In Vino Veritas wine bar brings community, culture and craftsmanship to Shoreview.

By Gregg Gridley — volunteer contributor

Tucked along County Road E, just beyond the boundary of Roseville in Shoreview, a warm glow spills from the windows of In Vino Veritas. More than just a place to grab a drink, it’s the result of a shared dream that its owners, Cory and Farzana, turned into reality.

Their story starts with a simple moment. As they recall on their website, the idea began years ago when the two were visiting another wine bar. Farzana looked at Cory and told him, “I could see us doing this.” At the time, it might have seemed like casual daydreaming, but in 2024, that idea became an actual business.

From corporate life to a community hub

For Farzana, opening In Vino Veritas meant leaving behind 22 years in corporate America as a program manager. She officially resigned from her job just days after the bar opened. As one of only a few female Bengali business owners in the area, she brings a unique mix of creativity and calm to the space.

Cory’s background is completely different. A former Navy servicemember and electrician, he’d always thought about running his own business someday. The idea of a wine bar immediately resonated with him, and the two decided to take the risk together.

A wine bar with entertainment — and chocolate cake

Part of In Vino Veritas’ charm is that it offers more than wine. The bar hosts a wide range of events, including live music, drag shows, comedy nights and the consistently popular Karaoke Thursdays. For food, they keep things simple but appealing: tapas, pita dunkers, bruschetta, flatbread pizzas and a chocolate cake that regulars often recommend.

Even with the entertainment and food, the wine selection remains the centerpiece. The owners intentionally choose bottles that aren’t easy to find in local stores. Their goal is to offer customers something special; wines that make people feel like they’re discovering something new.

Building a name, one guest at a time

Cory and Farzana say they know they’re working in a niche market, which means building momentum takes time. They welcome any publicity and hope to eventually make the bar a go‑to destination for wine lovers in the Twin Cities area.

For now, they’re focused on getting the word out, keeping the atmosphere welcoming and giving visitors a reason to come back. As they explain, they’re not just pouring wine— they’re trying to create an experience.

Visitors are encouraged to check the bar’s website for upcoming events and make reservations, especially on busy nights.

Owners Cory and Farzana. Image via ivvmn.com.

In Vino Veritas  
1080 W. County Road E, Shoreview, Minn.
Phone: 651‑440‑9767