Arista Wine Cellars passes the corkscrew to Roger and Marisa Clayton

Photo from Arista Wine Cellars Facebook page.
From left: Roger Clayton, Victoria Trimmer, Ruth and David Arista; photo from Arista Wine Cellars Facebook page.

Ruth and Dave Arista, owners of Arista Wine Cellars, posted an announcement on their Facebook page that they are selling the shop to Roger and Marisa Clayton. Read on for the full announcement, including the Arista’s notice of a celebration coming on April 1:

“Things are changing here in the shop. Save the date of Friday, April 1 for a celebration. After 18 terrific years of growing this wine shop it is time to pass the corkscrew to very capable hands. Roger Clayton and his wife Marissa are purchasing Arista Wine Cellars and carrying on the great tradition of helping people find wines and other goodies for their enjoyment. Roger has been with us for 13 years, and we all chatted about the possibilities of this transition for about a year. The time has come for Roger to take the lead and we, Ruth and David, could not be happier for him and his wife Marisa.

“Some folks know that the shop started in September of 1997, in a little 900-sq foot space in Edmonds, in what is now Cline Jewelers. We grew over a few years, then moved into the corner, at 5th and Main. Then after more terrific community support and growth, we rolled the giant check-out counter south down Fifth Avenue, on two furniture dollies with 8 people pushing,  to our current location. We enjoyed a new space and more years of wine tastings, fun with customers and being a part of this great Edmonds community.Yesterday our friend and wine-fairy-godmother Victoria Trimmer came by the shop. She had the wine shop up at 5-Corners for 13 years and helped David and I get started in 1997. We purchased her original wine racks and have used them from day one. Now those racks will show more fine vintages and terrific new Washington wineries as Roger curates all the goods in the shop. The name will remain, as will the free Saturday tastings, caring attention to service and involvement in the community.
“While Roger and his team take Arista Wine Cellars into new wine adventures, David and I will be right here in Edmonds. We are looking forward to time on the golf course, travels with friends, helping on causes in the Edmonds community, and time with family in Seattle and Dallas, Texas. On April 1st we will be joining the festivities here in the shop, as Roger and Marisa throw a party to celebrate new beginnings. Be sure to save the date!
“We cannot imagine a better place to have grown a business. The city of Edmonds is a place of heart and of caring people. We could not have had this great business with out all the people willing to shop in Edmonds and support the local stores.
“With huge appreciation and great celebration, cheers from us to you for eighteen years, from David and Ruth Arista.”
For more information on the transfer of ownership, see the Arista Wine Cellars Facebook page here.
  1. Best wishes to Roger and Marissa and thank you Ruth and David for all you have done and continue to do for our Edmonds community. Cheers

  2. Ruth and David, you have been such a vibrant part of our business community for so many years that the thank yous will continue to roll in–as well as congratulations for Roger & Marisa.
    Enjoy this new phase of your life!

  3. Many thanks to the Aristas for all they have contributed to making Edmonds such a great place. They were neighbors of ours in the Olympic View Drive are and now we share an “alley” in downtown Edmonds. Best of luck to the new owners.

  4. I recall our first meeting….you wanted to live in Edmonds AND have a successful business in Edmonds as well. Mission accomplished David and Ruth! Best of luck in what comes next. Edmonds is a better place because you moved here, got involved and made it your town! Cheers !!

  5. You have enriched the fabric of this community. Thank you. And now it is on to other adventures. So glad you will be around to help us become an even
    better place to live.

  6. David and Ruth, you have made a major difference in our community due to your support of many activities. Thank you for your involvement, and best wishes for your new ventures. Gary and JoAnne Nelson

  7. Ruth and David have made me felt very welcomed in Arista and in Edmonds as a whole. Congrats on your retirement. I’m very glad to hear that you’ll still be active in the community.

  8. Ruth and David, I have both served and given memorable and affordable bottles of wine because of your suggestions. I had an unforgettable lunch in Italy, thanks to a recommendation from Ruth. Thanks for your generous support of the Edmonds Daybreakers Auctions. And I always appreciate your welcome greetings to me each time I came into the shop. You will be missed, but I’m glad you’re still in Edmonds. Best wishes to Roger and Marisa

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