BITS & BOBS

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Stan The Wine Man

In my line of work, there are a lot of important decisions to make. How much wine to purchase to get the department through a week of sales without ordering too much or not enough. Making sure there is enough help in the department to get the things that need to be done, done and at the same time not neglecting our customers. Even though we run a two man show, I’m fortunate that my trusty assistant Scott, understands what is needed to run a successful department. He has developed into a solid wine steward and is very good with customers. Heading into the busiest time of the year, it is nice to know that we have things covered. It’s not to say that a third person would not be greatly appreciated. However, at this stage in the game, it is obvious that we will go through another summer as the dynamic duo.

Another important element to my job, is making sure we keep prices down for our customers. I’m always on the lookout for great deals and wines that punch over their weight class for the money. I’ve developed a reputation for doing just that and I plan on making sure I continue to deliver. Recently, I’ve been informed that one of our main suppliers plans on increasing their charge on wines that are not ordered in full case lots. They refer to this as a split case charge. This company is going to raise this charge to three dollars for each bottle in the split case. This is a ridiculous increase. It could raise the retail price of a bottle by almost two dollars. This is a huge company that can afford to supply us without such a charge. Because of this, I am removing from the shelves many of their wines that I only buy by the bottle (not cases). There are other suppliers out there that would love to have the business and do not add a split case fee. And, if they do, it’s certainly not that high. This may mean that one of the wines that you buy from our department will not be there for you. I hope you understand that I don’t want you to pay more than you should. I will search out worthy replacements that I’m sure you will enjoy at a lower cost.

I’m getting serious about writing an article entitled “The Rose’ Enigma” which will dig into the mystery as to why many people only buy Rose’ when the sun comes out. I’ve observed this enigma for many years and it’s about time I address it in an article. It will be out soon, I hope you enjoy it.

On my YouTube channel, I am continuing to review the top selling wines in my department that roll in at under twenty bucks. I’ve covered Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. They have been very popular episodes. Upcoming, I will review my top selling Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons under the twenty-dollar price point. I’m super pumped about this, because I’ve discovered a few gems as I’ve gone along. I hope you find some as well. I really want to understand what brings people back to the same wine over and over again. I’m starting to catch on.

Cheers!

Stan The Wine Man

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BITS & BOBS

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Stan The Wine Man

We are about to embark on another summer in the San Juan Islands. For Scott and I, it means about ten weeks of close your eyes and get it done. In our wine department it isn’t just about the volume of customers who pass through the store. It is a physical job as well. Schlepping cases of wine and booze from the back room or top shelf into stock as the popular items fly off the shelves. Neither Scott nor I are spring chickens, although we are both quite capable of keeping up with the demand. In a lot of ways, it’s an exhilarating time of year. We both love to sell wine, beer and booze. I often refer to us as the vice squad. Of course, we would love to have a third person for the summer. Someone who would like to join the party and learn a bit about wine along the way. We’ve had a few bites, but nothing has come to fruition. It’s tough in the San Juans with the lack of rentals available and the competition from other businesses who are also trying to get enough help for the summer. However, the beat goes on and we are prepared to tackle the summer as the dynamic duo once again.

My YouTube channel is at a bit of a standstill right now. I have 1025 subscribers, which I am very excited about. Now, the challenge is to get the viewers to spend just a bit more time watching the episodes. Of course, that requires some serious thought on my part. What is it that people are interested in watching? How can I keep my viewers engaged? I want to change things up a bit, but I need some suggestions. I have a good friend who insists I keep my episodes down to around ten minutes. It makes some sense, as the attention span of most, is quite short when it comes to YouTube. I know I need to teach myself how to make more interesting thumbnails, which are the pictures that give a preview to what is coming out on my channel. Clever thumbnails catch people’s attention. The fact that I’ve never put much into that and still have over a thousand subscribers, convinces me that better thumbnails will only attract more people. I’m dedicated to making my channel informative and entertaining. I want to thank all of you who watch what I’m doing on YouTube on a regular basis and make comments. It keeps my creative juices flowing.

I’m working on an article about Rose’, it will be called “The Rose’ Enigma.” I’m fascinated by the buying habits of my customers, particularly when it comes to buying pink wine. Why does the sun have to come out before people buy Rose’? I know that is not true of all of you, but it is true for the majority of wine shoppers. I will go into some depth on my thoughts about this wine phenomenon. I’m certainly not the only wine person to give this subject some ink, but I have somewhat of an advantage being on the retail side of things. I hope you get a chance to read it.

