In 2009, Mike Okupinski initiated the vision for a small bottle shop and growler bar, and his buddy, Ed Buffington, joined the project shortly thereafter offering up the idea of a curated wine selection. The two firmly believed that Greenville’s culture was ready for something special. They opened The Community Tap on July 1st, 2010, to a thirsty crowd.
With continued support The Community Tap moved three doors down (thanks to very thoughtful neighbors and a willing landlord!) in April of 2014 into a larger space complete with an expanded wine and cold selection, a bar with 20+ beers on tap, over 12 wines by the glass as well as kombucha and specialty non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy onsite, a private event room, and a large deck with seating for 60. Anna Okupinski officially came on board (Spring 2014) as the organizer/whip-cracker for the new and improved Tap.
Ed and Mike continue to have a great time hand-picking TCT’s product assortment while also connecting with the requests of our customers – whether it be executing new event ideas, bringing in new products (we now have sake!), or partnering with local charities – the Tap is all about connection, discussion, and mainly, community. We have grown from a staff of 2 (that would be Mike and Ed in 2010!) to eleven of the finest folks in Greenville who graciously represent all that is the Tap.
What he does at the Tap: beer taster and buyer, brewer gatherer, festival father, customer helper, mister-fix-it will-do-can-do-everything-er
Background in GIS (geographical information systems) and Geography (ask him about a map - do it!)
Loves mountain biking, boating, dancing to Phish, and just being outdoors
Hates the word "moist" and non-gelatinous toothpaste
What he does at the Tap: wine taster and buyer, tasting faciliator, ROOTS master, behind-the-scenes meeting guy-er
Background in Sales, vast culinary knowledge from years of Food Network study
Loves road biking, cooking for others, drinking from a porron, and dirty jokes
Hates the noise that folding a paper makes and cheap Mexican food
What she does at the Tap: counts the beans, schedules the people, organizes the events, communicates and gathers the folks
Background in Theatre and Corporate Event Planning
Loves to plan anything and everything, sour cream, and colorful hair
Hates the taste of milk and driver's that block the intersection
What he does at the Tap: Wine-talkin’ guy
Background in an ice cream factory. That’s the last thing he remembers before waking up at the Tap.
Loves analog technology such as film cameras, vinyl records and cotton gins
Hates the fact that we don’t talk anymore
Bev of the moment: Cru BeaujolaisWhat he does at the Tap: master bartender and chalkboard artist, Greg is the Tap's spirit animal
Background in F&B and real job as an Art Teacher!!! (bless him!)
Loves art, music, and his wife's weenies (she is THE Resident Dogs food cart!)
Hates lazy people, selfies, and inappropriate jokes
Bev of the moment:What she does at the Tap: Lead custodian & scheduling apprentice
Background in bartending and harassing regulars
Loves my dogs, music, going to music festivals (which I count as camping), reading
Hates raw red onions, fans blowing in my direction
Bev of the moment: Iced beef stockWhat he does at the Tap: .....
Background in F&B (fine dining), craft beer and wine (good fit eh?)
Loves a good haircut, his dog Blue, talking and tasting and selling and bathing in wine
Hates group text messages
Bev of the moment:What she does at the Tap: She helps with the bar and retail. Kimmie teaches wine tastings and yoga/wine tasting classes here at the Tap (think yoga, dance & comedy had a baby!))
Background in the craft beer industry for over 15 years! Now, a lover of good wine from working at the Tap. Kimmie has a BA in Art Therapy and is a certified yoga teacher.
Loves Yoga, camping, & wine!
Hates cucumbers, wobbly tables, & people that chew gum with their mouths open.
Bev of the moment: Prunus TintoWhat he does at the Tap: Beer slinger, social media guru, trivia master
Background having two decades of food & bev experience; had his photo in Southern Living that one time; spelling bee runner-up in third grade
Loves horror movies, Taylor Swift and literally every dog he’s ever met
Hates the musical stylings of British singer/songwriter Phil Collins. Also, olives.
Bev of the moment: Almanac Vibes PilsnerWhat she does at the Tap: Craft beer-slinger, customer service devotee, cash register specialist, motivated wine novice, tidying up enthusiast
Background in Sales and operations in the fashion/apparel industry
Loves sushi, crafting, Beyonce, fine leather goods
Hates congealed salad and “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
Bev of the moment: Steel Hands Coffee LagerWhat she does at the Tap: Purveyor of fine wines and craft beers, customer service extraordinaire
Background in fashion retail. I was an assistant buyer like Rachel Green in “Friends!”
Loves Salsa dancing, traveling, hiking, being outdoors, cooking and baking
Hates scary movies, repetitive phone “ding” noises
Bev of the moment: Charles Smith Boom Boom SyrahWhat he does at the Tap: Amazing server
Background in achitecture, Furniture Design, owner of Cr8 Design Studios
Loves all things outdoors, mountains, cold water swims, running, jumping, hiking, exploring, and open mindfulness
Hates cats and text messages
Bev of the moment:What she does at the Tap: Beertend, pour wine, make people buy things they’ll love
Background in Graphic design, saving dogs, beer, beer & more beer
Loves energy healing, massage therapy, rock climbing, hiking, drinking boxed wine, live music
Hates the word “moist,” and watermelon
Bev of the moment: Krombacher PilsWhat he does at the Tap: Server and stocker of beverages, cheese consulting, and (eventually) cheese buying and run-club organizing
Background in speciality cheese and coffee (and beer and wine, too)
Loves running, yacht rock, board games, Portland Trailblazers basketball
Hates “Your” used instead of “you’re”
Bev of the moment: Clos Cibonne Tibouren RoséWhat he does at the Tap: Help people find what they are looking for and introduce them to things they may find of interest
Background in landscape, horticulture, turf management, sales, inventory and sales
Loves planning, live music, my family and friends, football and golf
Hates when people are disrespectful to others
Bev of the moment: Sichuan sling from Xiao Bao BiscuitWhat he does at the Tap: A little this, a little that, a little what-have-you.
Background in beer and wine distribution, software/hardware sales
Loves garlic, soccer, collecting records, Kurt Russell
Hates onions, ignorant and close-minded people
Bev of the moment: Westbrook Coconut Shake IPAWhat he does at the Tap: Beer connoisseur, provide food/bev pairing suggestions & lots of dad jokes
Background in parks and Rec and conservation
Loves live music, disc golf, fishing, hiking & camping, trying new beer & learning new things
Hates neon wigs and artificial crab meat
Bev of the moment: Bell’s Official Hazy IPAWhat she does at the Tap: Great beer suggester, sign board writer, overall helper
Background in writing, marketing, communications
Loves fantasy novels, loose leaf tea, grocery shopping, and all things Harry Potter
Hates anise, people who chew with their mouth open, and 90+ degree weather
Bev of the moment: Westbrook Black Magic PantherWe have a tasting room (North Main location) for onsite events, and can also come to your house or offsite venue. Whether a beer tasting for 10 or a craft beer and wine wedding experience for 200, TCT can make your event one to remember!
Craft beer and curated wine,
enjoyed here or to-go.
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North Main Location
11:00am – 8:00pm M-Sat
1:00 pm – 7:00pm Sun
Trailside at the Commons
11:00am – 8:00pm Tue-Sat
11:00am – 5:00pm Sun
North Main Location
864-631-2525
217 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC 29609
Trailside at the Commons
864-236-1375
147 Welborn St. Suite B4
Greenville, SC 29601