Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Mitchell.
Elizabeth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from New Orleans, LA and grew up with an appreciation for dining out and celebrations! I knew from an early age that I wanted to work in the food and beverage industry and have never deviated from that path. I studied abroad in the gastronomic capital of the world, Lyon, France, which further solidified my passion for restaurants, high-quality food and wine and then I moved to Southern California where I was introduced to Master Sommeliers which then allowed me to hone in on my love and passion for wine specifically. I have worked in all facets of the wine industry for the last 20 years which has given me a wealth of knowledge while also achieving passing all parts of the Master Sommelier diploma as well as other wine certifications and competitions. I knew all along that my destination was to have my own wine shop and bar to be able to share all of my knowledge and passion with people in my own way. My husband and I met in New Orleans in 2010 and he is from Travelers Rest so when we were thinking about the best place to create this space and raise our 2 boys, Greenville came up and ultimately we made the decision to move here in July of 2024. I immediately began the process of putting the pieces together to find the location and making Camino Wine Merchant a reality; and then in August of 2025, we opened our doors!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge has always been financing and zoning. I did try to open something similar in New Orleans a couple of times and always ran into these roadblocks. Finally, in Greenville the funding piece came together with the help of an introduction to Greenville Federal Credit Union and they took a chance on me by giving me a start up loan. Without that capital, I couldn’t have opened the doors. I also had to accept that I wanted to assume all of the risk financially without a partner which was a big mental hurdle to overcome. Once I came to that decision, it was the best thing for myself and the success of Camino Wine Merchant. The zoning was a little bit of an issue being in a residential district, but ultimately the city and I came to some concessions and made it work!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Led by Advanced Sommelier Liz Dowty Mitchell—one of South Carolina’s most distinguished wine professionals, an educator, and a scholar of Spanish wine—Camino is the realization of a lifelong journey through wine, created to be a space deeply rooted in community and passion.
“Camino” is inspired by the revered Camino de Santiago—the centuries-old pilgrimage stretching from France across the Spanish countryside into Galicia—where weary travelers historically refilled their jugs with local wine along their journey . For Liz, it’s a beautiful metaphor for her own path—from student to educator, explorer, and mentor—through the world of wine.
When you walk through our door, we hope Camino feels like your personal pilgrimage: a cozy, European-tinged space where you can taste something new, settle in for a glass or two, or simply browse and discover. With rotating wines by the glass, thoughtfully curated snacks, and an inviting cozy bar, we’ve created a place for every occasion—be it ten minutes of solitude or a few leisurely hours with friends.
Our vision? To build a “third place” for Overbrook—a welcoming anchor where neighbors gather, friendships deepen, and new wine discoveries await. Just blocks from cafés and restaurants, with easy parking, Camino is here to amplify the neighborhood energy and make wine a joyful, communal experience.
What matters most to you?
Connecting with people via food and beverage because I believe it is one of the single most universal mediums and the biggest insight into a culture. You can travel anywhere just by a bite of food or a sip of a drink. In today’s world, where it’s harder and harder to truly connect with people in person, I think it’s crucial to create spaces where people can connect, learn and experience their senses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caminowinemerchant.com
- Instagram: @caminowinemerchant
