers who prioritize quality over quantity
- Create Community: Provide a welcoming space where wine lovers and curious newcomers alike can discover, learn, and connect
- Honor Our Location: Celebrate the rich history of Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District while contributing to its vibrant future
We believe that great wine and cocktails should be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level. Our team is always ready to guide you through our selections, help you discover new favorites, and ensure every EJ’s visit is educational and enjoyable.
The EJ’s Difference in Dubuque
- Uncompromising Quality: We taste and approve every wine and spirit before it reaches our shelves. If we don’t serve it to our friends and family, we won’t offer it to you.
- Expert Curation: Our selections represent years of relationships with importers, distributors, and producers who share our commitment to authenticity and quality.
- Educational Focus: Understanding wine and cocktails enhances enjoyment. Our team loves sharing knowledge about regions, production methods, and flavor profiles.
- Local Community: As proud members of the Dubuque business community, we’re committed to contributing to the Historic Millwork District’s continued growth and success.
- Personal Service: Unlike large retailers or national chains, we know our customers and their preferences. We’re here to provide personalized recommendations and build lasting relationships.
The Future of Wine in Dubuque
EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room is committed to continually elevating Dubuque’s wine and cocktail scene. We regularly host educational events, wine tastings, and cocktail workshops to deepen appreciation for these artisanal crafts.
Our wine club connects members with exceptional bottles from around the world, while our tasting room provides a venue for casual enjoyment and special celebrations. We’re constantly seeking new producers, unique varietals, and innovative cocktail techniques to share with our Community.
Visit us in the Historic Millwork District to experience the passion, expertise, and hospitality that define EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room. Whether you’re exploring wine for the first time or are a seasoned enthusiast, we’re here to enhance your journey and help you discover your next favorite bottle or cocktail.
What Dubuque Wine Lovers Are Saying
Happy Hour at EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room
Tuesday thru Friday 3PM to 5PM
Tuesday thru Saturday – 9 PM to Close
$3 off Wine by the Glass
$3 off Cocktails
WHO’S EJ?
ABOUT
My name is EJ Droessler and I was born and raised in the big town of Louisburg, Wisconsin. I am old enough to be born in the 70’s but young enough to not recall them. The majority of my adulthood has been spent working in the restaurant industry with the past 15 of those years as an owner of a local eatery. I attribute my ever thinning hairline as a constant reminder of the stress involved in the restaurant industry, and I greatly respect the many people who wear the black non-slip shoes and aprons to service the public every day.
I have dedicated the past 2 years to learning and better understanding the winemaking process and have worked full time at an active local winery, including 3 harvest seasons. The long days, heat, rain, bee stings, sun burns, back aches, and smashed fingers are all part of the harvest and a testament to the labor and passion required to make quality wine. For the grape growers, cellar workers, assistant winemakers, winemakers, and everyone else involved in the challenging process of winemaking I have nothing but tremendous appreciation.
It is my privilege to bring EJ’s Wine Shop to the historical downtown Dubuque district in late 2023 and a true honor to be part of the local business community once again.
To be perfectly clear I am not a mentor, not a celebrity, and not an expert. I am, however, very passionate about quality wine, community, family, health and wellbeing, and I look forward to providing value and a positive experience to customers.
My goal is to provide a relaxing and unpretentious atmosphere with retail wine/beer of quality and value. It is my commitment to know and appreciate every label in my shop and to support winemakers that do not fall into the glamor of overproduced and heavily commercialized “wine manufacturing.” We will always be out of Meomi, Rombauer, Kim Crawford, Kendall Jackson, 7 Deadly, and any other label that represents mass production.
Stop by, say hello, and join us for a glass of wine or beer. Taste one of our fun low or no alcohol cocktails, have an afternoon affogato, or try a light snack. We will host wine related workshops and classes along with providing a perfect venue for the upcoming special event in your life.
Don’t forget to join our wine club and experience the fun and excitement of a new label or varietal!
Cheers!
EJ
