A notice of default was filed recently against the owners of Quarry Ponds, but that isn't stopping Capitol Cellars from opening a new wine bar in this Granite Bay shopping center. Capitol Cellars of Roseville is looking to open this second store by November's end. This Granite Bay location of Capitol Cellars will occupy the site of a former Wine Styles shop.
Capitol Cellars owner Marcus Graziano tested this Granite Bay market over the summer by hosting a series of wine tastings at Quarry Ponds. Judging by the response and attendance, Graziano felt confident enough to open this second location.
"We're looking forward to it," says Graziano. "We'll have a more extensive wine bar and we'll stay open late. We think it'll be fun for people to go to. We also have a lot of interest from companies who want to bring their clients by."
Graziano understands it's a tough economy, especially when you're in the business of selling premium California wines. Graziano recently dropped the price on a tasting to be held on Saturday at his Roseville shop (110 Diamond Creek Place #100). The charge was originally $100 per person, with the opportunity to taste such high-end Napa producers as Pride, Ghost Block, Pahlmeyer and nearly a dozen more wineries. Graziano got something of a reality check from customers, who said the price was too expensive and ill timed. Graziano has since dropped the price to $50 per person.
"It was a learning lesson," says Graziano. "It costs a lot of money to bring these kinds of wineries, but you have to listen to the customers. So we cut the price in half and gave the support to where it should go: to the customers. You have to take care of them and not be dishonest with them."
A few spots are still available for Saturday's tasting, which runs from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information: (916) 786-9030.
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