The Wine Sampler has opened at its new location, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave., in the Crossroads Shopping Center.
 
Co-owner Jamie Minga said he and fellow owners, wife Krissy Minga, father-in-law Bob Cooley and brother-in-law Rob Cooley, began seeking a new location because of a lack of parking at Anderson Square.
 
“We loved our neighbors at the old location but when our lease was up, we decided to pursue a more desirable location mainly due to the lack of accessibility and parking,” Jamie Minga said.
 
Minga said the Crossroads Shopping Center space was a blank slate that allowed them to build a full-service custom bar and design a whole new layout for the store. Although it is only about fifty square feet larger than the previous location, the layout makes the space feel much larger Minga said.
 
“We’re really pleased with both the space and the location,” Minga said. “It will also allow us to host a variety of events with much more ease.”
 
The Wine Sampler hosts free wine tastings from 3 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday through Saturday.
 
“Our main goal is to help people find new wines,” Minga said. “There is a wine for every taste and budget and a huge part of our business is working with customers to help them find the right bottle every time.”
 
Rob Cooley, who also owns Apple Annie’s Bakery, announced in early 2017 that the family was hoping to partner on a joint venture called 80 Barnwell, that would sell both baked goods and wine. But Minga said that plans for 80 Barnwell were put on hold in order to focus on the relocation and redesign of The Wine Sampler. He said the family still hopes to work on a combined concept and is exploring areas beyond the Leland market, which was the original proposed location.
 
Added features of The Wine Sampler include a Kid’s Corner where children can hang out while parents shop, and a commercial frosé machine to whip up the latest frosty craze on the rosé scene.
 
“It’s hot here at the beach and you need frosé,” Minga said.
 
The shop is once again open on Sundays, with $5 mimosas all day, and this Sunday, June 24, The Wine Sampler will host Wine Asana, a 60 minute, donation-based, pay-what-you-can, all levels yoga class at 11 a.m.
 
The Wine Sampler is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
 
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