We have met our new best friends! They own and run Everyday Wines in Ann Arbor. Mary Campbell opened the store in November of 2004. As the name would suggest, the store specializes in wines that are at a price point that most of us need to enjoy wine ‘everyday’. Most bottles are between $10 and $25 with a shelf or two of higher priced wines. The store is set up beautifully and Giri (yup, there is a French guy at the store to assist. well, I think he is french.) mentioned that the firm who designed the store has received recognition for the creative. Everything in Everyday Wines seems accessible and easy. The warm decor matches the greeting you receive as you enter. We chatted with both Mary and Giri on different days and found both informative and interested in the conversation of wine and not a trace of snobbishness about the product. Owning and running a business is tough and yet the place retains the feeling that someone started this shop because they loved it.
As is typical of independent store owners, they support each other. You will find a nice selection of take away cuisine from A Knife’s Work in the cooler. There is a also a blog mention of them carrying “Alfajores” that they picked-up at the Farmer’s Market …some confection of biscuit and caramel dipped in chocolate …What? Yum! Everyday Wines also offers off-site wine tastings, co-host and sponsor instructionals to help with your vino knowledge or how to get cheesy with your wine. I asked Giri if he had any happy surprises this spring from a wine. You know, when you open a bottle on a Tuesday night to go with a meal you threw together and then, after the first sip, find yourself holding the glass in midair wondering how you were so lucky to happen upon it? Giri’s answers were a little more politically correct and he offered-up some options at a few different price points. Here is the list. Stop in and say hello …and pick-up some great Everyday Wine.
Giri’s Suggested Sipping:
- Dragani Montepulciano: $6.99
- Domaine De Ballade 2008 Sauvignon Blanc: $10.99
- Fattoria Casabianca 2006: $12.99
- Domaine Seguinot-Bordet: $19
- Lunadoro Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2005: $25
Our tasting Notes: We picked up the Lunadoro, the Ballade and the Dragani (who can resist a $6.99 bottle?) Oh, we also got the Spinyback Sauv. Blanc. Not on Giri’s list but hey, it’s in the store so you know it’s gotten the nod.
The Lunadoro has notes of black cherries and raisins with a hint of spice and earth. Good chewiness on the tongue.
The other bottle we’ve tasted was the Spinyback. It’s a solid everyday bottle. Great notes of grass and citrus with a crisp finish. Perfect for the season. It reminds me of the Bancroft but doesn’t try as hard to blow you out.
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Thanks for the terrific write-up. And congratulations on your site and blog. For the record, that’s David up there, not Giri (in case people think it’s me.) I’m Giri!
- Giri (Indian, not French, btw.)
Great choice for your first article! I live only come to Ann Arbor about once a month, and Everyday Wines is my first stop. I ask for a suggestion each time, and it is always just right. No pressure to buy expensive, just great help to find just what you are looking for.
Giri! Please apologize to your mum for me scrambling your heritage. Besides, I didn’t want to say anything in the store, but the French guy selling wine …so overdone!
See you soon.
So cool. I can’t wait to check it out! Girls night will be cheap on $7 a bottle!