Our story

How Grayze happened

Grayze is what happens when someone decides Southington deserves a place to slow down, and then builds it herself.

Portrait: Jennifer GrayJennifer behind the marble bar, glass in hand, laughing rather than posing. Warm light, gold wallpaper behind her. This is the most important photo on the site.

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer Gray, owner and host

The name is a small family joke: Jennifer Gray, a love of grazing boards, and one letter borrowed to make it ours. The idea behind it was serious. Downtown Southington had great restaurants and lively bars, but nowhere to simply sit with a good glass of wine and hear the person across from you.

So in 2025 Jennifer took over the former Board & Brush studio at 61 Center Street and started again from the studs: charcoal walls, gold Deco wallpaper, mustard velvet drapes, a white marble bar and chandeliers that make everybody look good. We opened our doors in February 2026, a blizzard pushed back our first full week, and the town showed up anyway.

Grayze is dressed up so you do not have to be. Come in heels or come in sneakers, come for a flight with the girls or a quiet old fashioned on your own. Somebody will remember your name, and probably your wine.

Draft copy. To replace with Jennifer’s own wordsHer background before Grayze. The moment she decided to do it. Why Southington. What she wants every guest to feel. Two or three short paragraphs in her voice will beat anything we can write for her. The “Meet Grayze” reels on Instagram are a good starting point.

What we believe

What we care about

Uncork

Every bottle earns its place. We taste everything, keep the list short, and would rather pour you a splash to try than sell you a glass you do not love.

Unwind

Candlelight. Music you can talk over. Seats you sink into. The point of the room is the person you came with.

Indulge

Boards built to order, desserts made in-house, spirits from a distillery twenty minutes away. Small things, done properly.

The people

Faces you will know

Team photoFront of house lead greeting a table, candid. Name to come.

[Name]

On the floor

The first smile at the door. One line on how long they have been with Grayze and the glass they recommend most.

Team photoLead bartender, mid-shake or mid-pour. Name to come.

[Name]

Behind the bar

Who they are, the cocktail they are proudest of, and what to ask them for when you cannot decide.

Team photoKitchen lead plating a Grayzing Board. Name to come.

[Name]

In the kitchen

The person behind the boards and the desserts. One line on their favorite thing on the menu right now.

NoteTeam section is optional. If Jennifer would rather keep the focus on the room and the wine, this section becomes a photo gallery of the space instead.

We are hiring

Bartenders and servers who love looking after people

Send a note and your resume to grayzewinebar@gmail.com.

Come meet us

The first glass is the hardest to choose

We will help. Pull up a seat at the bar and tell us what you like.

Call (860) 426-0885 Hours and directions