Erika Mae Oco

HMGT2402-E553

Prof. Goodlad and Prof. Dagorn

March 24 , 2020

Retail Beverage Store Analysis

↑ Red wine From Italy, Piedmont

Fratelli Antonio and Raimond

Babera 2018

↑white wine from Lebanon, Bekaa  Valley

Chateau Kefraya

Blanc de Blancs La Cuvee d’Ondine

2017

↑ The separated shelves for specific events and food pairings.

          I had decided to go and visit Bottle Rocket wine and spirits located in 5 W 19th St. New York, NY 10011. When doing a little research on where I should be going, I was curious about this store specifically. Their photos online always had something to do with a wine tasting, a spirit tasting, or just multiple events happening. Their store also did not look like a usual wine and spirits store; it was not dark and gloomy, and it did not have posters of the liquors that they were selling; it was just bright and vibrant. To add to my curiosity about the store, they also had an excellent rating all around, so it was a no brainer to go and visit this store. When looking for this store, it was a bit of a struggle since it was blocked because they had construction on their block. But once you walk past the store, you can spot it right away, and it was just vibrant so full of life even though the store was empty due to the pandemic. I then introduced myself to the sales associate that I had called earlier, explaining that I am a hospitality management student and that I am here for an assignment. She gave me the go, but she did inform me that due to the pandemic, if possible, I could minimize the touching of the bottle unless I am going to buy it. They would prefer that they would pull out the bottle take it to the register themselves, which I found excellent either way.

          As I was about to browsing another sales associate was kind enough to give me a tour of the place. He then explains that the way how they have organized their selection of wines is by theme, helping their customers to find wines according to what they want to do with them. They had separate shelves dedicated to a specific wine event or food pairing. This store was unique in a way because every single bottle of theirs has an informative card displayed alongside giving their customers vital facts, tasting notes, and ratings. He then left me to observe the place more. One thing I did notice when I took a look at their spirits aisle, they offer a had a wide variety of whiskey. I had even looked on their website to see what more I can find, and they sell a $4,000 Suntory Yamazaki 18-year-old single malt Whisky. At that point, I just stepped away from that wall since that price made me what to cry. Looking around, I started looking for a country that made wine, but I could not find any. So I then asked for help from the sales associate who sadly, I could not remember his name, but he was still more than happy to help. He showed me a white wine from Lebanon, Bekaa Valley, a Blanc de Blancs La Cuvee d’Ondine from 2017. He then shot out a fun fact about Lebanon; they are one of the oldest countries that made wine dated 6,000 BC.

          After all that, I decided to buy a bottle of wine for my family. I had explained to him that we are not keen on wine drinkers, and we like a nice, smooth, and sweet wine. He then asked me a few questions, such as what is the occasion? Furthermore, What will we be pairing it with? After all that, he suggested a Pinot Noir from Loire Valley, France. With their help, this truly made my purchasing process so much easier since I am one hundred percent clueless when it comes to picking a good wine.

          Overall, the experience that they were trying to create came to life when visiting Bottle Rocket for me. They have made the shopping experience easier for their guest from adding information carts in all their wine. It is one of those stores that will stand out no matter what—even from their customer servers to their knowledge of wines just stuck. After helping me out with my project, they then helped me pick out a wine to take home with to my family. This store is truly well-rounded.