Local wine bar makes top 100 list of independent shops

A Mullingar wine bar and specialist food shop has received national recognition after being named among the Top 100 Independent Shops in Ireland by the Irish Independent Weekend Magazine.

MisterVini on Dominick Street is one of only a small number of midlands businesses to feature in the annual national list, which highlights MisterVini’s combination of wine bar and specialist food shop, and its role in the local community.

Owned and run by Bernard Smyth, the Mullingar business offers a carefully selected range of wines alongside artisan cheeses, cured meats, chocolates, chutneys and other gourmet products.

The magazine also praised the approach taken to wine at MisterVini, highlighting efforts to make wine accessible to customers regardless of their existing knowledge or experience.

For Bernard, the national recognition is as much an achievement for Mullingar as it is for his business: “To be included alongside some of the best independent retailers in the country is a huge honour for us, and for Mullingar,” he said.

He believes the recognition reflected MisterVini’s commitment to developing strong relationships with customers and its belief that good food and wine should be accessible to everyone: “We’re proud to be flying the flag for the midlands on a national list like this,” he added.

The business continues to expand its offering in 2026, with an enlarged wine shop among the latest developments. MisterVini is also offering curated charcuterie boards and gift hampers, adding to its range of food and wine products.

A new community initiative, Vini et Voce, is also due to launch in September. The fortnightly event will provide an informal opportunity for people to meet, enjoy wine and engage in conversation.

Regular wine tastings and events have become an important part of MisterVini’s offering, helping to establish it as a gathering place as well as a retail outlet.

The national recognition comes as independent businesses continue to play an important role in the Mullingar town centre, and MisterVini’s inclusion highlighting the quality and diversity of local retail and hospitality businesses.