The curated wine shop, which quietly opened its doors on March 27, makes a proper introduction with its grand opening event on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening promises live music, food, and, of course, wine.
Located inside Glass of Life, a stained-glass studio at 499 7th Ave. N., Adult Therapy is the latest venture from sommelier Jessica Arkwright, former owner of Must Wine Loft. The wine and charcuterie concept, co-owned with Raymond Cotteret and Alex Paunic, announced its closure on November 1.
Arkwright has since partnered with Jodi Chemes, owner of Glass Life, to reimagine the idea in a new setting.
Chemes, a certified public accountant by trade and Arkwright’s best friend, often joked that stained glass “saved her life” when she first discovered the craft nearly a decade ago while navigating a period of severe anxiety. “It became her therapy,” Arkwright explained to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, noting that Chemes continues to see licensed therapists while also pursuing art as an emotional outlet.
One evening, Arkwright said Chemes floated an idea that would ultimately lead to Adult Therapy: opening a boutique wine retail shop inside the stained-glass studio, combining their shared love of creativity and wine.
“We would usually open a bottle while working on our glass pieces after a long workday to relax,” Arkwright said. “The question became, ‘Could we?’ and getting our license was the next step.”
The name Adult Therapy reflects their approach: an open embrace of the therapeutic value of creative hobbies and wine enjoyed in moderation.
“We’re very transparent and open about promoting the positive benefits of therapy,” Arkwright said. “And we both love wine, which is an ‘adult beverage’, so Adult Therapy felt perfect.”
Adult Therapy invites patrons to pair their pour with a project at creative workshops that include painting, clay work, cheeseboards and wine pairings, floral artistry, and succulent gardening.
Arkwright, drawing on her experience as a certified sommelier, aims to simplify what can often be an intimidating process for casual wine drinkers. The shop’s website breaks down the buying experience into a few approachable questions: “What are you looking for — bubbles, skin-contact, white or red? What is your price range? Do you like surprises or are you looking for something specific?”
Most bottles land in the $15–$35 range, but the selection includes small-production wines from well-known cru regions and lesser-known varietals around the globe. There are also non-alcoholic and caffeinated options.
While the wine program is the centerpiece, Adult Therapy plans to slowly expand into food, starting with cheese and charcuterie “picnic ensembles” crafted by Cotteret.
Adult Therapy is open Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The full slate of May events, including tastings and workshops, is available on their website.
Adult Therapy at Glass of Life
This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2025.