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Business & Tech

The Story of the Vin Bin

Stop in and experience one of Marlborough's most unique businesses.

Wine has been an interest to Rick Lombardi, owner of for years. When he was 18, Lombardi worked part-time in a grocery store. It was here, in the wine section, that a hobby began for him.

"It was legal to drink at 18 then," he said.

Lombardi and his wife, Julie, a nurse practitioner by day and an evening and weekend employee at The Vin Bin, have lived in Marlborough since 1982 and have raised four children. Lombardi holds a Master's degree in Communications and has worked eclectically in the field throughout his adult life. His resume includes 15 years at the Marlborough Enterprise newspaper, working for former Cabinet Secretary of Environmental Affairs, Gertrude "Trudy" Coxe in former Massachusetts governor Weld's administration and for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department in Boston. However, he always kept the dream of opening his own wine store in the back of his mind.

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In 2003, Lombardi became certified in Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) at Boston University, worked at a cheese shop in Concord, Massachusetts and founded The Vin Bin in 2004.

"My kids were grown and out [of the house]. So, I took the plunge." Lombardi said.

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There have been many changes to The Vin Bin since it first opened its doors. On Sept. 22, 2011, the store received its full liquor license, upgrading sales from wine and beer to all varieties of alcohol. Perhaps the biggest change was moving to a larger venue, the historic Central Fire Station on Main Street in August 2011, just across the street from the original store.

"We like to pay homage to the history of the building," said Kim Bertonassi, manager of the store. has loaned The Vin Bin several photos of the three fire stations in Marlborough in their day along with other historical images of the City. There are even artifacts such as a leather firefighter's helmet and a sign on display.

Lombardi shares the secret to his success, "It's not enough to have all of the knowledge. You also have to be friendly to customers and understand the business side of things." He went on to say how it is detrimental when an owner knows the business side and does not have the human element, or vice versa.

The Vin Bin has weekly wine tastings on Friday evenings. Visit the website or call for more information on this and other events.

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