Dinner Party RVA: Making Every Night Feel Like a Celebration

Richmond’s Carytown is known for its quirky charm, bohemian vibe, and eclectic mix of locally owned businesses. It’s also home to Dinner Party RVA, a one-of-a-kind wine and provisions shop curated with various hosting (and guest) essentials. The shop is owned by Annie Barrow, a seasoned sommelier, former chef, and proud member of Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community. We sat down with Annie to learn more about her journey, vision, and passion for making any night feel like a dinner party.

Originally from Williamsburg and a VCU alum, Annie’s path to Richmond was shaped by years spent working in some of the country’s best restaurants. After running a boutique wine shop in New York City for seven years, she and her wife moved south when their growing family outgrew city life. Richmond’s welcoming community, burgeoning LGBTQ+ scene, and thriving food culture made it the perfect place to put down roots—and launch her dream business. 

“Richmond’s the best! There’s so much culture, diversity, and kindness here,” Annie says. “It was crucial for us to find a place where our kids could feel safe growing up in a queer family, and we found that in Richmond.”

Dinner Party RVA isn’t your typical wine shop. In addition to an expertly curated selection of wines, the store is stocked with beautiful tableware, gourmet pantry items, and unique gifts. Annie describes her approach to curating the shop as blending everyday essentials with indulgent treats. “Good wine is good wine, price aside. You’ll find plenty of $20-and-under wines that overdeliver in quality.”

For Annie, hospitality is personal. Annie believes in making great wine approachable and helping customers find the perfect bottle and extra touches for any occasion—no intimidation, no pretense. “I want Dinner Party to be a place where people feel comfortable asking questions, learning about wine, and just enjoying themselves,” she says. “There’s a perfect wine for every meal, every mood, and every binge-worthy TV show.”

As a queer-owned business, Dinner Party RVA is more than just a shop—it’s a safe space, a gathering place, and a welcoming hub for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community. “First and foremost, I want Dinner Party to be a safe space, a place of community, and a place to find fabulous wine,” Annie says. She hopes to foster a sense of belonging through casual in-store tastings, private events, and an upcoming monthly wine club.

Annie’s vision for Dinner Party RVA extends beyond retail. A backroom is currently being transformed into a stylish dining space for intimate tastings, classes, and ticketed events, while the front retail space hosts larger gatherings.

For Annie, representation is at the heart of what she does. She prioritizes sourcing wines from small producers with unique stories—particularly those owned by women, LGBTQ+ winemakers, and diverse voices in the industry. “I never want to stock big brands or mass-produced labels,” she explains. “Every wine in the shop has a story, and I love sharing those stories with my customers.”

Annie has truly built something special in Richmond—a shop that’s more than just a retail space but a hub for gathering, learning, and celebrating. “I never imagined I’d be opening a wine shop in Carytown when I was a student at VCU,” she reflects. “I’m so grateful for the support Richmond has shown Dinner Party RVA.”

Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting to explore the world of wine, Annie Barrow and Dinner Party RVA are here to help make every night feel like a celebration.