Women in Stem

Downtown Carthage has a new spot to wine down. Cork and Carriage opened in December above Limitless Meal Supply. It’s brought to you by Emily Cross, with the help of familiar face Dianne Taylor-Webb. Dianne formerly owned Watering Can Wines, first in Cameron then in Carthage’s Tyson Sinclair Building. Emily, a frequent customer, heard Dianne was retiring and asked for her blessing to take over in a sense, with a new location and fresh brand. “Carthage needed a wine shop,” says Emily. 

Emily aims to have a selection that can’t be replicated by a grocery aisle, while keeping things casual and approachable with wines in all price ranges. There’s also cheese and charcuterie. 

“I really want it to be more than a wine bar. We want an analog 2026. We want connection.” Emily already has plans for book clubs, calligraphy and painting classes, a speaking series on antiques, occasional wine tastings and more. She’s kicking off events with mahjong lessons and game nights. “The ideas are nonstop,” she says. The shop is configured so guests can separate the seating area from the main shop for their own events, like bridal showers.

Waiting for us to cut to the chase? There’s no corkage fee. You can buy wine by the bottle, by the glass or just drop in to take a bottle home. “I wanted it to be like coming into your living room and having a glass of wine with friends,” says Emily, who loves all things hosting.

While Dianne is acting as a mentor, she’s looking forward to having more time to travel with her husband. “Call it serendipity that Emily came into my life,” says Dianne. “She is the daughter I never had. She’s committed, and in a young person that’s a beautiful character to have.”

• Cork and Carriage is open 1-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday and 1-7 p.m Saturday.