Building Community Through Wine in Lancaster with Justina Latura

What happens when passion, community, and entrepreneurship come together? In this episode of Founders Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Justina Latura, founder and CEO of Vine Bar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to explore how a personal passion can grow into a thriving local business.

Joining Marc as guest co-hosts are Ray Loewe, known as “The Luckiest Guy in the World,” and Deborah Brandt, founder of Fig Industries. Together, they dive into a conversation about Lancaster’s strong sense of community and how it empowers entrepreneurs to build meaningful ventures.

Justina’s journey into business wasn’t traditional. She began her career as a nurse and later practiced as an herbalist before discovering a deep appreciation for artisanal wines and the families who produce them. What started as a hobby soon evolved into Vine Bar—a boutique wine café inspired by the Italian enoteca experience, where people gather to slow down, learn about wine, and connect.

Today, Vine Bar goes beyond serving wine. Justina and her team work directly with small family vineyards in Italy, importing and distributing sustainable wines while creating a space for education, culture, and community in Lancaster.

Key Takeaways:

• Justina’s path from nurse to wine entrepreneur
• How Lancaster’s community supports small businesses
• Turning a passion into a profitable venture
• Vine Bar’s model: importing, distributing, and retailing wine
• Future plans for growth and new locations

About Justina:

Justina Latura is a founding partner of Vine Bar LLC, Lancaster’s sommelier-led wine collective & tasting room. Her mission is to educate and excite your palate by introducing and promoting the work of artisanal winemakers whose wines express sustainable farming, tradition, and the artists themselves. Now in its third year, Vine Bar pairs hospitality with education to bring meaningful, small-producer wines to the community.

Connect:

Website vinebarvino.com
Instagram instagram.com/vinebarcollective/
Facebook facebook.com/vinebarcollective/

This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org to learn more.

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