A cozy European-style wine and cocktail bar is in the works for downtown Wrentham.
By the Glass is preparing to open at 24 Common Street, according to recent Instagram updates from the business. The concept comes from Wrentham native Jenna Glass, the entrepreneur behind JG Charcuterie, a Sharon-based charcuterie and catering business she launched last June.
“After opening my space in Sharon that is centered around a simple menu of charcuterie, sandwiches, wine, catering, and bringing people together, I realized that I wanted to create a space that takes that experience a step further,” Glass told What Now Boston.
As part of the transition to By the Glass, JG Charcuterie’s Sharon storefront will close. “This next chapter is really an evolution of everything I’ve built with JG Charcuterie,” said Glass. “It’s definitely the next step for us and a little bittersweet.”
Glass’s Italian background and lifelong love of entertaining helped shape the new concept, as did her experiences dining in Europe. She hopes to bring a taste of that European dining culture to Wrentham, where guests can slow down and enjoy good food and drinks in good company.
“I’ve always loved cooking, hosting, and bringing people together around a table,” Glass explained. “After experiencing Europe for myself, I realized how much more I love their approach to dining, where going out isn’t about rushing around a meal, but slowing down, staying awhile, and enjoying really simple but good quality food and drinks. I feel like we don’t have many places in our area like this, and it’s something we should encourage.”
At By the Glass, guests can expect a menu of tapas-inspired small plates, charcuterie, and other shareable bites, alongside a full bar featuring wine, cocktails, and beer. The concept will also retain some of the market-style offerings that have become central to the JG Charcuterie experience.
Visitors can shop a selection of cheeses and other provisions, pick up grab-and-go items, and browse fresh flowers, with baguettes potentially joining the lineup. The idea is to create a mini European market where guests can enjoy a drink and a bite or pick up something special to take home. Additionally, Glass plans to continue offering JG Charcuterie’s signature catering services, charcuterie workshops, and private events.
The space itself will build on the look and feel of Glass’s existing storefront, with a more elevated design featuring European-inspired details. She anticipates seating about 40 guests, creating a warm, intimate setting that feels timeless and encourages people to settle in rather than rush out the door.
“Wrentham is my hometown, so it’s especially meaningful to me to have the opportunity to bring something like this to the center of town,” said Glass. “My end goal for By the Glass is for it to be a place where people feel comfortable staying a while, having another cocktail, enjoying a simple plate and some good company.”
The team is still in the construction phase, with a tentative opening targeted for the spring of 2027, potentially in April or May. In the meantime, By the Glass is hiring bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff who share the team’s love of “good food, great drinks, and even better company.” Interested applicants can send their resumes to [email protected].
