Fulton & Forbes is Raising Spirits in Ancram

After returning from World War II, Rachel Merrriam’s grandfather Sam Merriam established an auto-body shop located at the intersection of Fulton & Forbes streets in Hartford, Conn. His entrepreneurial spirit has influenced the Merriams for generations. In tribute to her late grandfather, Rachel named her latest endeavor after the iconic family business.

Merriam transformed the Bottle Tree Restaurant, vacant for over a decade, into Fulton & Forbes Wine & Spirits, which opened for business in March. “Everyone in Ancram has been wondering what would happen to the former restaurant and bar,” Merriam said. “Come find out.”

While her relatives continue to carry on the automotive tradition, Rachel charted a different path. She earned a hospitality degree at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and worked as wine director and sommelier of Casa Mono & Bar Jamon in New York City’s Union Square.

After COVID, Merriam began working at the Hudson Chatham Winery, in Ghent. There, alongside her former CIA classmate Steven Rosario, she got involved in the growing of grapes and production of the wines before moving on to start her own business.

The refurbished space at 1415 County Road 7 offers a wide selection of local and regional wines. When stocking her shelves, Merriam selects a variety of products from sustainable, small producers, classics, as well as customer requests.

“Just as my grandfather taught me, it’s all about the community,” Merriam said. “I gave this building a hug and opened it back up, and now I want to give something back to the wider Hudson Valley community.”

As summer nears, Merriam plans to offer a grab-and-go selection of cocktails and everything-you-need packages for picnics and parties, including biodegradable single-use stemware. She said she will always offer value-driven wines and mix-and-match case discounts. Fulton & Forbes is also looking to start its own CSA: Think monthly Chardonnay and Pinot to complement your fruits and veggies.

“Rachel’s been in service, in sales, at the harvest and in production,” Rosario said. “She knows every part of the wine and spirits business, and her goal is to make every guest feel comfortable, every customer feel included.”

Merriam is working on partnerships with The Little Store, Stissing House, the Alander/North Star, The Pond and the Ancram Center for the Arts, as well as Hillrock Estate Distillery and Hudson Chatham Winery.

“This will be a focal point for community gathering,” said Ancram resident Bob Bachler. “It’s so close, it’s so convenient, and with such a great selection — I look forward to trying every one!”