Culpeper Purveyor of Fine Wines Opens at New Location 

What’s the velocity of Vinosity?  Over four hundred distinctive wines and eighty artisan beers in a single visit.  An impressive pace.

Kim Kelly, proprietor of Vinosity—formerly Chateau du Reaux—recently moved diagonally across the street and about eighty paces from her old store and is now located at 174 E Davis Street.  While she has been operating in a “soft opening” mode for the last few weeks, the shop was officially opened on Wednesday, November 16.  Her customers couldn’t be happier.

Kelly, a former marketing and wine distribution maven, entered wine retailing back in 2008 when she purchased Chateau du Reaux.  “We built our business during the recession, achieved success and needed to expand.  This location is ideal and more than doubles our previous square footage.  We also have a lower level that provides for further expansion in the years ahead,” says Kelly.

This year the United States became the largest wine consuming nation in the world, making it an ideal time to be in the business.  However, experience and professionalism must be brought to bear to earn success in the competitive world of retail wine sales.

Upon entering the store you will find an extensive array of wines arranged by region and country with New World and Old World selections. New World wines hail from Argentina, Australia,Chile,New Zealand,South Africa and the United States.  Old World renditions emanate from France,Italy,Germany, Austria and Spain.  Both styles are popular in this full service wine shop which carries ample choices from around the globe.

In addition to wine, Vinosity is also a craft beer lovers playground, with an impressive selection of micro brews; domestic and international producers.  Cider, Port, Sherry and Madeir around out the shops offerings.

In the center of the boutique store are long hand-crafted tables and chairs for in-store shop tastings which are held every Friday from 5-8 pm.  “Either I or an industry representative will present 3 or 4 wines for tasting each week, describing palate flavors and appropriate food pairings.  We stress wine education and strive to build the knowledge base of our customers.  The more you know about wine the greater your appreciation,” emphasizes Kelly.

While the shop carries a diversity of wines ranging from inexpensive to ultra- premium, the emphasis is on high quality affordable bottlings.  “I spend a lot time seeking out wines that are excellent and reasonably priced.  We have over a hundred and seventy-five wines priced at $15 or less.  Wine drinkers love discovering a great bottle at an affordable price,” she says.

In addition to wines, the new shop will feature an assortment of hand cut cheeses and freshly baked artisan breads.   “With the addition of a kitchen in our new space, we are excited about the opportunity to expand our offering of complimentary products with an emphasis on local purveyors,” Kelly says smiling.

To round out the emphasis on upscale enjoyment, a fully stocked humidor of hand rolled cigars, fine stemware, and other wine related accessories are available for purchase.

Typical of many of her regular customers, Jeff Southard says, “Kim Kelly has a passion for wine and I’ve learned a lot from her.  Her shop offers a wonderful selection of wines at good prices.  What more could a wine lover ask for.”

A visit to Vinosity is like a step back in time while being thoroughly modern.  From the polished wood floors and high ceilings to the seemingly endless racks of wine, the ambiance invites one to linger and enjoy.  Much like a fine glass of wine.

Vinosity is open six days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Friday, 10am to 8pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm; closed Monday.  Visit CulpeperWines.com or Facebook for information on upcoming shop events and more, or call 540.829.9463.

Published in the November 10, 2011 issue of the Culpeper Times.