The word "aperi" has multiple meanings:
Aperitif: A pre-meal drink, such as an Aperol spritz or Negroni, that is meant to stimulate the appetite.
Aperiēns: The present participle of the Latin word aperīre, which means "to open".
When partners Kyle Gilespie, Jordan Goodman, and Daisy Hudspeth found a building for Good Company (4317 Manchester), they planned to turn one larger room into a welcoming cocktail bar and neighborhood restaurant. The smaller room's purpose took longer to decide. Now, five months after opening, they have found the perfect use for it. On September 19, they will launch Aperi, a European-style wine bar focused on no- and low-alcohol wines, amaro, and shareable dishes. “The space really tells you what it needs to be,” says Goodman. “Once you get into it, you feel the energy of what you could do with it. It just made so much sense that this is what it was supposed to be.”
Aperi started as a vision of a bar offering no- and low-alcohol options. Goodman believes wine is a natural fit for The Grove. He thinks aperitivo culture is growing in St. Louis, and Aperi aims to educate people on enhancing that experience. The goal is for guests to come in, relax, order a spritz and some small plates—like oysters, tinned fish on focaccia, or charcuterie—and see how the evening unfolds, whether they choose larger dishes, try different bottles, or enjoy an amaro nightcap.
Good Company specializes in cocktails, while the Aperi team eagerly applies their wine and amaro knowledge. “Our well-trained staff knows all our wines inside and out,” says Goodman. “We aim for a casual and fun atmosphere, but our team will ensure a great experience.” Diego Gonzalez, the bar manager from Good Company, helped create Aperi’s wine list and spritzes, so anticipate the same high standards and attention to detail he’s known for.
