Sèchey: Charleston’s Trailblazing Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop and Tasting Salon

Founded in 2021 by Emily Heintz, Sèchey has quickly become Charleston’s premier destination for sophisticated alcohol-free beverages. Part bottle shop, part tasting salon, Sèchey is redefining how adults socialize by offering a thoughtfully crafted selection of premium non-alcoholic wines, beers, spirits, and adaptogen-infused functional drinks. The beautifully designed space and online store cater to the “sober curious,” the alcohol-flexible, and the fully sober – anyone who wants to enjoy elevated, adult beverages without the alcohol.  

Heintz’s own mindful-drinking journey inspired the concept. After noticing a glaring lack of high-quality non-alcoholic options in Charleston – a city famous for its drinking culture – she set out to change that. “I wanted to increase availability, convenience, and the education piece – specifically, it is the awareness of alternatives,” she said. At Sèchey, “You’re part of the party, but you don’t have a headache and don’t want to take a nap at 3 o’clock,” she said.

Starting small from her home, Heintz built the brand with limited resources while entering an entirely new category. “The biggest challenges were bootstrapping in an emerging market and convincing a heavy-drinking town that alcohol-free could be exciting,” she recalled. Hearing “no” repeatedly only fueled her determination. Today, she knows that her products speak for themselves.

What sets Sèchey apart is their commitment to curating the best they can in non-alcoholic and functional beverages while creating a “judgment-free space for exploration,” Heintz expressed. “We’re leading a cultural shift toward alcohol flexibility with premium, beautifully packaged alternatives that celebrate choice without compromise,” she shared. 

Mentorship has been instrumental in Sèchey’s growth. Strategic angel investors like Alison Savaya and local Charleston leaders like Mickey Bakst are among those who have offered invaluable guidance, helping the company expand intentionally on both national and local levels.

Looking ahead, Heintz envisions Sèchey as a global brand within the next five to 10 years, with deeper retail partnerships, presence in national markets and new locations like Charlotte, Chicago, and Miami. The company already gives back by donating products to community fundraisers, staying rooted in the Charleston spirit that launched it. 

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Heintz’s advice is refreshingly direct: “No one knows what they’re doing. Start and don’t give up. Really believe in what you’re doing, keep pivoting, and keep trying. Businesses fail not because of ideas, but because people give up.”

Visit https://www.sechey.com/ or stop by the Charleston tasting salon to experience it for yourself.