Wine Shop Shelf-talkers: Do they influence your purchase?

A “shelf-talker” is a written or pictoral descriptor designed to describe a wine which is placed on the wine rack near the wine it describes. The content on shelf-talkers range from a few words describing flavors in the wine or specific numerical ratings, all the way to details about the producer and in depth tasting notes made by a wine critic, the shop owner or staff. I’ve even seen images of a brain inside of a prohibited circle (such as the no smoking sign) - these wine purchases are a “no-brainer!” However they hang, shelf-talkers are meant to be helpful to us consumers by giving us information about wines we are going to spend $10-$100 on so we know what we’re getting ourselves into. Nothing spells letdown more than buying a $40 bottle of wine and finding it unpalatable!
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Reminder: Austrian Wine Tasting Tonight at The Wine Source

Austrian wine tasting this Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. There will be four winemakers on hand each pouring 2 -3 samples of their wines. I highly recommend that those of you in the area that have the free time try to make it to this tasting. I’m really seeing something special in a lot of new Austrian wines and would love to hear what everyone else thinks.Wine Source
3601 Elm Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21211

Free Austrian Wine Tasting!!!

Incredible timing on my article on how you all should try Austrian wine. I just received an e-mail from The Wine Source saying that they are holding an Austrian wine tasting this Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. There will be four winemakers on hand each pouring 2 -3 samples of their wines. I highly recommend that those of you in the area that have the free time try to make it to this tasting. I’m really seeing something special in a lot of new Austrian wines and would love to hear what everyone else thinks.

Wine Source
3601 Elm Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21211

Federal Hill’s Vineyard Wine and Spirits is Closing Down

Sadly, a boutique wine shop in Federal Hill is closing down. I had only been there a few times as it’s not very close to my home, but was always impressed with the selection of wines under $15 and really liked the layout of the store. In any event, here’s a release on the closing and the information on some outstanding discounts.

We are closing down!

Unfortunately the Vineyard Wine & Spirits is going to close down. Although
we believe that we are not only the type of wine and liquor store that
Federal Hill wants and needs, in our two years of operation we have not been
able to return a profit, so we have sadly decided to cut our losses and
close down.

Our loss is your gain however and we will be having a close out sale from
this Saturday, Jan 19 where everything will be reduced to virtually cost
prices:

15% off all wine under $15. 20% off cases (12 btls)
20% off Reserve room wines. 25% off cases (12 btls)
10% off beer and spirits
40% off all giftware

Get in early before all the good stuff goes!   We will continue to open the store for the remainder of the month or until
all our stock is sold .  Winesdays will continue to operate each Wednesday at Grumpies.   Work has begun on renovating the Vine and it should re-open in 6 months.    Thank you to all our loyal customers during our time in Federal Hill, we
appreciate your patronage.

Denis Ryan
Vineyard Wine and Spirits
1137 S. Charles St
Baltimore, MD, 21230
Ph: 410 837 3733

Baltimore Wine Bar Review: The Wine Market

The Wine Market - Locust Point: www.the-wine-market.com
921 East Fort Ave
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 244-6166

Entering The Wine Market from the main parking area, you walk in to a small but well-organized wine shop. A few coolers on the right offer the usual suspects of beer, sparkling wines and a few cheese selections. As you move to the middle of the store you’ll find a shelf of bargain wines where it’s possible to find a very good wine for under $12. On the main rack in the middle of the shop are selections from around the world while the US inventory and spirits are on the wall to your left. Overall there is a good diversity in selections of wine, but as one might expect with the premier wine shop located near the luxe Federal Hill neighborhood, many of the selections are well overpriced.

Moving through the shop, you’ll find your way to the wine bar and restaurant area. Between 5-7 PM Monday through Thursday the bar will be crowded with young professionals taking advantage of one of Baltimore’s best “Happy Hours,” which features $3 wine, sangria, and appetizers all being served by Kelly, one of the best bartenders in town. Overall the service at the bar and restaurant is among the best in town, which cannot be said for the service in their wine shop (don’t expect a “hello” or “goodbye” when coming or going!). On the weekends the restaurant is filled with people excited to taste the outstanding creations of executive chef Christitan de Lutis: a few of my favorites are the Mac and Aged Cheddar Cheese (creamy and delicious), the Lamb Burger (perfectly seasoned), and the Braised Bison Ribs (tender is an understatement). Selections by the glass are generally between $4 and $10, with the option of a flight of 3 wines (3 oz pours) as well. You can grab a bottle from the shop and have it at the bar for a small corkage fee, or, after a few drinks at the bar, take a bottle home with you at 15% off.

Baltimore Wine Bar Review: Grand Cru

Grand Cru - Belvedere Square: www.grandcrubaltimore.com/
527 E. Belvedere Ave
Baltimore, MD 21212
(410) 464-1944

Situated comfortably in the Belvedere Square shopping area, Grand Cru doubles as a wine bar and wine shop. Overall there are only around 300 wines, but the selections are well thought-out and generally boast great values from all over the world. If the good values and great service aren’t enough to get you to stop by for a glass of wine, then consider this: Grand Cru is a part of a group of shops and markets in the square which feature outstanding sushi, great artisanal breads and meats, sandwiches, fresh fruit and even a coffee shop with great pastries. You can pick up a sandwich from the deli and take it with you to Grand Cru to enjoy it with a glass of wine! Check Grand Cru out on a Friday night in the summer when there’s live music and a party going on in the parking lot of the square or for a free tasting between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM on a Saturday.

Baltimore Wine Bar Review: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar- Inner Harbor:

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar- Inner Harbor: www.flemingssteakhouse.com
720 Aliceanna St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 332-1666

This premier steakhouse in the Harbor East area doubles as a wine bar. The food aside, this is the best place in town to find a glass of wine that will fit everyone’s unique tastes with 100 wines by the glass every night. The wine list and reserve wine list are both quite impressive, but don’t expect to find very many boutique wines and expect to pay premium pricing for many of their selections.

General Manager/Wine Manager Scott O’Dell is a great resource for wine recommendations to fit any palate or food pairing. If he’s not around the guys behind the bar are just as willing and able to help out. The appetizers are excellent (try the Chef’s Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie) and the Filet Mignon sandwich is the best in town. The most expensive wine bar on this list, Fleming’s is in a category of its own. Expect to rub shoulders with many affluent men and women, including many of Baltimore’s up-and-coming business professionals, as well as a few Orioles or Ravens.

Baltimore Wine Bar Review: Chesapeake Wine Company

Chesapeake Wine Company - Canton: www.chesapeakewine.com
2400 Boston St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410)-522-4556

With a giant wine bar situated right in the middle of the wine shop, Chesapeake wins the award for best layout of those listed below. It may well perhaps be the best overall wine bar in town. At Chesapeake, you can expect a well thought-out and reasonably priced wine selection and great customer service. You won’t find the traditional big-name California Cabernets or first growth Bordeaux’s, but what you will find is wine from small producers all over the world. Owner Mitchell Pressman does an excellent job of keeping a diverse portfolio on hand and is constantly updating their stock, always bringing in new and exciting boutique wines. The bar generally offers 15-20 wines by the glass on any given night with a few additional sparkling and dessert wines. The food menu is simple, but offers many tasty treats that go great with a glass of wine such as a cheese and olive plate or a thin-crust veggie pizza.

I’d recommend getting on their mailing list (see the website for details) as they have weekly tastings which usually run $25 as well as other great events. Try to attend one of the monthly performances by the “House Band” (typically on a Friday night) to check out owner Mitchell on bass. If you’re looking for an upbeat wine bar with great appetizers, selection and service, head over to Chesapeake!