As part of a series on Tristate wine stores that have been recommended by Enquirer readers, I visited Wyoming Wines. As with other wine stores I've called on, I left with many positive impressions, including a wonderful story told by proprietors Dave Anderson and Kent Seidel.

        Two months ago, Dave and Kent took a working vacation in France, but the events of Sept. 11 delayed their return. Although a week in Paris would seem fortuitous, it was problematic keeping their store open from across the Atlantic.

        To the rescue came customers such as Patsy Pike, who quickly helped arrange to open the store. “It was a great experience to be involved,” Ms. Pike said, reflecting on this extraordinary example of customer loyalty.

        Visit the store and you'll see why Wyoming Wines engenders a close relationship with its customers. Thanks to its modest size and the continuous presence of one or both proprietors, personal attention is the norm. Moreover, the proprietors have provided a relaxed, interesting environment for browsing and buying.

        Wyoming Wines was established in 1997 in a small professional building north of the Wyoming business area. The store has little street presence (local ordinances limit signage), but once the store is found, shopping is convenient, thanks to ample parking behind the building.

        In contrast with the plain exterior, the store has a interesting, somewhat quirky interior. Formerly the office of Mr. Anderson's physician, it is divided into several moderately size rooms (doctor examination rooms) that structure the layout.

        The decor will elicit smiles, as there are such light-hearted touches as a James Dean poster adorned with old 3-D movie glasses, several lava lamps and an appeal to drink responsibly — placed on an enlarged mug shot of a young Frank Sinatra arrested for “seduction” — and eclectic music. There's also the goldfish named Cabby, who, of course, is purple; the original was Brut, and yes, he or she was a dry goldfish (ouch).

        The store is divided into a California and a (mostly) imports section. Higher-priced bottles are featured in one corner, but otherwise, Wyoming Wines focuses on good-value wines.

        For example, a third room is dominated by a rack of mid-priced chardonnays, cabernets and merlots. Also, scattered about the store are special selections designated with stars as “Dave's Top Ten Under $10.” Pricing generally follows the minimum allowed by the state.

        An excellent way to become familiar with Wyoming Wines is to attend one of the in-store tastings held Saturday afternoons. Call (761-9463) for information. The store is at 1208 Springfield Pike, near the stoplight at Chestnut Avenue.

        If your favorite wine store hasn't been featured in Sips, write a letter of nomination to: Wine Stores, c/o John Vankat, The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax: 768-8330.
       

Orchestras woo the rock crowd
Young listeners sound off
CSO evokes atmosphere of Italy
'24' goes hour-by-hour through agent's dangerous day
DEMALINE: Theater
Despite posturing, 'Britney' pure teen pop
James Dean the cause for local writers' plays
College sophomore takes Minnie to the max
DAUGHERTY: Everyday
KENDRICK: Alive and well
Romance author writing her own dream
Winburn stays busy outside politics
Ask the critic
Positive attitude makes Amos famous
Thanksgiving countdown
Wyoming Wines specializes in its customers
moe. takes jam-band experience a step beyond
Get to it