by Bea Peterson
Peggy Cottrell was looking for something to do with her life other than banking and real estate, her previous careers. She wanted to do something to earn a living that was fun and enjoyable. She has found it in her wine shop called Why Not Wine, located on Route 7 in Hoosick, next to Tammy’s Candy Kettle. Cottrell carries New York State wines exclusively. “With so many great wineries in the State why would I carry any others,” she said.
[private]The shop is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday and Monday from noon to 6 pm. Wine tastings are a regular feature. “You can stop in 14 weeks in a row and not taste the same wines twice,” she said. Little signs line both sides of the highway advertising the wine store. They must be working. Since Cottrell opened the business in August she has found herself meeting people from all over the country. Pins on a map of the United States in the front of the store indicate visitors from Alaska, Oregon, Washington State, California and several eastern states. Many local people have discovered the store as well. “It’s word of mouth,” she said.
Word of mouth is providing more than customers. “I now have wineries calling me and asking me to carry their wines,” said Cottrell. Right now she carries wines from Adirondack Winery, Atwater Vineyards, Brotherhood, Casa Largo, Fox Run Vineyard, Goose Watch, Hazlitt, Heron Hill, Hunt Country Vineyards, Pindar, Pompous Ass Winery, Red Newt Winery, Seneca Shore Winery and Swedish Hill Winery.
She will have a collection of sparkling wines for the holidays. Some holiday wine gift ideas include special bottles from Swedish Hill in Romulus, NY. They have varieties called Sleighbell White, Christmas Cayuga, Santa’s Blush and Hollyberry Red.
Wines range in price from $9.99 to a reserve for $29.99. “Most of the wines average from $13.99 to $18.99,” she said. The shop also offers gift baskets and gift certificates.
Gift Shop
In the front of the store, separate from the wines, is Cottrell’s Fox Hollow Gifts. In that section of the building there are small displays of jewelry, tasty cheeses, dipping oils, balsamic vinegars, beautiful hand painted wine glasses and gorgeous hand blown glass balls. Cottrell would like to see this portion of the store carry a larger line of handmade gift items created by local artisans. She hopes artists will contact her about displaying their wares in her building.
It is certainly a fun place to visit. It’s not just because you can sit at the counter and sample some wine, it’s because the decor is imaginative, utilizing antique pieces like an old ice box.
Why Not Wine is on Facebook. The website is www.whynotwineny.com, or you can call 518-424-7524.[/private]