Mission/History
Esser's Wine and Spirits, was founded in 1976 as
Esser's Warehouse Liquors, by Mel and his son
Richard Esser. Esser's continues on today as a
family owned business. We are recognized throughout
the Brainerd Lakes Area for our incredible
selection, low prices and great service. We hold
true to the tradition that Mel and Richard started
with, and that is our "customers come first". Our
customers and their families have been shopping at
Esser's for over 33 years, and our prices are still
low and our customers still come first.
We at Esser's are doing our part these days to help
Green the world. We recycle all our cardboard and
paper. We offer reusable cloth bags. We are
gathering Minnesota's largest selection of wines
produced from Organically Grown, Biodynamic farmed
grapes at certified Organic and Salmon Safe
Vineyards from around the United States and the
World.
Gary "The Wine Guy", Owner
I have over 44 years of experience in the wine,
beer, spirits business. In the 60's I was among the
first retailers to bring to Minnesota the wines of
many California, French and German Wineries and has
been promoting the benefits of a wine drinking
lifestyle ever since. I am very knowledgeable and
would be happy to answer any questions or help track
down a hard to find wine.
Ross, Manager, Baxter Location
Our wine specialist has over 30 years experience.
Ross can help you choose wines for a small dinner
with friends, a large dinner party to a wedding
reception. He has work with local Wine Clubs in the
Brainerd, Aitkin, and Bemidji area with there Club
tastings and events. Ross is also involved in Rotary
and grows Orchids in his spare time. Ross is our
Manager at the Baxter Location; just ask for him for
all your questions regarding wine or spirits.
Chuck, Manager, Brainerd Location
Chuck has been with Esser's since 1985, he is our
manager at the Brainerd location. Chuck has a wide
knowledge about Wine and Spirits, but his Beer
knowledge is outstanding. He has seen a few or more
Beers come and go in the last 24 years. Some of
Chuck's favorite specialty beers include Schell's
Maifest, Spaten Optimator, Paulaner Salvator and
also Coors Light. Chuck is well known by our
customers and the community, you can find chuck at
our Brainerd Location, and if you want to talk
Sports then chuck is knowledgeable in that also.
Cassie, Office Manager
Cassie has been the Office Manager for 17 years. She
can answer any questions on Products, Advertising,
Payables, Receivables or Artisan Vineyards Wine
Purchases. She also in charge of our customer
service, handles our entire inventory, and works
closely with all of our salemen. Her office is
Located at the Brainerd Location.
Meghan
This very friendly young lady is in charge of
customer service at our Baxter Location, she is also
the daughter of Gary "The Wine Guy". She loves Wine
and Likes to talk about it. She collects cocktail
recipes, so if you are looking for new and exciting
drinks ask Meghan. Meghan will make sure you will
find everything on your shopping list and that your
purchase is carried out to your car.
Joyce
Joyce is our Gift Basket Coordinator, you can make
any selection of wine, beer or spirits and she will
make a beautiful gift basket for your event or
and/or gift for that special person or event.
The Rest of Our Staff Includes………
Brent Z ……he has worked for Esser's for 10 years, he
works at the Baxter Location, he can be found do
carry outs for customers, filling customer orders
and organizing our warehouse and beer cooler.
Brent H………. (Yes we have 2 Brent's!) This Brent
Loves good Scotches and Bourbons, he can help you
pick out the perfect blend just right for you or for
a gift. He can be found working at our Brainerd
Location.
Mike……has 20 years of experience
John…..4 years of experience, and has a good Wine
knowledge
Our part time workers include, Patty, Scott, Nichole
and Jinny, they are hard at work when we all go
home, but without them we would be lost, they do a
wonderful job as our night and weekend crew.
Mission/History