Owner wants to begin wine-tastings

Roger Strohl, the owner of Vineyard Wine Market, says he hopes to give his buyers a chance to get a taste of history.

From domestic to imported wines from France, Spain, Australia, Hungary and South Africa, Strohl said, his desire is to educate novices about the different types of wine, and teach them how to properly choose the one that will satisfy their taste buds.

"I'm a history buff," he said. "I like the history behind the wine.

"History, society and wine go hand in hand."

The only thing holding him back from holding wine tastings now at his 4414 Evans to Locks Road suite is the fact that he must have an alcohol license to do so.

Currently, the county's alcohol ordinance allows alcohol licenses only to businesses that get half of their sales from food.

However, Linda Glasscock, Columbia County's code compliance manager, said Strohl has submitted his ideas in writing is waiting to hear from the commissioners, who will make the final decision.

Regardless of the outcome, Strohl said he plans to hold wine-tasting events throughout the area at venues such as Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

Since opening in early April, Strohl said, Vineyard Wine Market has been experiencing success.

"It's really been taking off," he said, adding that Masters Week drew in a lot of patrons. "I'm really amazed as how fast it has grown."

Unlike package stores that sell both wine and liquor, Strohl's business has more than 1,000 types of wine and offers about 22,000 bottles in the 2,500-square-foot suite embellished with murals of vineyards.

He also sells domestic and imported cheeses and offers catering, and patrons can make wine basket gift sets.

"Everything about this store is going to be different," he said.

For more information, call Strohl at 922-9463.