Celebrating life with flavour and fun and without alcohol at heart of new Pickering bottle shop

The principles of inclusivity, community, flavour and fun are behind With Grace Marketplace, a new bottle shop in Frenchman’s Bay specializing in non-alcoholic beverages.

With Grace aims to redefine the way Canadians experience and enjoy alcohol-free drinks, says founder Dana Jackson, a mom of four and a former brewery manager.

“I love creating artistic cocktails and sharing a bottle of wine with friends but I have no interest in hangovers or losing time or productivity or control. Intoxication just isn’t for me anymore and I don’t believe I need one in order to enjoy the other,” said Jackson, who used to run the tap room at Town Brewery in Whitby. “Grace changes everything. At least that’s what I have experienced on my own sober, self-care journey. Our mission with the shop is to provide a welcoming space where individuals can explore, discover, and indulge in the world of non-alcoholic beverages, all while celebrating life’s special moments mindfully and with, well, grace. Simply put: we want people to know they have options.”

With Grace offers a well-curated selection of premium non-alcoholic beverages sourced from around the globe, meticulously chosen to satisfy every palate. From craft sodas and alcohol-free spirits to sophisticated mocktails and artisanal elixirs, each product at With Grace has been thoughtfully selected to elevate every occasion.

Jackson’s own sober journey began in July 2019 when she came to the realization that she had become “a spectator” of her own life. “I was no longer in control of my actions and I had to make some real changes to how I was living my life – the biggest being to no longer drink to get drunk.”

Jackson is far from the only person who turned to sobriety after working in the beer & spirits industry and the numbers say the sober movement is not a trend. Forbes Magazine reported the non-alcohol drinks market topped $11 Billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of nearly ten per cent by 2026 to support consumer demand.

Customers of the bottle shop at With Grace Marketplace can expect:

• A handpicked selection of premium non-alcoholic beverages
• Staff ready to assist customers in finding the perfect drink for any occasion
• Unique events and workshops showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the no-alcohol industry
• A welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and inspired to explore new flavors and experiences

Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol, a designated driver, or simply seeking an alternative to a boozy night out, With Grace invites you to join them on a journey of discovery and celebration.

The store offers de-alcoholized wine, non-alcohol beer, zero-proof spirits, teas, glassware and merch and gift baskets filled with sober, vegan and eco-conscious products to celebrate all life’s milestones.

“With or without booze, life is not without its challenges and I have had to come to terms with the reality that I cannot save the world from pain and suffering, at least not on my own,” Jackson said. “But I can create the space I want to live in. A space of generosity, respect, action, compassion and energy (grace). That’s where this store comes in.”

Grand opening festivities start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at 622 Liverpool Road, with Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe expected to raid the city’s ribbon-and-scissors stash to make an appearance.

Jackson, who loves “bold flavours and celebrating with friends,” said she and her business are in it for the long haul. “We’re not going anywhere.”

For more information, visit www.withgracemarketplace.com or across social media channels @withgracemarketplace.

Dana Jackson and her partner in life, Scott