As part of my ongoing series highlighting small businesses in our amazing Seattle neighborhoods, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Howard Russell, owner of La Cha-Bliss Wines in Capitol Hill. This isn’t just any wine shop. It’s a space with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to community.
Located in the Trace North Condo building on 12th Avenue, La Cha-Bliss specializes in wines crafted by women and minority owned producers. The moment you step in, you can tell this is a place where every bottle tells a story, and Howard knows each one.
In our interview, Howard shared the inspiration behind his shop and why it was so important for him to create a platform for underrepresented winemakers. His enthusiasm was infectious. Not only does he love wine, but he genuinely believes in lifting up voices that too often go unheard in the industry.
What stood out most to me during our chat was how intentional Howard is about every label on his shelves. He’s not just selling wine. He’s celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and connection. He even took the time to walk me through some of his favorite bottles, giving a bit of background on each producer. It felt like getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the wine world, one glass at a time.
If you're looking for something special, something you won’t find in your typical grocery store aisle, I highly recommend stopping by La Cha-Bliss Wines. Not only will you discover amazing wines, but you'll also be supporting a local business with strong community values and a beautifully diverse lineup of producers.
📍 La Cha-Bliss Wines
1414 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
