Whitestown, Ind. – The Cork & Barrel, a start-up wine bar, has opened in Whitestown with help from the Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) Microloan Program.  

“The Boone EDC offers the microloan program for small business owners in Boone County who are seeking funding for equipment purchases and specific projects,” said Boone EDC Economic Development Manager Rachel Huser. “Part of the Boone EDC’s mission is to support entrepreneurs and small business owners, like Sarah and Alex Hine, in achieving their dream of operating their own business.” 

Owners Sarah and Alex Hine received a microloan from the Boone EDC to purchase equipment for their new location at 6625 Whitestown Parkway.  

“Opening a wine bar has been a dream of ours over the last several years, and we hope to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere to our community,” said owner Sarah Hine. “We love this community, and it is our privilege to offer a unique environment where customers can enjoy a variety of world-class wines and local food pairings.” 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are pleased to welcome Cork & Barrel to our fast-growing community of Whitestown,” said Whitestown Town Council President Clinton Bohm. “We wish the Hine family many years of success and look forward to supporting their business as they grow.”  

As a wine bar, Cork & Barrel will offer up to 300 different wines from around the globe. The company prides itself on offering a relaxed, educational atmosphere where adults can learn more about the craft of wine.   

In addition, Cork & Barrel will also offer a variety of local hors d’oeuvres, a small beer selection, wine and food pairing tastings, wine-themed gifts, and a small event space for community and corporate events.  

“We hope Cork & Barrel will offer a unique, inviting atmosphere for all of our patrons in the community,” said Sarah.  “We look forward to becoming more and more involved in Boone County, and we appreciate all of the support which has been shown thus far.”

About the Boone County Economic Development Corporation 

A strong community is a united community, one that achieves balance between its residents and businesses. At the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, we seek the right economic opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County residents. We aim to be a catalyst for smart growth strategies. We forge mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations capable of understanding and further enriching the unique assets that the residents of Boone County have built. For more information, visit www.betterinboone.org.