As someone who adores good wine, this one has me stumped. According to an article in USA Today, the state of Pennsylvania is testing out vino vending machines to sell bottled wine.
Seriously. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.
Give me an independent brick and mortar manned by a knowledgeable staff who understands wine, an owner who appreciates customers, and an environment where people have a passion for what’s in the bottle and I’m happy. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed those pleasures (as well as some extremely good vino), thanks to shops like Hennepin Lake Liquors in Minneapolis and Gourmet au Bay in Bodega Bay, California.
Hennepin Lake Liquor, Minneapolis MN
Hennepin Lake is one of those treasures that anyone who knows wine in the Twin Cities is fond of. The place isn’t fancy or pretentious; it’s got a tiny parking lot, wiggle-width narrow aisles, fluorescent lighting, a radio station for background music…and hands down, the best knock-your-socks-off selection of wines in the state. Better yet, it’s got Phil, a second generation owner who remembers customers’ names, respects the $3.99 wine buyer equally as much as a $399.00 wine buyer, is quietly gracious in his support of local causes, and remembers to ask how my mom is doing (having only met her once, years ago). His staff is eclectic, running the gamut from tattooed cashiers to a constant cadre of wine reps who don’t noodge you solely toward their lines—they sell all lines with equal attention and information (or risk Phil finding a new rep). And his prices rock. Looking for something that’s not on the shelf? Ask Phil. Or his son, Nick. Or any of the other staff members. They’ll find it and, if possible, get it. This is wine nirvana, folks.
Gourmet au Bay, Bodega Bay CA
Gourmet au Bay is a gem I stumbled upon while driving along the PCH in June. A client of mine had a last minute emergency that canceled our meeting, which meant I had a day to wander along the coast, driving south from Mendocino, on my way to Santa Rosa. I spied the Gourmet au Bay sign, but continued driving…then turned around a mile down the road since the place looked so intriguing. Glad I did. As the only waterside wine bar in the area, this cozy wine and gourmet gift shop is a real find. The owners, Bob and Sissy, are true lovers of the grape, and very, very particular about what they sell. A wine must hit at least one of three criteria to make the cut: (a) be in limited production; (b) have earned a score of 90 points or better; or (c) be a Gold Medal winner. Translated? No run o’ the mill stuff here. Every single bottle offers something beautiful and amazing (as does the view, complete with a sunken boat…you’ll have to ask Sissy about it while enjoying a wine flight out on the deck). Their following is dedicated, loyal, and expansive, including a whole lot of us out-of-state folks, happy to make return trips just to enjoy the place.
So…you tell me…. What box (big, chain, or vending) can give you all that, and then some? Bring on the independents.
Cheers!
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