The subject has been kicked around like an old can ever since I started writing on wine. Large chain markets are moving into the “try before you buy” format in their wine departments, with in-store wine bars boosting traffic and sales on the weekend.
It seemed like idle talk, until a series of market turnovers brought a new name to the San Diego area, with bright new ideas about wine. Gelson’s, a Southern California market chain, most recently opened in Del Mar and Carlsbad to much fanfare.
The new Gelson’s markets are introducing wine tasting bars next to their wine departments. The Del Mar location is shown.
When the Gelson’s in Del Mar opened in January, its Grand Opening direct mail piece came out with several pages devoted to what I call “top shelf” wines. In most wine retailers, the top shelf, at eye level, shows their premium inventory of well known, acclaimed wines. The bottom shelves usually show inexpensive, high volume, even “jug” wines.
Gelson’s doesn’t seem to hold to that old ritual. A personal message from their Senior Director of Wine Buying cheerfully lays out a policy of distinctive selection of wines with “high marks, craftsmanship and value.” The message points out that “if you need help, you can rely on Gelson’s Certified Wine Specialists to assist in selecting the perfect wines.” Help is in evidence at the Del Mar location with the sight of a handsome wine bar offering free tasting and wine education Fridays from 3:30 to 6pm and Saturdays from 2 to 5pm. The Carlsbad location, which opened February 18th, will have its wine bar open soon.
A closer look at some “top shelf” names included: Banfi, Duckhorn, Grgich, Frank Family, Opus One, Raymond, Justin and last month’s TASTE OF WINE wine of the month, Stone Street. Gelson’s also has a buy six, mix or match, and get 10% off the lowest marked price on the bottle. A nice touch is the wood-crafted Gelson’s wine gift boxes.
Visit their site at gelsons.com.
Napa Valley Vintners Raise $5 Million at Annual Auction
The Napa Valley Vintners recently presented its 20th annual Premier Napa Valley barrel tasting and auction resulting in a $5 Million fundraising total, among the biggest amounts raised in its history. Interest was high for the 2014 harvest, which would be the third consecutive premium vintage, that includes 2012 and 2013.
Auctioneer Fritz Hatton bangs the gavel at the 2016 annual
Premier Napa Valley auction that raised $5 million.
Premier Napa Valley auction that raised $5 million.
There were 226 lots sold, mostly 2014’s from some top names. A new feature this year was the opportunity for a vast viewing audience to place their bids on- line at the auction for an exclusive number of wine offerings.
Some names you’ll know at the auction included: Rombauer, Shafer, Duckhorn, Silver Oak and ZD. Napa Valley Vintners is a non profit trade association of 525 members producing wines of the highest quality. Learn more at napavintners.com.
Wine Bytes
§ Italian wine flavors abound at Seasalt Seafood Bistro during Italian wine night with celebrity presenter Marco Barat, Wed. March 23 at 6pm. Feudi Di San Gregorio in Southern Italy is spotlighted in this 5 course Mediterranean flavored menu. This is an enchanting night, for just $55. ea. Call 858-755-7100 for an RSVP.
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