Sommelier Sharon Sevrens thought of everthing in her efforts to create Amanti Vino, a gorgeous jewel of a wine shop that opened this week on Church Street. Her attention to detail is evident, from the beautifully displayed bottles lining the walls of a gallery-style space where the wine is the art (design genius courtesy of the creative minds at MADLAB), to a phone number with the last four digits spelling "wine." Sevrens brings something to the space sure to attract wine lovers of every taste -- her seasoned palate. She tasted every bottle of wine before adding it to the stock of the store and rejected 1000 some odd bottles that just didn't pass muster. The result? While you won't find wines from Yellowtail, you will find wines for the same price that Sevrens has tasted and found to be superior. If you are a wine lover (the translation of the store's moniker) but far from an expert, Sevrens wants to get to know you, hear about the wines you do like, and help you select new vintages to enjoy. Each bottle of wine will be accompanied by detailed tasting notes as well as a "pairs with" recommendation. Commit their phone number to memory; the store plans to deliver wine directly to restaurants, a plus for those of us who always manage to forget our wine or want to make a last-minute selection based on choices off a menu. You'll find wines for $6.99 all the way up to $250 a bottle. On Saturdays, Amanti Vino will hold weekly wine tastings (check back on Baristanet for this week's offerings). -- Liz George
Amanti Vino
30 Church Street, Montclair
973-509-WINE
November 29, 2005
My brother and I visited Amanti Vino on Saturday. It was barely open, and most of the wines didn't even have price labels yet. Sharon couldn't have been nicer - she was enthusiastic, helpful, and really knowledgeable. The selection of wines is varied and interesting - Sharon picked out several within our budget that were fantastic with our meal. I hope that Amanti is successful, and will definitely be a regular customer.
Posted by: sue324 | Oct 24, 2005 2:00:19 PM
We spent some time on Church Street on Saturday and stumbled on this place. It was fantastic. The enthusiasm that everyone on staff had was very contagious and it sounds like they have very cool stuff planned. We picked up 4 bottles and had 3 of them so far and they were just wonderful. I think it's the best addition to Montclair that I have seen in a very long time.
And, FWIW how smart is it to open up a wine store where there a bazillion restaurants in the vicinity without liquor licenses?
Posted by: sue | Oct 24, 2005 4:19:18 PM
After seeing the store on your site, my husband and I did a drive by while out in area.
I will definately be heading in this week. It sounds wonderful and Sharon seems great. Is it the same Sharon from Winewhys?
Posted by: girl | Oct 24, 2005 7:44:06 PM
(And, FWIW how smart is it to open up a wine store where there a bazillion restaurants in the vicinity without liquor licenses?)
Damn, I wish I'd thought of this...
Seriously, great idea and fab for wine lovers!!
Posted by: Pam | Oct 24, 2005 8:33:11 PM
Um, I suppose that Montclair people forget that Merit Liquors on Bloomfield Ave. and Caggiano's on Glenridge Ave. have been selling spirits for many years right near many of the restaurants.
Posted by: Krys | Oct 28, 2005 10:16:16 AM
Not to mention Romany Liquors on Glenridge Ave near The Montclair Book Center.
Posted by: rudebuddha | Oct 29, 2005 6:28:07 PM
(Not to mention Romany Liquors on Glenridge Ave near The Montclair Book Center.)
Ugh... awful store...
Posted by: Pam | Oct 29, 2005 11:25:07 PM
Stopped in here last Wed night, and you couldn't be more right--this is a beautiful space, prices reasonable with wines from less than $10 on up, and Sharon is VERY personable. Great addition to Church Street!
Posted by: Ev | Oct 30, 2005 6:22:28 PM
Three phrases should be among the most common in our daily usage. They are: Thank you, I am grateful and I appreciate.
Posted by: vigrx | Nov 23, 2005 8:24:44 PM
Fantastic! Not a liquor store, a wine store. The personable owners are obviously enthusiastic about wine and helping people find wine to enjoy. No snobbery to be found -- they were as pleased to talk about the $7.99 bottle as the more expensive ones.
****
Posted by: appletony | Nov 26, 2005 4:11:56 PM
I visited the store on Wednesday, and was really impressed! I live in New York City, and I stayed with friends of mine in Montclair. They took me in to see what easily rivals any NYC store, but without the NYC attitude. The owners know their stuff inside and out, and were so helpful with all our Thanksgiving wine picks! A truly delicious night we had.
Hats off to the designers of the store, too. They designed what has to be the most beautiful store I've been to in years. So sophisicated yet inviting. Those chandeliers are amazing! I was so surprised to find out that MADLAB is also from Montclair. Is this where all the action is now?!?
Posted by: matt | Nov 26, 2005 10:34:46 PM