Soon after Jeff Barbour opened three years ago he began offering a series of wine tasting events. He donates 10 percent of all profits from each of the wine tastings to a designated charity. Since he started the tradition, he has raised more than $40,000 for local organizations.
“It’s tough out there. We know there’s a need, and we like to open our arms and our store to help, ” Barbour said.
He hopes the wine tastings will help take the mystery out of understanding wine.
“We’re big into education," he said. "We have classes every Tuesday night to show our customers that there are a lot of interesting wines out there from all over the world.“
Barbour brought a wealth of experience in the wine business to New Canaan. Before opening his independent shop on Pine Street, he was Executive VP of operations for the New York wine store Morell & Co. where he ran fine wine auctions and charity events.
Here's a Wassail punch recipe to welcome in the holidays with family and friends.
2 bottles champagne
2 cups brandy
1 cup curacao
1 cup marachino liquor
6-10 lemons, squeezed
1/2 cup simple syrup
1 quart soda water
