Wine store temps

While running errands this morning, Gail and I stopped in at a wine store that opened last year about 2 miles away from home, and which I found to have a decent selection and pricing for my budget. While looking at the sparkling wine & champagne section, I was decidedly warm, and when I picked up a bottle of Gruet Brut Rose, the bottle was warm to the touch. I looked up, and directly overhead was an air duct blowing hot air directly onto that section of that rack! I put the bottle back down and did not buy wine there.

At the cash register, I mentioned to the checker and his associate (the only two employees in the store) what I had noticed, and told them I was pretty sure that was not good for the wine. He mumbled something about looking into it, and as we were walking out Gail said that I shouldn't be telling them how to run their store. Was I out of line? I have met the owner of the store, but the last few times I've been in, he was nowhere around.

Was I out of line?

I don't think so. But then again I've been known to do similar things. But perhaps not always in the most diplomatic way. Which is the key.

On a broader level, I think 'customer feedback' is an important part of any business and no business person will be an expert on every aspect of his/her business. (One would hope they could get this wine temperature thing down, but unfortunately what you describe is all too common).

I don't think you were out of line. Would you buy a pizza from a guy (or gal) who made it with his bare hands while picking his nose? Wine + warm air = bad merchandise. And selling bad merchandise is an open call for consumers to complain.

You were not out of line and the manager should have thanked you for the information. Wine drinkers are, in my observation, getting more sophisticated and the wine shops that don't realize this will end up out of business over time. I've pointed out high quality wines on the shelf nearest the ceiling in a local shop and suggested to the owner that he take the temp at the ceiling and the floor; I forget the numbers but there was a big difference and he doesn't keep the good stuff up high any more.

[Jenise]

I agree with everyone else. Moreover, I don't see as "telling him how to run his business" but rather helping him run a more successful and therefore profitable business which, since you live nearby, means you both win. No sense having customers like you go elsewhere.

On the other extreme, Moore Brothers stores in New Jersey, New York and Delaware are kept at 56 Deg. year-around. Top notch wine selections, mostly European. This might be carrying it a bit too far, but better to err on the side of caution. These stores are worth seeking out if in the area. Well chosen selections.

On the other extreme, Moore Brothers stores in New Jersey, New York and Delaware are kept at 56 Deg. year-around. Top notch wine selections, mostly European. This might be carrying it a bit too far, but better to err on the side of caution. These stores are worth seeking out if in the area. Well chosen selections.

I've been through NJ, NY, and DE twice - once in each direction, book-ending a vacation on Martha's Vineyard. I have neither the need nor the desire to visit them again, unless to visit Howie's region of upstate NY.

I've been through NJ, NY, and DE twice - once in each direction, book-ending a vacation on Martha's Vineyard. I have neither the need nor the desire to visit them again, unless to visit Howie's region of upstate NY.

Robert if you just went through on I-95 I'm not surprised, you could get the same impression going through New Hampshire on the same road. We once went through OK on I-44, and were not impressed either.