I have been looking for a certain syrah — a syrah that the winemaker contends is the best syrah he has ever made. I have enjoyed his wines for many years and I really wanted a couple of bottles if he says it is the best he ever put in a bottle.

It turned out to be one of those rare instances where wine-searcher.com and google both failed to produce any results.I did find it at one online merchant, only to find out that it was actually out of stock. An email to their distributor in the area didn’t produce any leads either.

I finally decided to call the winery. I won’t disclose any names as I am not sure if they even should be shipping wine to me (I’m probably being overly cautious and paranoid)….but the call went something like this:

Ring, ring, ring, ring…..

Winery: Hello.

Me: Um, is this xxxxxxx xx xxxx?

Winery: Yes.

Me: I was wondering if you did direct sales?

Winery: Sometimes that can be arranged.

Me: I have been trying to track down some 2005 xxxxxxxx Syrah.

Winery: Have you checked with distributor x, they distribute our wine in your area.

Me: Yes, and I looked online — I can’t find it anywhere and I would love to find some. Do you still have any at the winery.

Winery: Yes. Where would we be shipping it to?

Me: DC.

Winery: Can I have your phone number and I will call you back…..I need to confirm shipping cost.

5 long minutes pass……..

Ring..

Me: Hello?!?!

Winery: Is this Tom? This is xxxxx xxxxxxx (enter name of winemaker and owner).

Me: Hi xxxxx!

Winery: I can ship it to you. Can you send me a check?

Me: Sure, no credit card?

Winery: I don’t have a merchant account.

Me: OK, check it is…..

The rest of the conversation was just about logistics. It made my day and was a happy ending to my search — it is also nice to know that there are still wineries out there where the owner answers the phone, takes great care and attention to an inquiry and makes a little wine dream come true.

I am a huge fan of great customer service — and the charm of doing business the old fashioned way. I am an even bigger fan of the winery than I was before — and they were already on my short list.

Just another story detailing another one of the many great people in the wine business. Sure, there some bad grapes, but I have met so many wonderful people as a result of my interest in wine — not to mention the wines! My latest find will be such a great addition to the treasure chest…..