The Winery Kent Island

Wine and Liquor Store

A visit to the Banfi Vineyard in Tuscany inspired a whole new way of shopping for wine on Kent Island. The Winery on Kent Island may be reminiscent of faraway Tuscany, but the staff at this full-service store offering wine, beer, liquor, tobacco and gourmet foods makes customers feel right at home.

"We've been growing every year and becoming a local favorite because of our Friday wine tastings," says owner Jennifer DiDonato, who can frequently be found behind the counter and on the sales floor. "We're also a convenient destination for travelers heading to the beach because we're right off Route 50. We get a lot of people who come into the store once and decide to make us a regular Friday night stop."

“Our staff has had a lot of training from vineyard and winery representatives which we can pass onto our customers.”

The Winery prides itself on its customer service and takes the intimidation out of buying wine. Although the store has a Tuscan flair, every country is represented in its vast selection of wines. "Our staff has had a lot of training from vineyard and winery representatives which we can pass onto our customers," Jennifer says.

General Manager Steven Salkin has been in the industry for more than 10 years and owned his own liquor store before taking over at The Winery. "We specialize in fair pricing and customer service," he says.

Jennifer, who favors big red wines from the Piedmont region, traveled to Italy last September and visited several vineyards and cantinas to witness the harvest and wine-making process.

The Winery features public wine tastings every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. in its grotto. "There's a lot of energy during the tastings, and it’s a comfortable, social atmosphere," Jennifer says. ”Customers can try before they buy and see which wines fit their taste profile.”

Some of The Winery’s specialties include an extensive cigar selection housed in their custom-made humidor, and a budget friendly but high quality 3-for- $24.99 wine section. The Winery also recently added a "build your own craft beer" section with more than 140 different craft beers and microbrews from small specialty distributors. It’s become a customer favorite.

The Winery also services events such as weddings, parties and fundraisers, offering estimating services, volume discounts, product buyback and delivery. "Aside from the Friday evening tastings, our private wine tastings have really increased in popularity," Jennifer says. The Winery’s grotto provides the perfect setting for a neighborhood get-together, ladies' night out or an intimate office party.

Wine buyer Chip Platow has 40 years of experience as a wine importer at the wholesale and retail level, and provides much of the staff's wine education. "We pride ourselves on the individual selection of our 3-for-$24.99 section," he says. "We purchase based on taste as well as value."

Those with a passing wine interest as well as seasoned wine drinkers are encouraged to experience a tasting The Winery way. Novices can develop their taste profile while aficionados can indulge in fine wines from every country. Visit The Winery's website and join the e-mail list to receive information about specials and events at the shop.

The Winery Kent Island
116 South Piney Road
Chester, MD 21619
410-643-9466

www.thewineryki.com

Pictured from left: Chip Platow, Jennifer DiDonato and Steve Salkin
Photography: Bob Gosselin