Cheers!

Stan The Wine Man

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BITS & BOBS

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Stan The Wine Man

When I observe certain wines in my department, selling out on a regular basis, I often wonder why. Price is a big part of course, but there has to be more to it than that. A wine can be cheap, but if it’s not good, people wouldn’t be coming back for more (at least I hope not). This has inspired me to do a series on my YouTube channel. I’m going to review three wines from different categories that are my top movers under twenty bucks. The reason is to edify myself as to what customers are looking for in a certain wine and of course to honestly grade them. My first episode, which is out there already is a review of three Pinot Noirs that are under the twenty-dollar price point. It was interesting to note that all three were quite different in style. The one from Oregon was truly Burgundian in style whereas the two from California were quite different from one another. I had trouble finding a common denominator in that episode. That could speak volumes for my customers who obviously know what they want in a wine.

The second episode features Zinfandel, all from California. On reviewing these, I was able to nail down a common element that brought people back for more. All three had the fruit forward style so many look for in Zinfandel. However, there were some interesting differences that made each one unique. You should check these episodes out, I think you will find them quite intriguing. The next two episodes will feature Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. By the time I finish reviewing all these wines from different grape varietals, I should have a better bead on what folks are looking for in wines under the twenty-dollar price point.

The weather is finely improving and wouldn’t you know it…Rose’ sales are picking up rapidly. I’ve said it many times, Rose’ and the sun are like peas and carrots. It’s interesting to me how many people love Rose’, but only drink it when it’s warm outside. It makes sense, but at the same time, it doesn’t make sense. Rose’ is such a perfect food wine. It goes with so many different dishes. Seafood, salad, pork, ham, hamburgers, you name it. Yet, for many, if it’s a cloudy, cold day, Rose’ is the last thing on their mind when they are out to purchase a wine. It’s a paradox for sure and one I do not completely understand. I drink Rose’ year-round with the aforementioned foods or simply by itself. I’m just happy the weather is improving, because I have Rose’ all over the place in my department that needs to find a home.

Our trip to Greece (Crete) is on the horizon. Susie has booked the last hotel, and we are getting very excited. I’m so glad to have found a partner in life that loves to travel. Susie is passionate when it comes to understanding where we are going and the ins and outs of the trip. Of course, I’m super stoked to visit some of the wineries in the area. Many people don’t realize just how serious Greeks are about their wines. They are known mostly for the white wine called Retsina. However, this is really not what they should be known for. There are so many other wines from Greece. I carry a few of the many choices from this great wine-producing country at the store and I hope to discover even more over the next few years. Give yourself a chance to explore this part of the wine world, you will not be disappointed.

Cheers!

Stan The Wine Man

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STAN’S PICK FOR JUNE 2024

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Stan The Wine Man

There are a few places in the world where I am almost guaranteed to find a great value in wine. Spain and Portugal are in my top two. It never ceases to amaze me that such great wines can come at incredible prices from across the pond. This month’s pick is from Portugal. Portuguese wines are tough, because so many people are not familiar with the grape varietals used to make the wines. To keep it simple, the wines are great even if you don’t know the grapes they are made from. I think the most familiar grape varietal in Portugal is Tempranillo. The problem for the consumer is they don’t refer to it by that name. They call it Aragonez and Tinto Roriz… More confusion However, for thirteen bucks, this wine punches way over its’ weight class.

2020 Sogevinus “Veedha” Red

This wine comes from the Douro in northern Portugal where they are mostly known for their Port production. Today however, they are making a huge footprint in quality red wine production. The grapes used in this wine are Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinto Cao and Touriga Franca. Researching these grapes would be a great homework project for those who would like to geek out a bit. However, whatever grapes they use, the wine speaks for itself.

Brooding aromas of blackberries and boysenberries with hints of dark flowers and black plums. Blackberry, boysenberry and black plum notes come through on the palate, supported by structured, approachable tannins and balanced acidity. The fruit notes expand on the mid-palate into the lingering finish where blueberry notes sneak in. This baby is well-built and a “10′ in the delicious category. Very juicy and smooth in the mouth. A real crowd pleaser and great for a conversation around the table. (B/B+)

Cheers!

Stan The Wine Man

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