Wine shop uses sampling to help buyers select
If shoppers taste a sample while grocery shopping, it's proven that they're more likely to buy the product.
The same may be true at a new Libertyville wine and spirits shop that features a machine that allows shoppers to sample various wines. The shop features a wine station that allows shoppers to sample 8 different wines. The self-service wine bar dispenses one-ounce tastings for $2 to $3 each.
The state-of-the-art wine machine is just one unique feature at S&S Wine & Spirit Warehouse that opened earlier this month at 830 S. Milwaukee Ave. near Gino's Pizza.
Owner Bob Stemper picked up the idea for the tasting machine while visiting a shop in San Francisco. It was just one of about 5,000 European and American liquor stores he visited while working as a wholesaler and importer for three decades.
Stemper incorporated what he liked best about the stores and followed a dream to start his own business with wife Laurel. The couple is attempting to make the wine buying experience more educational and less mysterious.
It can be tough to choose a bottle of wine when there's a large selection. And there's a huge variety at the new Libertyville shop.
The independent store features more than 800 wines, 150 premier spirit items and 75 beers, said Bob Stemper, who ran a wine division for Wirtz Beverage in Chicago before taking an early retirement. Many of the wines at the store range from $7.99 to $21.99. Some go up to $100.
The store is heavy on California wines with a wide selection of French wines as well. There is a limited selection from Spain and Germany.
As another way to educate shoppers, the business owners, who live in Libertyville, are offering an array of educational classes and in-store tastings. The next class, Wine 101, takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16.
And on Oct. 1, Olivier Masmondet from Louis Jadot will speak at the shop from 6 to 8 p.m. Classes are $35 and include a bottle of wine.
Future classes are also planned to explore beers and spirits.
"It's the education and the wine station that sets us apart," Bob said of the business.
A portion of the shop is also devoted to Laurel's previous accessories business. This portion of the shop is dedicated to high-end accessories and embroidery. Local artists also display their work in this area.
S&S Wine and Spirit Warehouse is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more, check out wineandspiritwarehouse.com. or call (847) 549-6900.
Kim Mikus covers retail and small business. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4567.