Oliver Knill:
After many years of experience as a restaurant wine buyer and server, I’ve found that everyone’s palate is unique. Wine scoring point systems and magazine ratings can be helpful in wine selection. However, I’ve found that people’s tastes often aren’t represented by the establishment’s wine reviews. For example, lesser known wine regions and producers are often completely overlooked.
Your online sommelier and concierge
I hope to bring you a personal, unpretentious wine experience. One that matches your personal tastes with wines you’ll like – not with wines the establishment thinks you should like.And I want to introduce you to new varieties, producers, and wine making areas that are under the radar. I don’t entirely eschew high scoring wines or the systems that rate them, but there is so much more to discover!
Discovery and Value
Through creative sourcing and my personal interaction with wine makers and distributors, I’ll bring you a wide variety of wines both famous and not yet famous, for greater value at both ends of the price spectrum. The “Steal of the Month” feature on my Home page will reflect this philosophy.
Wine Packages
I’ll offer progressive wine list packages of two, four, and six wines that you can enjoy at one time, and drink from light to heavy, dry to sweet. I will reduce the expense of each package by including some obscure wines for your discovery, along with those that are better known.
Special Services
I’ll also provide services other internet wine stores don’t:
- If you e-mail me a dinner party menu and a budget, I’ll happily provide you with fantastic accompanying wines.
- If there’s a special wine or vintage you’re unable to get, I will procure it for you for a small fee.
- If you’re looking to impress someone with vast wine knowledge, or none at all, I can provide you with a wine and information to surprise and delight without breaking your budget.
- I plan to “put a face” on the wines you drink through my {free} newsletter. I’ll include interviews and tasting notes from the winemakers and proprietors themselves, along with photos of their vineyards – so you can see the origins of your wine.
- If you visit a wine region where I have been (especially Napa and Sonoma) always feel free to e-mail me for recommendations on restaurants, wineries, or hotels.
Please think of me as your online sommelier and concierge
The Barrel Thief
By Oliver Knill
email: info@barrel-thief.com
