It’s a lot more complicated than just picking red or white, good or bad. The world of wines is huge and picking the perfect bottle can be quite the task, so having a helping hand is always a relief. “A
It’s a lot more complicated than just picking red or white, good or bad. The world of wines is huge and picking the perfect bottle can be quite the task, so having a helping hand is always a relief.
“A lot of people are really confused by wine, especially if they don’t have a lot of experience with it,” The Wine Garden owner and operator Colette Savage said, “so I try to feel them out and help them figure out what they want.”
And so it began almost a decade ago, a little shop with a big inventory opened its doors in Puhi. Stocking their shelves with a unique and expansive selection of wine, The Wine Garden has upheld that status ever since.
Owners Colette and Bruce Savage opened nine years ago after noticing that there weren’t any wine shops available for residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment on the island. Besides keeping the store full with over 500 different wines and 75 to 80 different beers, Colette said their personalized service and hand picked wines and beers are what set them apart from the rest.
“You won’t find the selection anywhere else because I, or my husband, have selected it personally,” said Colette.
Though they have had the exact same location, they have changed and expanded their inventory over the years. They now carry beers, wine accessories, cigar and cigar accessories and gourmet foods as well.
On the shelves you can find anything from your typical $10 bottle to a rare and expensive international brands. This includes beer as well. They have domestic and international imported beer from all over. There are Belgian ales, Hitachino Nest Ales from Japan, Traquair and more. Bruce Savage says that was part of their effort to put together a collection that represents the different styles from various regions of the world.
One thing that makes The Wine Garden especially unique, however, is their well-represented Kaua‘i made selection of products. They carry local wine glass charms, chocolates, wines, tobacco and anything else Kaua‘i made. Not only does this support the local economy, but it ensures visitors will have great gift options as well.
Because they get an influx of regular customers, Colette said the store is somewhat of a neighborhood shop, too. So, each month they host a wine tasting that, in many ways, serves as a community get together.
“You know, you run into somebody that you haven’t seen for a while or you meet new friends,” Colette said, “so it’s a real social kind of event.”
Their next event will be in January, when they hold their annual wine and chocolate tasting.
The Wine Garden’s services don’t stop there. They also do gift baskets, gift certificates, delivery and event planning services. For example, Colette often offers to gift-wrap purchased items for customers who are giving it away as a gift.
“I always try to give personalized service to the customers,” she said, “just little things like that.”
So, whether you’re looking for a new wine and chocolate combination to take home after a long day at work or you need help figuring out what beverage will be showcased at your wedding, the staff at The Wine Garden pride themselves in their knowledge and ability to help you make it happen.
“We have searched out what we consider to be the best quality products available to offer to the people of Kaua‘i and our visitors,” said Bruce Savage.
The Wine Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Puhi Plaza Shopping Center, across the street from the Kaua‘i Community College. Visit their website at www.kauaiwinegarden.com, email winegarden@hawaiiantel.net or call 245-5766.
