WineDive Rittenhouse Set to Open on Sansom, Bringing ‘Old Hollywood Meets Atlantic City’ Vibes to Center City
WineDive Rittenhouse, is officially set to open its doors on Thursday, November 6, at 1534 Sansom Street. The opening marks the next chapter for restaurateurs Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico, along with longtime partner Susan Freeman, the creative minds behind some of Philly’s most popular hospitality spots, including Grace & Proper, Sonny’s Cocktail Joint, and Hawthornes.
The team is ready to unveil the follow-up to their original WineDive South Street location (temporarily closed due to a 2022 fire). The Rittenhouse outpost will host a soft opening on Halloween at 4 p.m. with a limited menu and reduced hours before its official grand opening celebration on November 6.
Described by Fetfatzes as “Old Hollywood meets Atlantic City,” the new space was designed by the ownership trio themselves, blending glamour with grit. The 30-seat taproom features curved, tufted banquettes, a 14-seat bar, and a moody interior with amber lighting, dark paneling, and retro flourishes reminiscent of a 1970s lounge. A ghosted mirror from Italy, plush textures, and low lighting help set what the owners call “a perfectly dark mood.”
“It’s a room that channels late-1970s-meets-early-’80s energy — stylish, unpretentious, and just a little kitschy,” said Fetfatzes. “We wanted to create a space for tall pours and good times.”
WineDive Rittenhouse will operate seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. with walk-in seating only, making it an ideal stop for after-work drinks, late-night bites, and casual meetups. The team also plans to expand hours on weekends once service ramps up.
As with its predecessor, WineDive Rittenhouse will offer a rotating 20-glass wine list, updated six times per year. The selections are curated by Susan Freeman, who has been with the company for 15 years and emphasizes approachability and fun.
Expect everything from grower Champagne and Alpine whites to skin-contact oranges, chillable reds, and even boxed wines worth bragging about.
“Alongside the wild and the funky, you’ll always find something classic and beautiful — from Burgundy and Barolo to Bordeaux and beyond,” said Freeman.
As a woman-owned business, WineDive will continue its commitment to featuring wines from women-led vineyards and female winemakers around the world. A tight bottle list, ice-cold canned beers, and a playful cocktail program — including riffs on the rusty nail and a yuzu bay breeze — round out the drinks menu.
