Benefits of a Local Wine Shop Tue, Nov 28, 23 There are many different ways to buy a bottle of wine. We might pick one up in the supermarket as we finish the weekly food shop. Maybe we order online to snag a good deal or hunt for a rare wine with a great story. We might go to our neighborhood package store or wine mega-store. Or, we could find a local, boutique wine shop for a more personalized experience. That is exactly where SWE comes into play! All of the above are good options of course but supporting a local, independent, specialized wine store can bring a whole host of added benefits to your wine-buying game. One of the big things that springs to mind is that a regular customer is often recognized in a smaller shop. By forming a link with owners or staff, you can progressively learn about your palate. Why do you like what you like?How is it similar to other styles of wine from around the world? We can help you to side-step from wine region to wine region, all whilst staying within your taste preference and price point. You could even ‘push the envelope’ and try something new.Especially at one of our regular tastings. Boutique shops often have just one or two experts that select the wines on offer, leading to a unique, personal touch. Sometimes, we are accessing exclusive labels that are only released globally in small quantities. Other times, there is a chance that you could find a great value gem that is in your favorite style. For example, you might enjoy Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, which we can happily bring in by request. However, a wine such as Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon might be a better option. Caymus produces 700,000 bottles per year whereas Neal Family is only around 29,000 in comparison. They are the same price points but produced in very different ways. Exploring more independent, hand-crafted wines can be a lot of fun! There are other perks too. We can order to specifications and actively try to deliver better value and quality. We can pass on the deals and bargains to you. You can attend weekly tastings to learn more about your preferences and at the same time, get to know your local wine-loving community. Have first access to special events, like upcoming wine dinners. So, the next time you are looking for wine, whether it be for a party, to add to a collection or cellar, or just for a Tuesday night dinner – why not pop by or give us a call? We might be able to find your comfort wine or even just help you to try something new. By Nate Dion