Two stores will open in the East Village this fall, taking up the main level of the Scandia Building at 510 E. Locust St.: Tortue, an urban winery, and East Village Books.

Both owners were working on store concepts with G.E. Wattier Architecture at the same time, and a couple of weeks ago decided to collaborate on ways to connect their two spaces and cross-merchandise their products.

“I think that corner is just going to be a really viable option for an urban gathering place,” said Teri Wood TeBockhorst, founder of East Village Books.

Rick Winterbottom will lease the 4,400-square-foot unit at the west end of the Scandia building and will sell 12 to 18 varieties of wine he will make in-store from grapes purchased from vineyards around the world. He will sell the wine by the glass or bottle, and patrons will also have the opportunity to make their own case of wine (24 bottles), doing everything from picking the types of grapes to creating a personalized label and bottling the wine six to eight weeks after the fermentation process. The concept, Winterbottom said, is like a brew pub for wine.

Winterbottom sold his ice cream shop in Pleasant Hill in March with the intention of opening Tortue (French for “turtle”) this fall. He has been working on the urban winery concept for about two years, basing his model on two franchises. However, one reason he chose to go with his own concept is so he can sell more than just wine products, including oils, vinegars and spices. He also is considering selling crepes and other foods that pair well with wines.

“We looked in the Des Moines market to see what niches aren’t being served, and with the make-your-own-wine concept, there really is nothing like it,” Winterbottom said, adding that only 14 states allow this type of venture.

Winterbottom’s store will have spaces for different functions including small and large group gatherings, with a mezzanine lounge above the main floor. The large fermentation tanks will be centered on the back wall to draw people to where the wine is made. The design is still being finalized before construction begins this summer.

TeBockhorst, who currently works with Ladco Development Inc., plans to open East Village Books by the winter holidays. Her 4,200-square-foot store at the east end of the Scandia building, which is owned by Ladco, will carry items such as new releases in books and music, stationery and cards, and an eclectic selection of artwork. Her goal is to highlight local and regional writers, musicians and artists with events such as book signings and concerts. She might even host political debates around January.

TeBockhorst said she has considered opening a bookstore for more than a decade and has worked with a consultant to fine-tune her plan during the past 15 months.

East Village Books’ design will be flexible, with some shelving and furniture on wheels to allow the space to be rearranged for events. Some items could also be carted outdoors during events in the East Village. An outdoor patio will take up part of the parking lot east of the store.

TeBockhorst is also working on a Web site, www.eastvillagebooks.com, where customers can discuss what products and events they would like to see at the store.

“We’re going to respond and work with the local community,” TeBrockhorst said, “to fill their needs.”