Hodge Wine & Liquor

The 18th Amendment, banning the manufacturing, sale and transportation of alcohol in the United States, was ratified on January 16, 1919.  In October 1919, the Volstead Act was passed that provided the enforcement of the recently passed 18th Amendment.  This period under the Volstead Act was called Prohibition, lasted 14 years and was finally repealed in 1933 because it was found to be “unenforceable.” December 6, 1933 finally brought about the ratification of the 21st Amendment, voiding the Volstead Act.

 

 

 

Six months prior to the end of Prohibition, Hodge's original founder Anthony Pepe, began to prepare for the repeal of the Volstead Act and the end of Prohibition by starting a new business.  Local wineries ramped up production for eventual sales in the U.S, as well as distilleries and bottle-making manufacturers.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hodge Wine & Liquor opened its doors on December 6, 1933, the day Prohibition ended.  Anthony Pepe received Hodge's liquor license the day before Prohibition ended, on December 5, 1933, making Hodge one of the oldest, continuously-run, wine and liquor stores in the country after Prohibition. 

 

We are proud to keep our liquor license as proof of our longevity, as well as keeping the establishment at it's original location in Downtown Buffalo, New York.

 

 

The store, passed down through the years, is now in it's 4th generation in 85 years- Just say 'Hi' to the current proprietor, Jim Pepe and his daughter, Kim, who work there.  Walking through the doors at Hodge, you will find a multitude of historic photos on the walls, showcasing our rich family tradition.