| By Dathan Kazsuk |
The team behind Oakwood Pizza Box has opened the doors to St. Pierre Wine Bar at Raleigh Iron Works, bringing a fresh, laid-back vibe to Raleigh’s growing wine scene.
Known for their pizza shop’s unexpectedly deep Champagne list, Anthony and Brett Guerra are taking their passion for wine to the next level—this time in a space built for it. Raleigh Iron Works has quickly become one of the city’s hottest spots for food and drink, home to Scott Crawford’s Brodeto, Hunky Dory, Little Rey, Jaguar Bolera, Ponysaurus Brewing Co., and now St. Pierre. The idea here is simple: good wine, good people, good times—without the intimidation factor.
“Wine can sometimes feel elitist,” says owner Anthony Guerra, who wanted to create a space where you don’t have to know the difference between chardonnay and chardonel to feel welcome. Guerra believes wine should be approachable and fun—more like the craft beer movement, which opened
the door for everyone. “There’s too much gatekeeping in wine. If we make it inclusive, more people will drink it, plain and simple.”
The vibe matches that vision. Think jeans and a T-shirt, caviar and chips, hip-hop humming in the background. The space features a curved white marble bar, custom wine cabinets built by Raleigh’s Rebuild Fabrication Company, and ample outdoor seating, thanks to the sip-and-stroll district.
For Guerra, St. Pierre is an extension of Oakwood Pizza Box’s cult-favorite wine list. “Pizza Box is tiny, and it just couldn’t contain my passion for wine anymore,” he says. “People loved those wines, but there wasn’t space to enjoy them. St. Pierre gives us room to create an experience around them.”
The wine list focuses on Old World producers while sprinkling in California and other New World favorites. You’ll still find familiar varietals like chardonnay and cabernet, but Guerra lights up when talking about the lesser-known grapes—trousseau, blaufränkisch, hybrids—that deliver both value and discovery. “There’s chardonnay here, sure, but we lean into the other varietals. They’re just more interesting—and honestly, a better price point,” he says.
It’s also about showcasing independent winemakers, many of whom Guerra knows personally. “Some of these winemakers are just like me. Their families rely on their craft to survive. Highlighting their wines is important because it connects people to the story behind the bottle,” he explains. That mission even extends to a rotating charity shelf, where a portion of proceeds supports causes like the Southern Smoke Foundation, which aids hospitality workers in crisis.
Helping to bring this vision to life is Scott Hardiman, a longtime friend and seasoned sommelier with experience at The Umstead Hotel and Spa and East End Bistrot. Hardiman plans to host fun, engaging tastings and events that avoid the “boring lecture” vibe. Expect winemaker visits, educational yet lively classes, and plenty of opportunities to taste and explore.
While there’s no full kitchen, James Beard Award–winning chef Vivian Howard has curated a menu through her Viv’s Fridge concept. These grab-and-go bites are crafted to pair perfectly with the wines, bringing restaurant-quality flavor without the need for a traditional kitchen.
St. Pierre takes its name from both a beloved Champagne producer and Guerra’s mischievous golden retriever, Pierre—a nod to Old World sophistication and a playful, welcoming atmosphere. As for why he chose Iron Works, Guerra says the developers were a perfect fit. “They really care about bringing in operators who are passionate about what they do,” he says. “It’s exciting to be part of this growing community.”
St. Pierre officially opens September 10 at 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road at 2 p.m. Guerra sums up his mission with a grin: “If we succeed, it’s because people come here and have a great night with friends. That’s what it’s all about.”
