Whole Foods First Supermarket to Win Prestigious Wine Award
AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market said yesterday it has earned the "Best Wine Retailer of the Year" Wine Star Award from "Wine Enthusiast" magazine, the first supermarket to win the award recognizing excellence in the wine and spirits industry.
Whole Foods said it works to establish its wine departments as must-visit destinations by focusing on providing a high level of customer service and a wide selection of wine varieties, characteristics, and prices. The wine departments at Whole Foods stores also focus on locally produced wines and are noted for their large selection of organic and biodynamic wines, the chain said.
Recent merchandising innovations at Whole Foods have included wine sampling stations, which allow customers to try a wide range of wines by the ounce or glass before purchasing a bottle; wine seminars; food pairings; and tastings.
Wine Enthusiast will recognize Whole Foods at its annual Wine Star Awards dinner at the New York Public Library in Manhattan on Jan. 28, 2008. The magazine will also feature Whole Foods and other winners in its December "Wine Star Awards" issue.
Whole Foods said it works to establish its wine departments as must-visit destinations by focusing on providing a high level of customer service and a wide selection of wine varieties, characteristics, and prices. The wine departments at Whole Foods stores also focus on locally produced wines and are noted for their large selection of organic and biodynamic wines, the chain said.
Recent merchandising innovations at Whole Foods have included wine sampling stations, which allow customers to try a wide range of wines by the ounce or glass before purchasing a bottle; wine seminars; food pairings; and tastings.
Wine Enthusiast will recognize Whole Foods at its annual Wine Star Awards dinner at the New York Public Library in Manhattan on Jan. 28, 2008. The magazine will also feature Whole Foods and other winners in its December "Wine Star Awards" issue.