Our Shop

ABOUT OUR SHOP

We believe wine, like food, is much more than just sustenance. It transmits place, time, culture, politics and much more. But above all, we believe wine is really, really fun! We created a shop that is accessible, whether you’re seeking everyday guzzlers, rare vintages or everything in between. A true neighborhood shop, we have a small but mighty team of professionals that are not only passionate about wine, but also dedicated to helping you learn about what you are drinking.

OUR GOAL 

Is for you to leave our shop with not only a bottle you love, but with the wine’s story to share with others while you drink.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Unusual bottles & rare cuvées

A broad range of imports & Old World classics

Back Vintage bottles

Small batch wines from quality-conscious producers

Selections from cult producers

New winemakers from small production labels

Organic, natural, & biodynamic wines

See all our wine
  • JUSTIN COLEMAN

    Justin Coleman wants to talk to you about wine.

    Years of selecting wines for some of NYC’s favorite spots (Balthazar, Commerce, Morandi, The Mark) have helped Justin cultivate strong relationships with both European and American winemakers, importers, and distributors. From lugging bottles, to creating beverage programs, to managing operations, Justin has worked with some of the most exalted names in the business.

    Seeking a slower pace of life for his young family at the time (wife, Sarah and eldest daughter, Fia), Justin headed south to Charleston in 2013, landing at The Ordinary as General Manager. At The Ordinary, Justin fostered an appreciation for, and understanding of, the community in Charleston. 

     

    Monarch Wine Merchants opened in 2017, filling a void in the market at the time for a true neighborhood wine shop, focused on wine and only wine. Delivering the highest level of customer service has become a hallmark of the shop. Justin is forever passionate about keeping the shelves well-stocked at the brick and mortar, while also sourcing highly allocated wines for both local clients and those further afield.

     

    With the arrival of his daughter Selma in 2020, Justin now enjoys sleeping in his spare time, with as many hours on the Tennis courts as possible squeezed in for good measure.

  • ROBERT SPENCER

    Wine for Robert used to be just a hobby. Like many college students, Robert worked in the Food and Bev industry part-time to pay bills while getting his degree at the University of South Carolina. Waiting tables and working almost every position one can have in restaurants helped him to develop his love of food and wine. 

     

    After the pandemic derailed career plans in Europe, he decided to pursue that passion with a job at a local Wine and Spirits company in the upstate before finding his dream job at Monarch. He moved to Charleston in October of 2021, and now focuses on learning everything he can about wine and the industry that supports the shop.