Some people do not think very hard about the kind of wine they buy for dinner or to offer as a gift. But most of us know that each type of wine goes with specific dishes. Also, if we have wine loving friends, we know what they like. So, we strive to find a good wine when we go to a party or prepare a birthday gift.
In this case, your local supermarket just won’t do if you are looking for a high quality wine. You need to find a specialty wine shop where you have plenty of options to choose from. Unfortunately, not all wine stores offer the same level of quality in terms of customer service and inventory management.
Learn How to Evaluate a Good Specialty Wine Store
Sommeliers and wine enthusiasts have a list of criteria they use when they select a wine store to buy from. So, listen to the experts and consider the following aspects when you walk into a specialty wine shop near me:
1. Is the Wine Exposed in Direct Sunlight?
This is one major no-no when it comes to wine storage. Any wine will lose its qualities at high temperature and under direct sunlight. If you consider that all rare and old wines are found in cellars, you understand that a cool and dark place is the suitable environment for keeping wine.
So, if you see wine bottles basking in the sunlight, you should keep looking for another wine store.
2. Are the Wine Bottles Stored Reclined or Upright?
This is not an issue per se. Traditionally, wine is kept reclined in special racks which protect the bottles from damage. However, storing bottles upright does not cause any damage to the wine.
But many people prefer specialty wine stores where the bottles are stored horizontally. This is a more comfortable way of removing a bottle from the rack to look at it and then replacing it, if necessary, without the risk of breaking it. It is also the sign that you have entered a high-end specialty wine store.
3. Is Wine Tasting Available in the Store?
Wine stores that want to offer excellent customer service will offer wine tasting during the visit. This will allow both beginners and wine connoisseurs to choose the perfect wine for their preferences and needs.
Wine tasting is traditionally associated with vineyards. When a store offers this facility, you can be certain that they are very careful about the types of wine they have for sale.
4. Does the Store Display the Geographical Origin of the Wine?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon – these are types of grapes that make wine. But each of them has different flavors and creates different types of wine depending on the geographical area where they grow.
Thus, a specialty wine shop near me will tell you exactly where the grapes were harvested, not just how old the wine is and its general type.
5. Does the Wine Description Have a Personal Touch?
A detailed description of the characteristics of the wine indicates that a wine specialist wrote it. And this means that the store is extremely dedicated to giving their clients all the information they need about each type of wine they are selling.