Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
There’s a great little wine shop on State Street in Black Mountain that’s celebrating its fifth anniversary this month. I’m not just saying that because one of my all-time favorite persons in the world (Mary, you know it) works there. Great owners, great prices. Check them out and say Ashvegas sent ya. Press release follows:
Scott and Katherine Counce, owners of The Merry Wine Market in Black Mountain, are celebrating five years of making wine buying fun. Local residents and visitors to the area continue to enjoy its warm atmosphere and southern hospitality while browsing the large selection of wines from around the world.
“Not all good wine is expensive and not all expensive wine is good,” says Scott Counce. “Second only to favorable comments about our broad selection are the ones about our friendly prices. Sixty-five percent of our wines are priced below $15.00.” The Merry Wine Market believes that there is a wine for everyone’s budget. “Our purpose for being here is to take the stress and intimidation out of wine buying for our customers while providing them with a great value. We tell people that we’re in the customer service business and sell wine on the side.”
The Counces lend a friendly and gracious air to the shop, but Katherine Counce holds the experience to provide guidance to even the most seasoned oenophile. With an undergraduate degree from Converse College and a graduate degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Katherine Counce has studied wines with the likes of Kevin Zraly, Adolfo Ruffino, Michael Weiss, and Joel Peterson while honing her chef’s skills with Charlie Palmer, Georges Blanc, and others across the U.S. and Western Europe.
“I love listening to our customers needs, whether it’s for a dinner party or just an evening in front of the fireplace, and helping them select the perfect wine for their particular palate,” Katherine Counce explains. “Each day brings many new puzzles to solve. We absolutely love what we do.”
With their wealth of experience, the Counces regularly work with customers planning both small and large events including weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthdays, BBQs and other formal and informal gatherings. They are also available for personal consultations on cellar building and menu pairings. It was the Counces’ reputation for hospitality and wine expertise that garnered a feature in the December 2008 double issue of Southern Living Magazine as well as features in past issues of WNC Magazine and NC Magazine among others.
Since its grand opening on February 17, 2004, The Merry Wine Market has continued to build its customer base and has added gift baskets, craft brews, gourmet cheeses and foods, gifts, cigars and furniture to the inventory. As a thank you to the public for contributing to its success, the Counces are giving away wines, gift cards, and even a bottle of Cristal Champagne during a promotion through the end of February.
The Merry Wine Market is located at 108 West State Street in historic downtown Black Mountain, just a short drive from Asheville. The shop is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm and holds regular complimentary wine tastings. For more information, call 828-669-9050 or visit www.themerrywinemarket.com.
