The wine retail shop that I went was “Hunters Point Wine and Spirits in Long Island City.” The wine retail shop been opened for nine years and people go there depend of the neighborhood. I went with my classmate on Saturday and my first impression was good. We called to make a reservation and the employee told us that we can go anytime of the day. The environment of the store was gorgeous with some classic music from the 70’s that makes someone relaxes.
The first person who we talked to was an old man who works there and we told him that we had an appointment with Tony. Tony is the manager of the store and gave us a good welcome greeting and asking us if we wanted to do the questions first or take pictures of the store. We took the pictures first and looked around the store. The wines were divided by countries and regions. Some of the wines had little notes with them that explain where the wines come from, year, grape varieties, and others notes. I found that very interesting and helpful for the customers and people who do not know about wine. We went to the wine tasting that was in the back with others wines. We asked Tony some questions and he said that some of the customer knows what kind of wine they are looking for and some people ask for grape varieties and the year. He said that people ask more for Italian and French wine. He also recommended two French white wines from Burgundy and the grape variety was chardonnay. The most expensive wine in the store cost like $450. Tony also told us that in the summer, they sell a lot of Rosé because it is fruity, light, it can be drink it with food and itself and also the season is another reason. The most expensive Rosé wine cost like $30. After we finished the tour and questions, we asked Tony to recommend us some wines that we want to buy. My classmate bought a Rosé champagne and I bought a French red wine from 2009 and the grape variety is cabernet sauvignon. He recommended this wine to me because I wanted the wine with less tannin, full body that dry the mouth slowly. The wine was not for me that is why I asked him for his advice.
Overall, Tony was professional and polite when we asked all our questions. He did not look like annoying as we asked the question and also told us to call him or go back if we need any other questions. It was a good experience and the retail store was so peaceful with the music.
They offer a great selection in, as you mentioned, an organized way. Great choice.