When we first started the alcohol business, it was really a torture to try to understand so many different kind of alcohols and wines. I particularly find it challenging and yet stressful learning about wines. It was a nightmare trying to purchase wines for the shop, let alone trying to sell to our customers.
From the very beginning, we know that products knowledge are crucial but after many not so fruitful learning experience from our suppliers, we decided to help ourselves instead. For many years now, we tasted, we read, share and continue to learn from suppliers who are good (not that many to be honest) but we learn the most from sharing with our customers.
To me, nothing is more satisfying than selecting the 'correct' wines for our customers. It is not just about trying to sell..sell...SELL....
When our customers walk into our wines section without any knowledge, it is our duty to help them selecting the "correct" wines. I don't usually begin with,
"How much is your budget?" (Many salesperson will try to upsell their wines if you do not know a thing about wine)
instead..........TASTES......
Sweet, Dry, High Tannin...the very BASIC.....
We can go on and on to explain to you how great the wines is but if you do not enjoy the wines, then it is not a good wine at least to you. So what if it is a great Chateau, Premier Cru, Special Edition, great vintage...all these will be ZERO if they do not match your palate....
Wine is a personal preference to be honest. Yes...it tastes "difference" with some knowledge about wines but afterall, it is you who know if you like it. And remember, do not let others tell you otherwise.
