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+--- Thread: Sam's in Chicago (/thread-15482.html)
- quijote - 05-09-2003
I can see why this place is so popular. I went there last weekend, and the selection and volume are really quite spectacular. There are some wine-tasting stations where you can fill up a small, disposable cup with featured wines, and--a good sign--a sauvignon blanc tasting was taking place in the back room. (I doubt I'll ever see a sauvignon blanc tasting in Milwaukee, but I'm hopeful.)
There were some disadvantages to this type of store (a wine superstore): the aisles are too narrow, the layout is cluttered, and frankly, for a newbie, the selection was so overwhelming that at first it seemed like I had never learned anything about wine. Given these drawbacks, there's a lot to be said about smaller wine shops that may not have the big volume, yet do more to help the customers while they shop.
- Innkeeper - 05-09-2003
The best way to handle such challenges is to have some wines or types of wines in mind, and ask directions to them. For example you may be looking for a Sancerre Rouge, and are interested in Lorie wines in general. Chances are, in a place like Sam's, you will have a large selection.
- quijote - 05-10-2003
You're right IK; I'm starting to keep better track of wines that I haven't been able to find around here in Milwaukee, so next time I go to Sam's I won't have to start from scratch. I did remember a few wines to get, all recommended on this board, including Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise and Brancott Reserve SB. But I also looked for Huia SB and Ritratti Pinot Grigio, and neither was in stock!