A Downtown Delight: John Houston's Good Spirits & Fine Wines

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John Houston’s Good Spirits & Fine Wine: A Downtown Treasure on Clay Street

At 717 Clay Street, inside the historic Rose of Clay Street building, downtown Vicksburg has a new reason to raise a glass. John Houston’s Good Spirits & Fine Wine is more than just a liquor store; it’s a fresh chapter for one of the city’s most storied landmarks.

Breathing New Life into a Historic Space

David and Lori Fagan, longtime champions of downtown, purchased the building, not entirely sure what to do with it. Locals had a clear suggestion: “Open a downtown liquor store.” The couple listened, and John Houston’s Good Spirits & Fine Wine was born.

The shop takes its name from David’s father, John Houston, and is managed by their son, John, who now runs the store day-to-day. It’s a true family business rooted in community input, respect for history, and a love for good wine and spirits.

A Space That Pairs History with Charm

Built in 1897, the Rose of Clay building (originally the Adolph Rose building) has seen many uses over the years, from dry goods to furniture, and even housing the Strand Theatre. Today, thanks to careful renovation, its original beauty and character shine.

Exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and handcrafted wooden wine racks create a warm, inviting space that feels both historic and fresh, perfect for browsing bottles for any occasion.

The Wine Philosophy: Quality Without the Hefty Price Tag

David Fagan admits he doesn’t call himself a wine connoisseur, but years of exploring Martin’s Wine Cellar in New Orleans taught him an important lesson: great wine doesn’t have to be expensive. That philosophy carries through at John Houston’s, where the selection balances quality and value.

As David puts it: “Anyone can buy wine that’s expensive and good, but the trick is to buy good wine that’s not expensive.”

Customers will find that same approach here, with thoughtful selections for every palate and price point.

More Than a Store: An Experience

Beyond the retail shop, the Rose of Clay is evolving into a unique downtown destination. The upper level has hosted events like Wine & Spine book gatherings and Yogamosa mornings, blending culture, community, and celebration.

One of the newest additions is the Champagne Suite, a beautifully renovated space designed with elegant brides and special events in mind. Elegant, historic, and listed on the National Historic Registry, the building offers a one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of Vicksburg.

John Houston’s Good Spirits & Fine Wine is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Stop in to explore the shelves, find your next favorite bottle, and experience a historic landmark that has been beautifully brought back to life.

717 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

- Content in the Downtown Delights series is gathered through online research and may reference details previously published by other outlets. This series is created to highlight and promote businesses, restaurants, museums, and cultural institutions within the Vicksburg Main Street District. It is not intended to claim original reporting, but rather to share and celebrate what makes our downtown community unique.