Bin 66 wine boutique marks 21 years in business

Some 21 years ago, two business owners from Towson, Md., relocated to Rehoboth Beach and opened the first Bin 66 location in the Bay Mart shopping center on the Forgotten Mile.

After years of working in finance, it seemed that both Tom Poor and Tom Bachmann had a hidden talent for hospitality and wine. Their early tastings and educational programs became a hit, and after four years, they opened their second location downtown in the basement of The Cultured Pearl. Their dedication to wine professionalism and customer service was only heightened by the addition of a second store, and both locations offered the incredible knowledge and individual customer service that Bin 66 is still known for today.

In addition to the quality of their store, its selection and the seemingly endless knowledge their team members have, both owners are active in the community and engage with customers beyond the walls of Bin 66. From day one, they made it a point to be involved with charitable organizations, most notably those involving animal rescue and support.

During their very first holiday season in business, they expanded on a personal mission and hosted a fundraiser for homeless animals. Along with their two adorable, furry co-hosts, their Labradors Bailey and Molly, they held a month-long silent auction with all proceeds donated to local groups benefiting animal rescue.

They also partnered with other local businesses and residents to launch a private wine label with graphic design by local artists, co-host cooking classes and dinners with local restaurants, plan extensive wine trips with a local travel agency, and present educational seminars as part of their Bin University program.

To keep pace with continued growth, both stores were consolidated in 2011 to the current location at 20729 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach.

In 2022, on the store’s 19th birthday, Bin 66 was taken over by its current owners, Riley Quinn and Derrick Kelley. It was of the utmost importance to the original owners that the store be handed off to proprietors who continue the legacy that had been so carefully crafted. Quinn and Kelley have prioritized being excellent stewards of the spirit and history of Bin 66.

From the shop dogs who have already made a name for themselves (Aries, Delta and Zim) to the careful curation of wine, beer and spirits, and everything in between, they have helped keep Bin 66 closely tied to the community. Since taking ownership, they have been involved in fundraisers and provided support for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Delaware Botanic Gardens, Village Improvement Association, CAMP Rehoboth, Clear Space Theatre, West Side Creative Market, MS Society of Delaware and others, with more fundraisers in the works for this year.

Longtime employee John Masino continues planning and leading wine trips abroad. And the wine tastings and events have never been more exciting and well received.

Following closely in the footsteps of their predecessors, Riley and Derrick are already working on two projects this year that will be familiar to many longtime customers. As dogs continue to be an important part of the family at Bin 66, a collaborative Brandywine SPCA adoption event is in the works with some local business partners for this spring. And echoing the beach-themed private wine labels that were first released by Bin 66 almost 20 years ago, a new Oregon-based project is underway with eyes on a late spring release.

Bin 66 hosts in-store wine tastings from 4 to 7 p.m., the first Friday and second Saturday of every month.

For more information, go to bin66.com.