Above: Rob Petz at Cap, Cork & Cellar – Photograph by Venera Alexandrova
One-stop shopping is key in our time-crunched world. Cap, Cork & Cellar promises to deliver not only the best in wine, beer, spirits and mixers, but also gourmet cheeses, glasses, serving dishes and all the ingredients needed for anything from a simple dinner at home to a picnic to a cocktail party.
CEO Robert Petz, who founded Cap, Cork & Cellar with backing from 16 Forty Ventures, acts as a concierge sommelier for his customers, guiding them to exceptional wines that are also well priced. Working closely with neighboring shops Greenwich Prime Meats and Bon Ton Fish Market, he caters to people’s culinary needs too. “Come with nothing and leave with everything from wine to sandwiches and fish spread,” says Rob, who refers to the trio of stores as the Bruce Park Purveyors. With the free delivery service, you can also task Rob and his team to bring you a meal and a cooler filled with ice and your beverages of choice, whether you’re at a concert in the park or planning a day on the water. “Call us and say, ‘Hey, we just rolled into l’escale with our boat, can you bring us down these ten things?’”
The shop sells a range of artisanal cheeses and crackers and features a craft-beer walk-in so customers can mix and match their own custom four-packs.
In addition to distinctive hostess gifts and accessories (cutting boards, glasses, tea towels, etc.), Cap, Cork & Cellar carries treats like a boozy ice cream called Tipsy Scoop with flavors such as Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Strawberry Rhubarb bourbon as well as prosecco pops.
Planning a party? Rob says he specializes in “any advice around degustation: food, environment, music, setup, staffing. We can help create an experience.”
102 Bruce Park Avenue,
203-489-3448; capcorkandcellar.com
VINO VALUES
A few of Rob’s picks for amazing wines that are also terrific deals.
1 1564 LAUDE BLEND
This is big Spanish wine that’s 40 percent Cabernet, 40 percent Tempranillo, 10 Petit Verdot and 10 Merlot, $15.99.
2 SILVIO GRASSO NEBBIOLO
Lesser oak from Piedmont, Italy, with lower sulfite and lower residual sugar, it is the perfect combination of the power of Barolo and the elegance of Burgundy wine, $15.99.
3 DOMAINE CHEVEAU MACON-FUISSÉ WHITE BURGUNDY, CHARDONNAY, 2016
From the Mâconnais in Southern Burgundy, low oak, small batch, aged in cement, $18.99, it tastes like much more expensive white Burgundy.
4 DUSOIL OREGON PINOT NOIR
A red that displays the unique terroir of the Hirschy Vineyard located in the Yamhill-Carlton district of the Willamette Valley to perfection. Boisterous cherry fruit with bits of smoke, lilac and mineral notes. Very good texture without being heavy, $24.99. This wine is a steal, as most wines from the Yamhill-Carlton district sell for $35 and up.
5 BOHIGAS
An organic sparkling wine, a cava from Spain that’s made in the methode champagnois, $15, is very popular. Try it with St. George Raspberry Liqueur for a lovely new take on the Kir Royale.