The National Wine UnClub
Blog/Newsletter

September 2012

David Versus Goliath?

While on a recent visit to the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area I happened upon many small neighborhood wine and spirits shops that were literally packed to the rafters with the most wonderful, oddball assortment of relatively obscure potent potables. I immediately felt at home because in my shop in San Antonio I carry many of the same small production labels.

I could see that the viability of the 'mom & pop' corner-store wine shop was alive and well in an area where I thought mega-sized liquor stores would be dominant. Of course local liquor laws may allow for some protection of the small operator (particularly in Maryland where ownership of more than one store is prohibited).

In Maryland however wines and beer are now available in grocery stores and that has prompted the little neighborhood wine shops to become even more specialized as standard brands like Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay are obviously cheaper in the big grocery chains. This represents a fine opportunity for seekers of artisanal wines from around the world.

Small wine shop proprietors are a tough breed of folk who are as determined as small wine producers to stay viable in the mercurial business of  wine where even big fish are seen as bait for the inevitable bigger fish. You've seen  those little fish that swim close to and all around the big fish? Well, the small wine retailer at best is like those species of tiny fish that swim circles around the aquatic giants in the ocean.

Ever walk into a chain store or a 'big-box' store operation and feel like you are lost in the shuffle or ignored because there isn't someone there to help you? If all you really sell is nationally known, big volume brands then why pay for a salesperson to sell something everyone already knows about and only buys on price and convenience?  Just stack it where it can be easily found hopefully.

When you arrive in the small, mom & pop eclectic wine shop you probably are going to want to speak to someone about their interesting selection because many of these labels are virtually unknown. However, if hand-picked by a qualified wine and spirits professional, these new labels are well worth discovering. If you have questions, diligent and friendly merchants will be happy to assist you personally because they were the ones who originally bought the wine or spirit item for the shop.

People who enjoy fine drink and who are still exploring new tastes in this regard will be well served by seeking out the little guy who owns or runs a small wine and spirits operation. Here passion unites with good business sense at an ideal level of personalized attention which is warmly shared with all comers, be they experienced connoisseurs or fledgling drink enthusiasts.

Cheers!

Captain Vino