Before it's all over I thought I should post something about this: Table & Vine, in Northampton, Massachusetts is closing. Last day seems to be some time in early April. Much has been cleared out already. (There were some pretty amazing sale prices, but the bulk of that is long gone...much to my cellar.)
Not all is lost. They have a sister store, Town & Country, in West Springfield, MA that is being greatly expanded and renovated to become the flagship store. T&V inventory is headed down there day by day. There is a whole new wine section going in, as well as a fancy temp controlled room for the high end stuff. Guys like Paul Provost and Michael Quinlan will still be around, and the futures and all will just move 15 miles south (so no panic there!). I repeat, they will be honoring T&V futures at the Town & Country store, so don't panic.
While trusted people & great selection will still be there, the whole thing is beyond bittersweet for me (despite the fact that I will now have a 15 mile shorter drive to my "new" favorite (I hope), local shop). Much of what I know about wine I learned from bottles I bought at T&V, and from tastings at T&V. The folks there, from Paul & Michael & George, to the clerks have become friends. We know each others' voices on the telephone & faces are instantly recognizable. Many will be in West Springfield, but not all. Too bad.
Ah well, times change. Thanks for all the memories Table & Vine (formerly Big Y liquors for those who haven't been in a while).
See you at Town & Country (by Table & Vine - also owned by the Big Y corporation).