15 Degrees C Wine Shop Owner Ali Carscaden

Every other week, as regular readers know, Terroirist poses 16 questions to a wine shop owner. This week, we’re featuring Ali Rush Carcaden, owner of 15 degrees C Wine Shop & Bar.

15 degrees C offers an amazing selection of wines — from small production Central Coast options to over 500 other selections from around the world. 15c also offers a wide selection of beer, sake, gift items and gourmet food.

Ali has been working in the wine industry for the past 8 years. She has worked for numerous wineries, including Castoro Cellars and Eberle. She graduated with a MS degree in Agriculture from Cal Poly and went to work for the Henry Wine Group as a fine wine specialist for 4 years.

Ali has completed the Advanced Certification with Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) as well as the certified exam through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She has also taught numerous university-level classes in addition to teaching the intensive, multi-annual, six-week-long wine education courses offered at 15c.

Check out the interview with Ali  below the fold.

How did you end up owning a wine shop?

It has always been my dream. I wrote a business plan for a wine bar when I was going to Cal Poly SLO.

What makes your store unique?

We offer a selection of over 500 wines from around the world and an amazing selection of small-production local wines.

What are the biggest challenges in owning a wine shop?

Working 24 x 7 and trying not to insult the 300+ wineries on the Central Coast that want me to sell their wine at the shop.

How do you stay up to date on wine news and trends?

Read, research, stud,y and listen to my customers, many of whom are in the industry.

What wine regions or varietals are you most excited about right now?

I am really into the crisp summery whites and 2010 rose! And of course, Spanish cava, because it represents an amazing deal.

Where do you look for new wines – and how do you decide which ones to sell?

I do my own research and purchase wines from over 100 different purveyors whether they be direct from wineries, brokers or distributors.

Tell us about some of the best perks you’ve taken advantage of as a retailer when traveling to wine regions.

I won a trip to France and visited the Rhone and Burgundy regions.

Do you stock old and/or rare wines? Which currently stocked bottle excites you the most?

We occasionally get in older bottles from importers like Kermit Lynch. I have a 99 Domaine Meo-Camuzet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.

Are you a collector? Tell us about the wines you bring home.

No need to collect! I have a whole temperature-controlled wine shop that is bigger than my house.

What’s the wine that got away? In other words, has anything ever passed through your store that you wish you had held onto for yourself?

Saxum, so I could have hung onto it and then sold it for way more money than I did. Justin Smith is a great customer and it’s such an honor to have such great press come to this area.

What was the last wine you opened for a special occasion?

Champagne is my favorite!!! J Lassalle Brut Rose, grower-producer, mother-daughter, and it doesn’t break the bank!

How can a customer signal that he or she is knowledgeable about wine, so you steer them to something a wine geek would appreciate?

Just let me know what you like and are into. What are you looking for: price point, style, region, pairing?

If a customer presents him or herself as not knowing that much about wine, do you steer them to interesting and unusual or recognizable? Why?

I usually try to keep it simple yet interesting and of course a great value so that they come back and don’t get scared off.

Any tips for finding a good bargain?

Price point is big, so if you are buying from a wine shop that has a bar like 15c, it’s usually a better deal to buy from stacks. If it looks like they purchased multiple cases of a wine, they most likely got a better price. Also, if they are pouring by the glass, that’s another tip too. Ask if you can try it. Most likely you can get a complimentary taste if you are shopping for bottles.

Do you advertise scores from publications like Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, or Wine Enthusiast when bottles you stock do well? What’s your take on the current push back against scores?

No, people come to me as the expert, and although we keep those publications on hand and know them if people ask, it’s more about what our customers like and our recommendations.

Do you have any special events – like weekly tastings, winemaker dinners, or classes? How much do they benefit your business?

Mondays we have Industry Night.  20% off at the bar with your business card for wine and restaurant industry. Wednesdays we have Happy Hour from 4 to 7 with $3 glasses of wine and beer. Thursdays we have Tapas night — enjoy a bar topped with traditional Spanish tapas, $2 each plus a wine flight. Fridays we have a Champagne, oyster and caviar bar all day! Oysters and caviar provided by Pier 46, along with 3 bubbles available by the glass in a flight or choose from our wide selection of bottles. Saturdays are flight night with featured wineries, regions, or varietals as well as our new local wine happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. — $5 glasses of local wines and $3 draft beers! Sundays we have mimosa bar and beer tasting.