Neighborhood wine shop and specialty food store caters to discriminating palates
By Melissa Fales
Reporter
FISKDALE – Fiskdales’ newest store is the Winebuyer’s Outlet, a wine shop and specialty food store offering a convenient place for “foodies” to discover quality consumables from near and far. Located at 453 Main Street, the Winebuyer’s Outlet is a tasteful blend of two of proprietor Joanne Sagansky’s biggest loves, good wine and good food.
Sagansky, a former music teacher and one-time computer system program analyst, is no stranger to the wine world. Her husband, Peter, is the president of the Charles River Wine Company, an import company and wholesale distributor of wines, also located in Fiskdale. The Winebuyer’s Outlet specializes in wines imported by the Charles River Wine Company. “She’s not only my wife, she’s one of my best customers,” joked Peter.
The Saganskys have lived in Sturbridge for 12 years and said they love the feel of the town. However, they have long lamented the lack of local outlets for purchasing the specialty foods they love. “As residents, we are keenly aware of the types of foods you simply can’t buy here in town,” said Sagansky. The store is an opportunity for Sagansky to share some of her favorite foods with residents who otherwise might never be introduced to them. “What could be more fun that providing quality wine and food products to people who like to drink wine and cook?” asked Peter. Sagansky’s commitment to offering these products involves driving around to various small producers across the state, notably to towns in the Boston area like Somerville and Lynn, to gather items that are not readily available locally. “No one delivers out here,” said Sagansky. “Many of the items are completely new to our customers. The response has been exciting.”
Sagansky said she has wanted to open a store for some time. The couple searched for three years before finding the right location for her store. Sagansky said she fell in love with the spot, a former chair factory, immediately. “It’s got just the right feel,” she said. Sagansky is the majority partner for the Winebuyer’s Outlet and is joined in the venture by minority partner Sturbridge resident Edmund Neal III. Sagansky said the idea behind the store was to create an atmosphere that would set them apart from other places to purchase wine. “We weren’t looking to sell hard liquor or cigarettes or scratch tickets,” she said. “We’ve sought out to fill the store with items we believe are natural matches for the wines we sell.”
In addition to its wine selection, the Winebuyer’s Outlet offers specialty beers, cheeses, organic spices and herbs, gourmet condiments, and chocolate. “We spent months tasting foods to determine which products we would carry,” said Sagansky, including all of the varieties of chocolate they sell. “It was a tough job, but someone had to do it,” she joked.
With the Charles River Wine Company, Peter focuses on wines that come from small, family-owned wineries. Likewise, with the Winebuyer’s Outlet, Sagansky focuses on specialty foods from small, family-owned businesses, particularly those in Massachusetts whenever possible. One example is the selection of artisan breads from the Route 32 bakery in Gilbertville available Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Sagansky said the Winebuyer’s Outlet is an answer to the way people’s lifestyles have changed due to the tough economy. “People might be driving less and dining out less, but they can still bring home a nice bottle of wine to enjoy with a nice meal,” she said.
At the Winebuyer’s Outlet, Sagansky has gathered a staff that shares her interest in fine things to serve at the table. The store offers regular wine and food tastings and is planning on holding seminars to teach people about wine in the future. “We truly enjoy spreading the word about great food and wine,” said Sagansky. “It’s our passion.”
