Life

I asked readers of Uncorked ( www.daytondailynews.com/wineblog

) to help my respond to the following e-mail:

"My wife and I are not very familiar with wine, but would like to go to some tastings. We are beginners, but would like to know if you could advise some of the better wine tasting events in the area for someone new in this interest. I work part-time at (a local food-and-kitchen-themed store) as a second job, and get asked questions all the time about wines, but I am not much help and need to get more familiar with various wines. Any help would be appreciated."

And readers — as usual — responded. "Chiefwino" offered this:

"Any of the good wine shops around town will be glad to help, particularly during the Saturday tastings (which are published on Uncorked each Friday). It usually is easier to talk to the store personnel or the guest pourer (sales rep, winemaker, etc.) if you go earlier in the day when it is less crowded. You will get more undivided attention that during the late afternoon rush.

"Don't be afraid to attend the Saturday afternoon get-togethers. While many of the regular winos have known each other for years, most are ready and willing to share their experiences and wines. We all started out as novices at some point."

John was more specific: "The two best places to find information about wines are Arrow Wine and Dorothy Lane Market. Each has very knowledgeable people who are friendly and interested in helping you. Another great place for help buying wine south of town is A Taste of Wine in Miamisburg."

Uncorked reader Niki advised the wine novices that, "Although the previous suggestions are all good, I also suggest going to Cuvee on Ohio 725 just east of Wilmington Pike, during one of the off-peak times, and talking with Jessica. Cuvee offers wine tastings whenever they're open. Going at a time when they aren't likely to be very busy— anytime BUT Friday evening or Saturday afternoon/evening) will ensure that staff has more time to spend answering questions and helping beginners learn what wines they enjoy."

"The best thing about learning about wine is that the best way to learn is to taste lots of wine! And don't be afraid to dump what you don't want to drink, or to share tastes with your spouse, so that you can taste/learn more than you might otherwise."

And Rich added: "One spot that I have been to in the last few months is Savona Restaurant in Centerville. They have a tasting once a month on the second Wednesday and feature wines from their list. The presenter provides a tasting sheet that each guest can read about the wines poured. Savona provides an array of appetizers ... . The tasting is casual and informative."

Great advice all 'round.

• A brand new, and rather large, wine shop, wine bar, lounge and liquor store is poised to open in northern Montgomery County. Cork & Vine Wine Market and Lounge, 3453 York Commons Blvd., is scheduled to open by Nov. 1, according to Shawn Grow, who owns Cork-n-Vine wine shop and wine bar in Troy and is the co-owner of the new wine shop along with Alex Kolodesh. The new Cork & Vine Wine Market is tucked in behind Office Depot just west of Miller Lane's restaurant row, in Butler Twp.

The 7,500-square-feet facility seats 74 inside, and 48 more on an outdoor patio that will have gas heaters. The wine shop has room for 1,500 bottles, and an adjacent liquor store will offer spirits.

The wine bar and lounge will have a martini list and rotating flights of red and white wines, craft beers and a selection of tapas, Kolodesh and Grow said. The new venture will be open six days a week, closed Sunday.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2258 or mfisher@DaytonDailyNews.com.