Brian & Tracy - Does anyone ever listen to us ? What is the fascination w/the Southpark Mall area, ugh...

I don't get the fascination with South Park either. Yes, granted its a nice area but in my mind it just represents yet another suburban mall area.

Tracy

INdeed, not only do I dislike the traffic but it tends to be a bit 'stuffy' for my tastes as well. There is certainly nothing unique or any degree of walkability about it.

The one place I really do like down there is winestore - a different kind of place to buy wine. Small, but very friendly and knowledgable with well thought out selection. And I love their automated tasting machine.

Sadly, I don't get over there very often as it's hard to justify a trip just for one stop.

Brian, where is the wine store located? I've been trying to track down some Montefalco wines but am not having too much luck with the exception of a very expensive bottle at Reid's.

By the way, and way off topic, but Pasta & Provisions, on Providence, also has a decent Italian wine selection (and some excellent focaccia!).

Tracy

It's in the new development at Morrison and Sharon on your right as you approach SP from uptown. http://www.winestore-online.com.

It's part owned by Doug Frost who is one of only 3 people in the world to hold titles of both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine. He's definitely not stuffy though.

Their in-store selection is relatively small, but I'd guess they have the ability to order specific wines.

Brian is that the place where you have a card & can sample per taste, per glass, etc. ?

That's it.

I did not know about this store. Our daughter is a diplomate sommelier and will be very interested in this. they certainly hide the address on the website--odd. I am not positive about his being the "only" whatever, however.

If I can say this about the entire thread. I do not go in malls unless absolutely pressed to do so. The original post asked about HOTEL arrangements which is why I still say that hotels in SP are easier to get in and out of--no charge for parking, walk out to the vehicle if you need it.
I'm not sure what little shops everyone is bopping in and out of in our downtown area. I'd be interested to know that. SO it is easy to get to your car, go to SouthEnd, park, and then take the trolley, light rail, etc. Or just shop in our new urban shopping area,

Where is the new urban shopping area to which the last poster alluded?

My wife & some of her friends went to the Grape (over by Southpark on Sharon) and they liked it because you could buy bottles there as well (- the huge markup)to take home.

I think I was referring to SouthEnd. Lots of shops, boutiques, etc. It is comparatively new and expanding all the time. The light rail goes through it to downtown.

andib- How did the weekend turn out? I can't remember when you were going to be in Charlotte. If you've already been, I hope you enjoyed your time with your daughter!