Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Martin Ernst
Hi Jenna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for a wine bar and flower shop originally started as part of my retirement plan. I began arranging grocery store flowers as a form of self-care—and normally had a glass of wine while I did it!—and I was struck by the parallels between the two industries. Wine and florals have a lot in common – they use a shared language to describe their qualities, they are often viewed as forms of art, and both are deeply influenced by the regions and the people behind them. However, despite these positive similarities, I also noticed that both industries could become unnecessarily complicated and even intimidating in certain settings. I searched for a place where I could simply enjoy wine and flowers without the fuss, but when I couldn’t find one, I decided that after my nonprofit career, I would create that space myself.
The pandemic pushed that idea to the forefront a little earlier than I planned and in September of 2020, I hosted my first flower & wine workshop in partnership with Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery. The class sold out, and the response was incredible—I was hooked! From there, I kept expanding. We began offering bouquet deliveries through DoorDash, partnered with wineries across San Diego County, and eventually transformed a horse trailer into a mobile flower and wine bar—all from my garage!
In October 2023, everything changed. Our friends at a local tasting room mentioned they were moving, and their space was about to become available. It was the perfect opportunity to bring my dream of a community space where flowers and wine could be enjoyed come to life sooner than expected. Things moved quickly after that, and by January 2024, we officially opened the doors to Cork & Stem!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. Imposter syndrome was a big one – I am not formally trained in either restaurants, flower arranging or viticulture, so presenting myself as an expert in those fields felt ingenuine. I also struggled as a solo entrepreneur – in my nonprofit role, I was used to having coworkers and going into an office, so being on my own was a shift I wasn’t expecting to be as challenging as it was. I’ve sought out ways to connect with others by finding mentors, leaning on my team, and other healthy brainstorming tools, but it was a bit of a bumpy shift to get to that point.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cork & Stem. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Cork & Stem, we believe that flowers are the ultimate expression of emotion, and wine has the unique ability to bring people together. Our mission is to blend these two elements in a social, approachable way that inspires creativity, connection, and expression.
We’ve taken the classic concepts of a wine bar and a flower shop and combined them into a community-centric space for people to enjoy. Our wine bar features a rotating beverage menu, showcasing a curated selection of wines and craft beers from local, small batch producers, paired with light bites such as artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards, and flatbreads. Meanwhile, our flower bar offers a build-your-own bouquet experience, wedding florals, and daily bouquet deliveries throughout San Diego.
Beyond our day-to-day offerings, we host a variety of events, from Flower & Wine workshops to fun activities like paint-and-sip classes, monthly comedy shows, and even speed dating. During the holidays, we host workshops like pumpkin bouquet arrangements and DIY wreath making. Each event is designed to encourage people to embrace their creativity while fostering genuine connections. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a flower enthusiast, or just looking for a unique night out, we want you to know you always have a place here!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I mentioned it a bit earlier, but I don’t have any formal flower arranging or wine training! I taught myself through trial and error, and while I think formal training can be beneficial, I think it can also hinder your ability to understand the people you are serving. I surround myself with people who are technically trained and allow them to help guide the business so that I can stay grounded in what we’re trying to do – make flowers and wine simple.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corkandstemsd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkandstemsd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corkandstemsd
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cork-and-stem-san-diego
