Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room said goodbye to longtime associate and Ponte Vedra resident Allen Horne in early May.
The former owner of Manuel’s Deli and Wines in Ponte Vedra, Horne came out of retirement to help Coastal Wine start its business in 2016. Now, co-owner Steve Lourie said Horne is re-retiring to spend time with family in North Carolina.
“He’ll definitely be missed,” Lourie said. “As a previous business owner, he had this extensive knowledge of wine and just this amazing gift with the guests. He knew how to take really good care of them. Of course, it was ultimately extremely bittersweet because we knew it was time for him to kick back and relax. We wished him the best and of course we’ll miss him greatly.”
Coastal Wine Market hosted a farewell celebration for Horne on Friday, May 3. Throughout Horne’s entire shift, Lourie said people came in to say goodbye, give him hugs and deliver him parting gifts. The business also gifted Horne with an oversized bottle of wine that was signed by the team and friends.
“Allen was comfort food for our team and our guests,” Lourie said. “He was like a warm bowl of cassoulet.”
