
When walking down main street in Anaconda, Montana, it’s easy to find The Bighorn Bottle Shop and Wine Bar. What used to be a run-down building is now an influential part of the community. The brick-and-mortar storefront offers wine and beer selections from across the world. “Many people are surprised to see that The Bighorn exists in Anaconda,” stated owner Vanessa Romero. “Not only does it exist, but it thrives!” Customers come from across the state to take part in tastings and shopping at The Bighorn.
Romero has spent her entire career in the wine industry. Her family found they missed diverse beverage offerings and decided to create something for themselves and the community to enjoy. In 2018, Romero started a wine and beer club, stating, “Many locals were eager to have a taste of a cultured culinary experience in our hometown.” With the popularity of the club and a culmination of all her past experiences, Romero and her family opened The Bighorn Bottle Shop and Wine Bar.
In 2022, Romero and her family secured a small business loan through Anaconda Local Development Corporation (ALDC) to help purchase the building and begin making renovations. The soon to be brick-and-mortar store had questionable structural integrity and Romero wanted to ensure the building would remain intact for years to come. ALDC partners with USDA Rural Development through the Intermediary Relending Program, and with this USDA investment, the organization supports business development and expansion in Southwest Montana. For The Bighorn, the renovation not only increased the stability of the building but offered the community economic development.

Since moving to Anaconda in 2017, the Romero family has made a large impact. “We are very fortunate to have her and Joe in our community,” stated ALDC Executive Director Kathleen Tarkalson, “Not only because of the economic impact of The Bighorn, but for all the volunteer work and community support they provide.”
The building holds much more than wine and beer; it serves as a place for community engagement and events. “We collaborate with other businesses, generating increased buzz and attracting both new and returning customers on a monthly basis,” said Romero when discussing the importance of local partnerships. Community is a founding principle for The Bighorn, and it’s imperative that small businesses support each other.
This bottle shop and wine bar offers its rural community a new attraction. When speaking on community collaboration, Romero stated, “Our collective strength is far more powerful than that of any one of us as an individual business.” From what started as a wine club, The Bighorn has improved the community and brought growth to the main street of Anaconda, Montana.