Partner Profile: The Pairing

Partner Profile is a series of blog posts that highlight retailers, restaurants, and other partners that carry Fence Stile wines. The Pairing Crossroads Wine & Grocer is a unique bar, specialty grocer, liquor store, and charcuterie-themed restaurant under one roof. Owners Jeff Jones and Mat Adkins, a lifelong citizen of Kansas City, opened The Pairing in February of 2020 in the Crossroads Arts District.

Describing the concept for The Pairing, Adkins says, "Whether you’re looking to have a drink at our bar or just grab a six-pack on your way home from work we have a little something for everyone."

Adkins always knew he eventually wanted to have a place of his own. "After years of working in the business, I met my now business partner Jeff Jones and that’s when things really started to become a reality," Adkins says. "Ultimately, I just wanted something unique like this city had never really seen before. I’m really proud of what we’ve put together here at The Pairing."

The Pairing carries a diverse selection of wine as well as craft beer and spirits, especially whiskey. "We don’t have the largest selection in town but we most certainly have one if the most unique," Adkins says. "You have your traditional liquor stores and then there’s your specialty shops like Cellar Rat, Big Mood, or say Bier Station. I’d like to think we’re sort of a hybrid of all those."

The shop carries a large selection of natural wines, including Fence Stile's piquette. Their selection also ranges from skin-contact "orange" wines like Fence Stile's Late Harvest Tramonto to conventional wines for any occasion. Adkins says, "We carry mostly unique brands you won’t find in the grocery store markets."

Featuring Fence Stile's wines at The Pairing fits with their retail philosophy. "We put a big emphasis on local products at The Pairing," Adkins says. "Local wine can be tricky though so we had to be more selective in that category. Simply put, Fence Stile was just a good fit for our concept."

The Pairing contributes to the diverse, locally-owned community of bars and restaurants in Kansas City. "I’m lucky to be a small piece of that scene now," Adkins says. "Whenever possible we like to focus on brands that are still independently owned, the mom and pop producers of the world. We also love supporting our local community whenever possible whether that be providing a venue for local music, art space for artists, or cross promotion with other local companies and brands. At the end of the day the most important thing is community and doing what we can to continue to enhance the Crossroads Arts District."

Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery is proud to partner with and support like-minded local businesses. Drop by to view their selection and pick up a bottle or two. They carry cheese, chocolates, and many other foods, including vegan and vegetarian specialties. You can also give them a call to request a specific Fence Stile wine. 

The Pairing, 1615 Oak St., Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, MO. 816-882-2751, pairingkc.com

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