Store

Owner Richard Kinssies has made his living off the grape for the past 30 years and is now passing down his vast collection of connections and knowledge to the consumer in the form of excellent wines at discounted prices. The former sommelier and restaurant owner is also a wine columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and is an instructor at the Culinary Academy. He'll readily assist you with picking a "nice" wine (as I always call them) for 30 percent to 60 percent off retail. Kinssies opened his shop in March and fills it with fine wines acquired through negotiations with wholesalers, importers and wineries. "There's an ocean of good wine out there that needs a home, and I give consumers access." Thank you, Richard. You might find a Pinot Noir from Napa for $20 (retail $40) or a decent table red for three bucks. Want to try before you buy? Kinssies usually has half a dozen bottles uncorked and ready for tasting.

By Kathy Schultz
NWsource shopping columnist