Robert Louis Stevenson called wine “bottled poetry.” But with home values and 401s withering on the vine, can anyone afford poetry right now? Shouldn’t we prune back, skip the rarified verse and downgrade to, say, a crummy novel? Some local
Robert Louis Stevenson called wine “bottled poetry.” But with home values and 401s withering on the vine, can anyone afford poetry right now? Shouldn’t we prune back, skip the rarified verse and downgrade to, say, a crummy novel?
Some local wine shop owners insist that, even in these dry economic times, there’s room for a little romance, elegance and sophistocation, and they’re pulling out the stops to prove it.
Collette Savage, owner of the Wine Garden in Puhi just across from Kauai Communtiy College, said that one of the ways they’ve kept people coming in during the cool retail climate has been by adding other products, like fine chocolates and a full line of imported cigars and cigar accessories. They’ve also extended their hours to seven days a week.
And to show off their wares, they’ve been offering a fun, inexpensive evening by hosting free monthly wine and beer tastings.
“They’ve been really popular,” Savage said.
Savage, who runs the business with help from husband Bruce Savage, said “I appreciate that even in a slow economy we still get support from both loyal customers and visitors.”
The free tastings allow the Savages to show that appreciation, and wine lovers a chance to taste new wines and discuss them.
Savage said that she keeps a wide selection so she can always find customers an excellent bottle at an affordable price.
Dan and Ellen O’Connel have run The Wine Shop in Koloa, near Big Save, with their daughter Megan for two years. They too have been hosting free tastings (the first Saturday of every month) and have extended their hours to seven days a week for the month of December.
They’ve added to their products high-quality, gourmet items like tea and grapeseed oils, and now offer gift baskets.
“Remember, wine makes a great gift,” he said.
Dan O’Connel said that the free tastings are a great way for people to get together, talk wine and food, and celebrate the things in life that bring joy.
“Just because times are tough doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t afford an elegant experience at home,” he said. “And that includes a nice bottle of wine.”
Can’t find anything in your budget? Just ask, or check the “best buy bin” near the back of the shop.
The next complimentary tasting will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 3, at The Wine Shop.
The Wine Garden will be celebrating its sixth anniversary today with a special sale.
