“Wine is social and cultural,” Martin said. “You might not always remember what you specifically drank, but you’ll always remember the people you’re with and the connections and the stories.”
That communal attitude, Martin said, is what led him to leave his corporate career and buy Corner Wines in September of last year.
One of the main goals of the business, Martin said, is to remove the fears some people have when buying unique or specialty bottles of wine.
“A lot of people are intimidated by wine,” Martin said. “That is what we are looking to take away. Walk in here, come as you are, [and] tell me what you like. I would rather listen than talk.”
The store sells more than 400 unique wines from around the world, ranging from light white wines from California to darker red wines from Italy. Martin said there is a wine for everyone.
The company also offers tastings, classes and a wine club membership that provides different bottles to try each month.
The original owners, Jim and Lynda McDevitt, opened Corner Wines in 2006. The McDevitts sold the boutique wine shop last year, but Martin said they have stayed on part time to help with the transition.
“They are wonderful, and they share the same interests that we do, which is to be community minded,” Martin said.
The back of the shop has multiple seating areas where customers are encouraged to try different wines before deciding which to buy.
The company recently announced it will begin an expansion in January that will add a full-service wine bar and event space that could host around 80 people.
Martin and Heise said the store is already more of a social hub than a traditional retail location, and they hope the new additions will only add to that idea.
“Most places, the wine seller is not going to sit with you for two hours and walk you through everything,” Heise said. “We want this to be a place where people can come, stay, have a good time and want to come back.”
Corner Wines
4017 Preston Road, Ste. 535, Plano
972-403-9463
www.cornerwines.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
