Serving in style

Not many can say they would go into business with a friend, and definitely not eight friends—including spouses. Well, Allison and Beau Ragan, and Kevin and Nancy Seeman did, partnering with two other couples: Peter and Carol Mosher and Don and Chris Robertson. These long-time friends successfully opened WineStyles, a wine store franchise with a focus on making wine shopping and tasting accessible to everyone—from the connoisseur to the beginner—in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. 

---

1. Which of you knows more about wine?

Allison: Kevin knows most about what we have in the store and Peter knows more about wine in general.
Peter: We ask Allison what she likes; she has a naturally good palate.

2. How do you choose the Wine Club selections?

Peter: Do we like it, and will people like it enough to share it with their friends?

3. What should customers have in mind when they are looking to buy wine?

Allison: Customers should know why they are drinking the wine. Is it going to be for sipping or to enjoy with a meal?

4. What is the biggest misconception people may have about wine?

Allison: Red wine, red meat. White wine, white meat.
Peter: Snobbery.

5. Here is that desert island question … which wine would you want with you?

Allison: Champagne.
Peter: Pinot noir.
Kevin: Zinfandel.

6. What mistakes do people make when they store nice bottles of wine at home?

Allison: Standing the bottle up, exposure to sunlight and temperature variations.
Kevin: They don’t open a bottle because they are afraid the moment isn’t special enough.

7. Cork vs. screw top.

Allison: The art of drinking wine is like a ritual, not unlike drinking tea. Screw tops are like tea bags instead of loose-leaf tea.

8. What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

Allison: Champagne and caviar.
Peter: Merlot and dark chocolate.
Kevin: Grilled tri-tip and syrah.

9. How have your personal wine collections change since you opened?

Allison: Mine has grown and I have more French wine.
Kevin: Mine has stayed the same.

10. Name the perfect album to play with a really good bottle of sparkling wine?

Allison: Nat King Cole.
Peter: Frank Sinatra.
Kevin: Sarah McLachlan.

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to Solano Magazine »