Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT The Fine Wine Company of Westport!
Three questions with Cory D’Addario, owner of The Fine Wine Company of Westport.
Why did you start your business?
I was in the food and wine industry many years before buying the store. From working with a distributor, supplier, broker, and then finally as a retailer on the wine side, I found being a retailer to be the most gratifying with relationships to clients. There was a clear need for wines with integrity - that was honestly farmed and without the use of herbicides, pesticides and synthetics.
Wines that were true to their region, were curated thoughtfully and most importantly taste great.
What is your best-selling product/service?
Though we do sell craft beers and artisan spirits, our emphasis is on being a fine wine shop. Our best-selling wines are from Italy and France. In retail, everything we do is about service, from knowing our customers by name, knowing their likes and dislikes, anticipating needs, seeking out products just for them, and sharing true knowledge of food and wine.
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
Through Covid, as many retailers did, we rolled with the new norms of doing business. Fewer people came into the store and wanted to drive up for curbside pick up or delivery. For me, it meant spending so much more time on the phone with clients to ensure they were receiving the most personal service in deciding upon their wines.
Nothing is stagnant in the wine business if you are indeed a good retailer. Understanding flooding, wildfires, frosts, and droughts all greatly affect where we will be looking next for great wine.
Cory would like to nominate Posh Picnics in Westport to be featured next!
The Fine Wine Company of Westport is located at 411 Post Road East in Westport. Visit The Fine Wine Company of Westport online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!