In this episode of South End Stoop Sessions, Cate Brinch sits down with Spenser Payne, founder of Neighborhood Wines, to examine what natural wine really means and how it has shaped his approach to business and community in the South End. Spenser shares his journey from growing up in Seattle and playing baseball at Boston College to traveling through Europe, where an early experience with natural wine sparked a lasting interest.

The conversation explores how modern wine became industrialized, why labels don't tell the full story, and how low-intervention practices change both taste and experience. Spenser also discusses collaborations with local makers, hosting community events, and his upcoming restaurant and wine bar, Mondo, highlighting how food, wine, and shared spaces bring people together.

Key Points From This Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:09) Spenser Payne's background and long-term connection to the South End

(00:01:56) Early focus on baseball and minimal alcohol exposure during college

(00:03:12) Defining natural wine and how modern wine became industrialized

(00:04:01) Lack of ingredient transparency and labeling in wine

(00:05:18) Industrial interventions, additives, and how they affect how wine feels

(00:06:32) Wine as a shared, social product meant to bring people together

(00:07:39) Natural wine as a living product that changes over time

(00:08:36) Collaborations with local businesses and community pop-ups

(00:09:14) Holiday collaborations with Rowhouse, florists, and bakers

(00:09:45) What questions to ask when shopping for low-intervention wine

(00:11:41) Using importers as a guide to finding natural wines

(00:13:03) Ideal days off and lifestyle in the South End

(00:13:36) Announcement of upcoming restaurant and wine bar, Mondo

(00:14:11) Pop-up series and defining "New New England" food

(00:16:32) Phased approach to opening hours and programming

(00:18:19) A pivotal wine experience in Copenhagen that sparked deeper interest

(00:20:20) Removing intimidation and pretension from wine culture

(00:22:28) Wines that shaped Spenser's taste and buying philosophy

(00:24:23) How travel and baseball influenced Spenser's career path

(00:25:20) Hosting blind tastings and educational wine events at home

(00:26:53) Favorite South End restaurants and neighborhood growth

(00:27:58) Local makers to follow without brick-and-mortar spaces

(00:28:23) Fostering dogs and unexpected community impact

(00:30:37) Neighborhood Wines location and social media handles

A big thank you to our founding sponsor ⁠M. Flynn Jewelry⁠ for supporting the show and being such an important part of the neighborhood. Visit them at 46 Waltham Street in Boston's South End.

Find out more about Neighborhood Wines:

https://neighborhoodwines.com/

Follow Neighborhood Wines on IG:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvvanrutMW/

Find out more about South End Business Alliance:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.sebaboston.com/⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Business Alliance on IG:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendbusiness⁠⁠⁠

Find out more about South End Local:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.southend-local.com/⁠⁠⁠

Follow South End Local on IG:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/southendlocal