There are always good wine shops around the corner in Berlin. But Wine Damager, a small bottle shop near Rosenthaler Platz, is particularly friendly. This is in no small part due to its cordial owner, German rapper Tony D (real name Mohamed Ayad) who you may know from a different context. The Kreuzberg native was part of record label Aggro Berlin in the noughties and made a whole generation roar with songs like “Wo sind die Gegnaz”. Later, Tony entered the food and drink business and discovered his love of wine. He immersed himself in the scene, made friends with winemakers and pursued wines that interested him. In 2019, he graduated from the sommelier school in Koblenz with distinction and founded Wine Damager as a pop-up two years later. “I really enjoyed the wine trade and everything that goes with it,” Tony says. The venture has now found a permanent home on Brunnenstraße, with orange signage that shines down on the Mitte asphalt.
Inside, you’ll find classic bottles as well as natural wines from France and Germany. Tony has a soft spot for vineyards in Baden, but you’ll find bottles from all over. In July 2023 the shop became the exclusive Berlin stockist of Lukas Hammelmann, a winemaker in the Palatinate who produces excellent Riesling, Pinot Noir and rosé. As you browse through the bottles, hip hop plays on the sound system: Tony remains true to himself, no matter what sphere he’s moving in. He is well connected in his new neighborhood, regularly organizing events with neighboring establishments like Volk. Keep your eyes peeled: the next event will be when the shop celebrates its two-year anniversary in August.
Text: Laura Storfner / Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Wine Damager, Brunnenstr.7, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map
Tue–Fri 13–20h, Sat 11–19h
@wine.damager
