It’s certainly hard to beat the convenience of ordering wine online and having it delivered to your doorstep. However, when it comes to something as personalised as selecting a new favourite vintage or planning beverages for a special celebration, it’s a great idea to cultivate a close relationship with a trustworthy local wine merchant.
From getting the inside scoop on lesser-known labels to continuing to develop your own palate, there are many benefits to working with a neighbourhood shop. But how do you find the right one? Here are just a few things to consider:
Easygoing Assistance – Most stores make sure that a customer doesn’t get far into the establishment without a cheerful greeting and an offer to help. A perceptive sales clerk will likely try to engage you in conversation to determine your tastes and what you are seeking. However, they will also recognise if you are just browsing and respect that preference. And while customers may enjoy recommendations, few will appreciate a detailed lecture on soil types or wine chemistry. The best merchants know that a little information goes a long way.
Climate Check – What’s the temperature when you walk in the door? Many wine stores keep their facility at cellar temperature (55°F to 57°F), which is wonderful. However, as long as the store is on the cooler side (absolutely not warm), keeping an exact cellar temp isn’t a deal breaker.
Lights Out – Are their bottles bathed in sunlight? Not a good sign, as light can be damaging to wine. Also watch for bottles covered in dust, which can indicate a lax or possibly negligent attitude toward the inventory.
The Right Write-Up – Are the wine descriptions posted under the bottles written by the store’s staff? Preprinted “shelf-talkers” with notes and scores from outside critics or wine periodicals are perfectly fine. However, write-ups from the employees indicate both a personal investment in the company and an original viewpoint about what they carry.
Stellar Sampling – Samplers – a half or whole case put together by the store – are a great offering. Even better? Samplers that are assembled specifically for individual customers. Good wine stores are happy to do this for their clientele.
Vintage Values – While there is certainly a market for high-end wines, many of the best values can be found in the $15 to $25 range. A savvy owner will also have some cheaper wines available, whilst keeping in mind that a $5 pinot grigio is probably more suited for the grocery store than a wine shop.
Now that you’ve got your shopping options sorted, it might be a good time to think about how to store and display all of your amazing finds. Give us a call, text or email so we can chat about some ideas!