WineStyles simplifies the wine buying experience
Most of us have been there at one point or another – standing before hundreds of bottles of wine in a supermarket or big box store trying to pinpoint the exact one that will satisfy our palate, compliment tonight’s chicken dish or stand as the perfect housewarming gift. The task can be daunting, especially since wines are typically arranged by grape or country of origin, not taste. WineStyles, on the other hand, is a wine shop dedicated to making the search for the perfect bottle a journey based on discovery, not guesswork.
“To me this is one of the best places in town to learn about wine,” says Jerry Zellers, owner of the Stone Oak WineStyles at 700 E. Sonterra Blvd. And, “when you leave this store you can be relatively assured you will have chosen wines you will enjoy when you get home.”
In simplifying the wine selection, the franchise displays its wines by eight taste categories or styles – mellow, fruity, crisp, silky, rich, bold, nectar and bubbly, which are further defined by way of other familiar flavors. Bold, for example, are wines offering “intense, complex, heavy flavors of chocolate, coffee, black coffee, licorice.”
The majority of wines sold through the popular franchise are also affordable at $25 or less and the store only carries around 150 labels. “That’s intentional,” says Zellers. “You can get to know 150 labels much more personally than, say, 600. So when customers ask for a recommendation, we can give them a pretty solid one. We do the leg work for you.”
And, because each wine represents “prime real estate,” you can be assured they are of the highest quality at their price point.
As for who exactly is opting for a glass of wine these days? Well, the simple answer may be just about everyone. Although still falling short of Europe’s popularity, wine is gaining momentum in the United States among men and women of nearly every demographic. “The statistics from the last couple of years show wine sales are outpacing beer. We’re arriving,” says Zellers, adding that the rising popularity of wine is particularly seen among those in their mid-20s. “It’s not what mom or dad drank.”
Aside from simplifying the selection process, WineStyles also succeeds in appealing to each and every customer. The sign outside Zellers’ store merely promises wine and gifts, but the two words hardly describe the regular onslaught of events held within. The store has a lounge area where customers can nestle with their favorite selection by the glass or share a bottle with friends. A limited number of free samples are available every day. While the large, outdoor patio is not only a hot spot to hear local musicians, gather for a wine tasting or enjoy a ladies night, but the perfect location to host clubs, businesses groups and other events. The store regularly partners with travel agents to host trips to Hill Country wineries as well.
WineStyles on Sonterra Boulevard is eager to educate novice oenophiles, provides something new and different for the more educated and offers a Wine Club for customers wanting to expand their depth of wine and palate.
Each month, club members are presented with two new selections chosen by a Master Tasting Panel, headed by Master of Wine Doug Frost. “The whole purpose of the Wine Club is being open to different wines and the broad range of characteristics they bring,” says Zellers. “The feedback we get from our members is that they enjoy the variety and they enjoy looking forward to something new. People are always looking for their next best glass of wine.”
In addition to their other events, the local WineStyles offers live music virtually every Saturday beginning at 8 p.m., Complimentary appetizers are offered and there is usually no cover charge.
To stay in focus with all that happens at WineStyles at Stone Oak, visit www.winestyles.net/stoneoak, call 451-0917 or just stop by! Events are also often listed at www.stoneoakinfo.com.
