After a long day, workers and residents will soon be able to unwind with a stogie and a glass of wine inside a new sophisticated cigar and wine lounge coming soon to downtown St. Pete.

The 4,000-square-foot Black Leaf Cigar and Wine Lounge is slated to open on November 30th at 237 2nd Avenue South. The space was previously occupied by arts and crafts shop Whim So Doodle, which closed in 2019 after 27 years and has since relocated to 2232 2nd Avenue South.

The new swanky lounge will offer top international cigar brands and a curated selection of wines via self-serve machines with 24 drinks on tap.

“We want to create a place where people can escape and experience different worldly wines and cigars in a relaxing atmosphere,” owner Christian Hurst said to St. Pete Rising.

The family-run business, also owned by Christian’s husband Garrett Hurst and mother Pam Bell, will utilize the trio's past business and event management experience to launch the new venture.

Christian has experience working in, what she refers to as, the “big three sins” — tobacco, wine & spirits, and cannabis. She spent years in the digital marketing department for a Swiss cigar brand before she was laid off in 2020 due to COVID-19. Then she was hired by a Tampa-based wine & spirits distributor before being poached by a Canadian cannabis company.

Although born in Dallas, Christian moved to St. Pete before she could walk.

“St. Pete is home to me. Being able to open a business in the city I grew up in, especially downtown, it's like a dream come true,” said Christian. “Back in high school, Bay Walk was the only thing worth going to in downtown St. Pete.”

Black Leaf will have a modern industrial design with leather couches, moody fixtures, an exposed brick wall, and private rooms with TVs.

The Vault, an exclusive room within Black Leaf, will have special wines, hard-to-find cigars, and lockers for members.

Black Leaf will carry nearly a dozen of the top-selling cigar brands, including Cohiba, Rocky Patel, and Arturo Fuente, a brand that was originally founded in 1912 in Tampa.

The bulk of the cigars will be sourced from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras, as well as the family's in-house cigars previously sold via their mobile business.

The shop will also have the popular cognac-flavored cigars, which have a sweet and slightly fruity taste that is perfect for those who enjoy a milder smoke.

“For beginners, I recommend what I call 'the working man's cigar' from Arturo Fuente. It is a very light-blend cigar,” said Bell.

Although smoking isn't permitted in the main lounge area, there will be a private smoking room, which can be rented for private parties, and a smoke-friendly outdoor area, which can seat up to 20 people.

The lounge and other private rooms can also be rented for corporate functions, wedding receptions, and other events. Members are eligible for discounted rental rates.

As for the drink offerings, the lounge's unique self-service wine dispensing machines will allow guests to explore a diverse selection of wines, from local gems to international favorites, at their own pace.

Upon arriving, visit the bar to get your wine card. Then insert your wine card into a dispensing machines and choose your pour size — either three, six, or nine ounces.

“It can be so expensive to try different wines. This is an affordable and great way to enjoy them whether it's a date, a night out with friends, or a midday hangout, you can sample wines before committing to purchasing an entire bottle,” Christian said.

There will be daily happy hour specials for the on-tap beverages.

As for non-wine beverages, Black Leaf will likely partner with local craft breweries to offer cans or bottles of beer.

Although Black Leaf will not have a full kitchen, Christian plans to have limited food items such as small pizzas, different types of popcorn, and desserts that pair well with wine.

“We can't wait to open our doors and contribute to the growth of St Pete,” said Christian. “We feel really fortunate, and we just can't wait.”

The interior renovations have commenced, and a grand opening celebration is scheduled for November 30th.

Follow Black Leaf Cigar and Wine Lounge on Facebook and Instagram for more information on the grand opening details and future specials.