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The affable and charming John Noakes of Off the Vine Wines in Norwalk wants neophytes and wine enthusiasts alike to feel right at home in his cozy store on Spring Hill Avenue. For this residential neighborhood, I felt it was important to have the big name labels - the Kendall Jacksons and the Yellow Tails - so people would feel comfortable. But right next to those, customers will find some really unique wines. My plan has always been to offer really personal service for people who may be interested in trying new and different things. Ill hand-select bottles with them based on their tastes and what theyre used to or to complement their menus, guests or any other applicable factors."
Walk into Noakes' country-style shop, with its unstained red oak, pine and mahogany detail, and you'll likely hear Miles Davis or the Grateful Dead wafting through the sound system (jazz and vintage Dead are another of Noakes' passions). An 11-foot polished granite counter top serves as the check out and wine tasting area. The store is separated into two levels, connected by a small, ramp-like walkway. The main level houses a wall of coolers for beer and other beverages along with liquor to the left, and then white wines, which are labeled by type Pinot Grigio/Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and the intriguing Adventurous Whites section. The upper level is strictly for reds, separated in their racks by country/region. Represented are Spain, Italy, France, South America, and Australia, as well as California, New York, and Oregon/Washington.
As laid back as he is, Noakes is far from your average liquor store owner. He is one of a select few graduates of The Sommelier Society of America so he knows his grapes.
Along with a selection of wines, the store offers all the familiar liquor brands. I also love my beer, Noakes says. So in addition to the Budweisers and Coronas, I stock lots of microbrews and other lesser known imported beers. Closer inspection finds six packs of such suds as Southampton Double White, Paper City Brewerys Ireland Parish Golden Ale and Smithwicks.
Off the Vine offers free wine tastings every Friday and Saturday. Check them out at 1 Spring Hill Avenue, phone 847-7154.
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