CALIFORNIA, Md. — Long before the doors opened, Deep Patel and his team imagined a store that felt different from the rest — one that balanced quality with community. This summer, that vision became reality when they opened First Colony Wine & Spirits in the heart of St. Mary’s County, a project designed with the neighborhood in mind.
Patel said the timing came down to recognizing a gap in the local market. While Southern Maryland had liquor stores, he felt none offered a mix of premium selection, a friendly atmosphere and an organized layout designed for quick stops as well as longer visits. Securing what he called a “prime location” in the First Colony Shopping Center gave him the confidence to move forward with the project.
The store’s 3,000-square-foot space was designed to be clear and easy to navigate. Patel said one of the biggest challenges in opening was making sure no detail was overlooked — from layout and product selection to the overall atmosphere. What surprised him was how quickly customers noticed those efforts, with many commenting on the store’s clean and welcoming feel.
The location was chosen for convenience, giving shoppers easy access whether stopping in after work, preparing for a weekend cookout or running errands with the family. Parents making a trip to Giant or Target can also stop by without worry, knowing they can be in and out quickly — even with little ones in tow — without the stress of crowded aisles or cluttered shelves.
A Selection for Every Taste
The shelves include premium selections such as aged bourbons, single-malt scotches, small-batch rums and cognacs. These high-end offerings appeal to collectors as well as shoppers preparing for special occasions.
Supporting locals was especially important to Patel and his team. First Colony carries products from all area producers, including Port of Leonardtown, Cove Point Winery, Tobacco Barn and Three Notch Distillery. In total, the store features more than 50 local products from Southern Maryland producers and more than 100 Maryland-made selections.
Special orders are also available, and Patel’s team works to accommodate everything from rare bottles to bulk purchases for weddings, parties and other special events.
Recognizing the growing demand for alcohol-free options, First Colony stocks a variety of nonalcoholic wines, craft sodas and beer alternatives to ensure there is something for everyone.
Putting Community First
Patel built community priorities into the store’s operations from the start. During the liquor board hearing process, one concern raised was the amount of litter created by miniature bottles, which are often discarded along roadsides and in neighborhoods. To address this, First Colony made the decision not to sell miniatures — a step Patel said would reduce waste and help keep the community cleaner.
That community-first mindset also carried into the grand opening. Before the store officially opened, Patel delivered a pallet of water, Gatorade and snacks to the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department. The donation reflected his commitment to ensuring First Colony Wine & Spirits is more than just a new store in California — it’s a neighbor invested in the well-being of those it serves.
Discover Something New
To help shoppers explore new products, the shop has also begun hosting tastings most weekends. These events give visitors the chance to try something different, from Maryland-based labels to international selections, while learning more about the stories behind the bottles.
Patel said the goal is to make each visit a little different, offering variety and creating a space where the community can discover both local producers and global favorites.
Follow First Colony Wine & Spirits on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming tastings and new arrivals.
First Colony Wine & Spirits
45135 First Colony Way, California, Md.
Email: firstcolonyspirits@gmail.com | Phone: 301-245-3896
Facebook: First Colony Wine & Spirits
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Deep dreamed of opening a liquor store in a county overrun by liquor stores? Wondering why so many DUIs in this area?