I  had a chance to address one of my favorite topics on View from the Bay  a few weeks ago: how to find great wines at independent retailers. While I have often spoken on this topic, it was fun and interesting to go into a real shop with a wine novice–ABC reporter Nick Smith happily played the part–and help him find wine he might like based on what he likes. You can watch the segment by clicking here.

We filmed it at K&L, which is one of my favorite wine shops in the City. They  had some great wine on the floor, including some very well priced Malbecs and Torrontés from Argentina and a couple of Nero d’Avolas from Sicily. These were stacked out in the middle of the store in the staff picks section. I always love to see curious and wine savvy sales staff getting invested in sharing their favorite wines and have a hand in what’s on the floor.

Nick and I among the wines at K&L.

So Nick played the part of the curious newbie drinker perfectly. He told me he had had an Etude Pinot Noir the other night and enjoyed it. So I walked him over to the Pinot section and pointed out a couple of other great wines he might want to try–like the Hitching Post Cork Dancer–as well as some Oregon Pinots, like Domaine Serene, that might be similar in style.

We also talked about the concepts of second labels as more affordable versions of a winery’s production. I showed Nick Beyond from Buitenverwachten, which is a great everyday Sauvignon Blanc priced around $10. We also touched on Prosecco and Cava being great Champagne alternatives and did an interview with co-owner Clyde Beffa about the different wines he direct imports for the store.

So here’s to great retailers.

Cheers,

Liza the Wine Chick

 Makeup for this segment provided by Shawnté Vargas of Benefit.