Woodland Wine Merchant
Heather Hauser
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Wine buying philosophy:
“The direction of the store requires that we are active in searching out the wines that we want in the store. That means working more directly with our import partners and digging deep into their portfolios. A lot of the wines are very limited and we may receive only a case or two. Every week we receive new wines, and that keeps our inventory very dynamic.” —Will Motley, owner
Heather Hauser
For the last 12 years, owner Will Motley has introduced wine lovers to a host of mostly smaller, independent growers and winemakers from his tidy, well-organized shop on Woodland Street in the heart of Five Points. Tasting cards speak to the background of each bottle including region and producer, along with succinct and accessible tasting notes. In addition to championing small producers, space is given to regions and varieties that aren’t as commonly seen. Tastings are offered every Saturday 3 to 5 p.m., and throughout the week when winemakers or importers are available. And the store’s small size and engaging and knowledgeable staff naturally lends to education and discussion any day of the week.
Will Motley’s current favorites: Great California wines like Martha Stoumen, Broc Cellars, and Jolie-Laide, along with incredible Spanish wines from Raul Perez, 4 Monos, and Envinate.
Harvest Wine Market
Heather Hauser
Neighborhood: Belle Meade
Wine Buying Philosophy:
“We focus on wines that are made in the vineyard and with integrity, not 'science lab' wines that are meant to taste the same no matter the growing season. Wine is a living thing; it comes from a plant and is susceptible to all the environmental changes that happen through the year, every vintage should be a little different, which is something that keeps it interesting. We have to offer a little something for everyone, but our hearts lie in high quality, soulful, and unique wines so we try to bring in as many of those as we can. It doesn't mean that they're always expensive but it does mean that they are good and don’t taste like a processed food.” —Ames Bailey and Laura Nevins, owners
Heather Hauser
For Ames Bailey and his wife, Laura Nevins, the decision to open their wine shop in 2012 was inspired by two things: a desire to spend their days working together (and for themselves), and also, as wine lovers the wines they wanted to drink weren’t readily available. So, they made it their mission to track down the styles and qualities they wanted to represent and opened a store in the Belle Meade neighborhood that felt like home to them. While the focus leans toward French and Italian wines, the couple’s belief that every country, region, and terroir is unique, and that the winemakers are also unique, means you’ll find plenty of interesting bottles from other regions represented in the softly lit space, too. Winemakers and importers lead tastings when in town, and are also led by passionate staff, including in-house sommelier Jiby Philip.
Some of Ames’ and Laura’s 'stranded on a desert island' wines: Domaine de Trevallon Blanc, Elisabetta Foradori Nosiola, Occhipinti Frappato and Nero d’Avola, and Francoise Bedel Champagne.
The Wine Shoppe Green Hills
Heather Hauser
Neighborhood: Green Hills
Owners: Bob and Katie Grussing
Wine buying philosophy:
“One thing I tell my customers is that every bottle has a story. So, I encourage them to look for the story versus just going to a label that they know. I want to show them classic regions doing things with a hand’s off approach. The small producers I gravitate to may not be recognized immediately, but they are bottles made in a small production with plenty of care; this way we can get to know the winemaker and the terroir of the region” —Rey Mora, manager/wine buyer
Heather Hauser
Wine enthusiasts of all levels will appreciate the broad selection The Wine Shoppe offers at their convenient Green Hills location. But in the process of stopping in for a well-known bottle from a big-name label, you may suddenly find yourself sipping on a new favorite from a lesser-known vineyard, at the same price point, that’s far more balanced and approachable—and also has a story to tell. Friendly staff are eager to share their favorite bottles from Provence to California, but one thing Mora says he’s always on the lookout for is wines that are “glou glou,” or chuggable. Tasting events are scheduled throughout the month, and Mora collaborates with owner Katie Grussing not only on the wine selection, but also in providing a high level of customer service that takes all the intimidation out of asking questions and learning about new varietals and makers.
Rey Mora’s wines to try right now: Castelle Noarna Lagrein, Castelle Noarna Rethium, Vignetti Massa Terra Rosato, Cantine Barbera, Tivilli Inzolia,Kivelstadt Cellars Rhone Blends, Sauvignon Blanc, and “orange wine” (which is worth the hunt).