The light, airy ambiance of Albertine Florals, Wine & Gifts in Denver, NC, exudes creativity from the moment you step inside. Blending beautiful flowers, plants, artwork, and home accessories, it’s always been their goal to honor creative expression — a goal achieved with grace and flair!
“The original florist shop was opened in 2007 in this location, and my daughter Rebecca and I bought Albertine Florals in 2019,” explains owner Pam Hess. “Since then we have added works by local artists and craftsmen, expanding our gift selection beyond florals and wine. Many of our amazing designers have been here since the beginning — and they have been instrumental in teaching us about the floral business.”
Every team member knows when clients call to send flowers, it’s an emotional sentiment they are trying to convey to the recipient.
“We will never forget that,” says Rebecca. “We see so many emotions every day – from happy birthdays and deepest condolences, to the welcoming of new life. Our arrangements are more than just a vase of flowers — they are pieces of meaningful art with a message behind them!”
Knowing they are trusted to express those deeply personal thoughts is what inspires them every day, says Pam, and that means taking time to communicate with clients. Sending pictures of vase options, flowers, wines, whatever the client wants — they strive to duplicate the image a client has in mind.
Not only does the gift shop carry local art, but many craftsmen hold classes and workshops here.
“Our most recent workshop was led by artist Linda Griffin, who taught us the basics of watercolor and painted florals,” says Pam. “In the past, we’ve hosted pottery classes, candle-making workshops, and calligraphy lessons.”
While collections of unique items by local artists continue to fill the shop, choosing a favorite can be tricky. However, Pam says her own favorite task has been connecting customers to artists, to commission custom pieces.
“Here’s one of my favorite stories! We currently have a local artist working on a custom oil painting featuring wedding flowers we created several years ago,” she explains. “It will be an amazing anniversary gift! I also look forward to the grandmother who calls me every spring, and has me create an outfit for a beloved stuffed animal — and a coordinating flower arrangement — to go with her granddaughter’s dance recital outfit!”
These are the moments where creativity shines in real life!
You’ll immediately be drawn to colorful floral arrangements and lush green plants around the shop, as well as wreaths for every occasion (including silk), home accessories, witty coasters, wine (and all the necessary wine accessories!), candles, jewelry, and countless fun items to fill a custom-made gift basket. With 10 part-time employees, each with their own special talent, Albertine loves to create memorable pieces for small events such as anniversary parties, baby showers, class reunions, and intimate weddings — often home ceremonies or backyard receptions. And, no matter the “shade” of your green thumb — experienced or novice — it’s impossible not to find a perfect plant for a friend, or a treat for yourself.
“We carry a wide selection of unusual, beautiful plants, and work hard to have the perfect ceramics, pots, and baskets to hold them,” adds Rebecca. “These range from luscious ceramic dish gardens filled with ivy and pothos, to specialty tropical plants like Pink Princess and Monstera. We try our best to keep seasonal plants in stock, such as hydrangeas in the summer and Christmas cacti in the winter time.”
You also won’t find more perfect custom gifts and gift baskets anywhere, with so many talented artists from the area showcasing their products here.
“We often ‘shop’ with our clients by phone, choosing wine, charcuterie boards, candles, cheeses and crackers, and even clever paper napkins, to include in a one-of-a-kind gift basket,” says Pam. Or, select items from the shop yourself, while enjoying a night out! Albertine offers a variety of events — including wine tastings! — every few weeks. For wine tastings, they provide sommeliers to share information on the wine and vineyard, and last fall, a vineyard owner from Italy spoke and shared his own amazing wine.
Sustainability is also a daily goal at Albertine. Floral scraps are collected and composted, and the team re-purposes glass containers, cardboard, and plastic. They even save the cardboard boxes flowers arrive in, to return to vendors for re-use.
“The best way to get to know us is by stopping in,” says Pam. “There’s so much here to experience!”
With so much to love about Albertine Florals, Wine & Gifts, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on events, classes, new art arriving, and seasonal flowers as they become available, by joining their email list at .Albertineflorals.com. Or, follow Albertine Florals on Facebook, and on Instagram @Albertine.Shop. The gift shop is located at 751-J NC 16 Business in Denver, NC, 704-489-6202. Hours are Monday through Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Flowers and plants can be ordered online for local delivery within a 17-mile radius.
