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Shop offers wines for every taste

By Megan Sprague | Lake Norman Navigator

Published: October 22, 2009

After more than six years in Statesville, owner Jamie Venable has brought a second Wine Maestro shop to Mooresville.

"I think our selection sets us apart," Venable said. "A large portion of what we do is track down hard-to-find wines for our clientele and we also offer selections kind of off the beaten path, like Mollydooker. It's only offered once a year in a limited number and it gets gobbled up."

The store will offer tastings every Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $10.

"We're also going to offer special events, like dinners, as opportunities present themselves," he said. "Sometimes we'll be able to offer music and we'll always have information and educate about the selections."

Venable said he and the other employees at Wine Maestro are constantly tasting and trying new things, so the menu for each week will vary. He also relies on what's in season to decide what will be offered.

The wine being tasted on Oct. 14 were from Santa Rita region of Chile, brought by Diego Edwards, an export manager for the region. Brian Mockler was also on hand to serve the wine and explain the flavors.

"Santa Rita is one of the largest wine areas in Chile," Mockler said.

"It has a fruity and fresh taste," explained Edwards.

Since that weekend was race weekend, he was going to feature the vineyards of Jeff Gordon, Mario Andretti and Richard Childress.

Connie Hedrick and Doug Frady wandered into the shop after a late lunch and said they were impressed by the selection.

"They seem to have all price points," Hedrick said. "We love to give gifts like glasses and wine and they have everything."

Offering a wide variety is key, Venable said.

"We do try to have wine that experienced and inexperienced drinkers can appreciate and in this economy, having wines that everyone can afford is really important," Venable agreed.

The Wine Maestro is located at 279-G Williamson Road in the Mooresville Town Square. For more information on what the store has to offer, call (704) 664-1452 or e-mail info@winemaestro.com.