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WESTPORT, Conn. Westport wine lovers will soon be able to shop at one of Manhattans top-rated wine stores without leaving Westport. Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit, the No. 2 wine store in the city as rated by Zagat, is opening in town in June.
At Bottlerocket, wines are organized on eye-catching, themed displays that take the guesswork out of selecting the perfect bottle to pair with seafood, sweets or even takeout. Customers looking for a wine to complement fish, for example, need not look farther than the fish-decorated island.
In addition to the themed racks, the 4,000-square-foot Westport shop, opening in the Stop & Shop plaza, will carry wine, beer and spirits from across the world, founder Tom Geniesse said.
The selection at Bottlerocket will appeal to collectors and novice wine lovers alike, he said.
Geniesse prides the store as being more than just a shop its a place wine fans can go to gain a better understanding of alcohol, he said. Inside the store, customers can find tips and suggestions on various food/wine pairings. The store, he added, will host on-site tastings and classes and some off-site events.
Unlike many other stores, Bottlerocket welcomes pets and includes a childrens play area. The company also incorporates environmentally friendly materials into its designs.
In selecting another location, Geniesse said Westport was a perfect fit because of its proximity to the city. Westport has a direct thread that connects its residents to New York City with a commutable distance, similar interests and wine taste, he said.
The store will be located in the former site of the Rugged Bear at 1790 Post Road E. In anticipation of Gov. Dannel Malloy signing a bill into law to allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Although no date is yet set for a grand opening, Geniesse said he expects the shop will open early next month.
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