ith the great enjoyment Neapolitans are getting out of the “wine experience” (in addition to good health), we at Taste Dining &Travel thought it was timely to inform you about the wonderful choices of wine shops available to you.
As you will see, some of these wine stores are much more than just stocking your favorite vino. Nowadays the consumer is much more knowledgeable about wine and are being direct in asking about their vintage selection. This is great. On the other hand, those of you who are still a bit of a novice about wines, take heart. All the wine stores we visited have staff who are knee-deep in grape knowledge­all you have to do is ask.

        One of the originals for dining and wining in Naples is the Cuisine Management Group. Long before the recent “bada bing bada boom” of fine dining in Naples there was Cuisine Management and their restaurants Terra (that was Chef’s Garden)/Truffles, Villa Pescatore/Plums, Bayside and now Gordon’s. Seeing a need for a quality wine shop in town, partners Tony Ridgway and Sukie Honeycutt opened Tony’s Off Third, 1300 Third Street, Old Naples, 262-7999. Tony’s Off Third has been providing Neapolitans with terrific wine tastings, seminars and opening eyes (and mouths) with their wonderful selection of wines.
        The interior is warm and inviting with wood flooring and redwood racks giving the customer more than just wines to look at. Guests cannot miss the wines with over 1,000 facings to enjoy and inquire about. Sukie has been buying for over 25 years and her selections include wines from around the world. Her visits to France, Italy and California over the years are tastefully displayed throughout the store. She credits her great buying power with her relationships with winery principles, enabling Tony’s Off Third to get some fabulous allocations of limited production wines.
        Some of these include Opus One, Phelps Insignia, Caymus, Kistler and Cloudy Bay. If these names are unfamiliar to you, don’t be put off. There is a wine for you and Sukie invites you to come in and see for yourself what they have .
        Monthly wine tastings are held in the courtyard with the next one on April 18 featuring Corterra wines, with special guest Fred Holloway, winemaker for Cambria wines.
        As with many of the wine stores in town, wine accessories are sold. Tony’s Off Third even sells specialty coffees and lite eats (muffins and pastries). For wonderful wine selections all at a very reasonable price, make Tony’s Off Third your choice. for delicious wines.

        Everyone in town knows of Wynn’s Market. Whether on 5th Avenue South or at 141, 9th Street North, Wynn’s has been around Naples before mosquitoes!
        What I didn’t know is that Wynn’s has one of the largest selection of fine wines in southwest Florida. Pop in to their 9th Street North location and have a chat with Wine Consultant Ted Janowitz about your wine choice for any occasion. Ted is in the know about all the wines that Wynn’s carries, which includes over 150 Chardonnays, ‘75 Sauvignon Blancs and a special Italian section that will please any paisano. Wynn’s huge selection features California wines mostly, followed by Italy, Australia and Chile. A good selection of French wines are represented and a broad variety of Champagnes, but the above four are what the customers of Wynn’s seem to want.
        Ted’s philosophy on wine is not to push or sell a wine, but to help people (who ask) about the wines they might be interested in. A favorite question people might ask is "Is this wine good.?" Well of course it is or Wynn’s wouldn’t be selling it!
        For those who request , Ted has suggestions, so please ask. If not, browse the aisles at Wynn’s for great values in wines or ask to see their Wine Cellar List, which is heavy in French wines from 60’s to 70’s and ‘95 plus an ‘89 Lafite.
        Wynn’s will also deliver your favorite selcttions. Please give a call at 261-7157 or stop in today.

        The new guys in town are Haskell’s Wines &Spirits at 2021 Pine Ridge Road in Naples, 254-1120. Open since December in Naples, Haskell’s is extremely well known in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region with six stores. Founded in 1934 by Benny&Fritzi Haskell, it has been under the direction of John Farrel Jr. since 1970, who has made Haskell’s world renown.
        Priding themselves on service and selection, Haskell’s 4,000 wines include wines from all regions with emphasis on California and French wines including the top three Bordeaux and Burgundy selections in the country.
        The store is gorgeous with 5,000 square feet devoted to wines, spirits, mixes and accessories and another 5,,000 for climate controlled storage. Here customers can store their wines at Haskell’s in lockers from $30 for up to 15 cases to $125 per month for up to 70 cases. What a great idea for those of you heading north for our hot summers or if you are just running out of room­lucky you!
        The staff at Haskell’s are continually being educated and are even sent to various vineyards and tastings around the world. Carrying the education of wine a bit farther, Haskell’s has a beautiful upstairs loft where tastings and cooking demonstrations are held. Upcoming events include Jacques Lardiere, to some "the best winemaker in Burgundy," on March 21, Marcella Hazan "the Julia Child of Italian cooking" March 22-24, George Foote from BV Vineyards on May 1 for a tasting and Jeremy Seysses of Dujac and Druid Vineyards on May 3.
        Competitive pricing, monthly specials, every day wine tastings, mailing list, web site (www.haskells.com), wine appraisals, home events and more make Haskell’s the complete wine service. General Manager K.C. Boudrie is adept for all wine and liquor requests.
        Charitable groups they support with their business include the Make a Wish Foundation and University Children’s Foundation. Stop in at their stunning new store and enjoy a wine trip around the world.

        The Wine Merchant...always in good taste. Come and meet the men behind The Wine Merchant who turned a passion into an enjoyable business. You will be impressed by the atmosphere upon entering this unique, boutique wine shop. When is the last time you shopped for wine and walked around with a sample of wine while shopping?
        The wine selection is incredible! You will find affordable wines, along with eclectic wines and rare, hard to find wines. Many adults have referred to The Wine Merchant as an adult Disney World. Here you will find "no booze...no beer...just Naples’ finest wines!"
        The Wine Merchant organizes wine tastings in their exclusive Tasting Room. Reservations fill quickly with many on a waiting list. Do go for a calendar of events, you’ll be pleased that you did. The Wine Merchant... always in good taste. Easy to find, they are at 12820 Tamiami Trail North (US 41) in Naples. They are just one mile north of Immokalee Road. Phone number is 592-0000.