Somm Insider: Vol. 8 ~ Bottleshop 48

SOMM INSIDER VOLUME 8
What: Bottleshop 48
Where: 3316 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe
By: Darla Hoffmann

Bottleshop 48, located in Tempe, got its name for several reasons—the first being obvious (to some), as Arizona is the 48th state. The second has to do with owner Jordan Book’s travels. The Tempe native and craft beer guru spent time living in Australia, and a common term for a wine and beer shop in Australia is ‘bottleshop’. The name and place were endearing to him and he knew he would incorporate that name in his new venture.

Even with as much enthusiasm and energy as Jordan puts into the shop, he still has a day job, and a family where he happily devotes most of his time. This shop is about Jordan keeping his roots in Tempe and giving the community a special hub to share his passion, even if he can’t always be there. As a mentor, he wanted to find people with a desire to spread their wings in the beverage world and make a difference in the neighborhood.

Shop Manager Lindsey Stickles is one of those people, and says she kind of wiggled her way into the role. “I felt strongly about my beer knowledge and ability to handle daily operations, but it was my respect for Jordan and how much the shop has come to mean to people that made me want to be a part it all. However, I knew I was going to need help on the wine side of the business.”

Keith Tidball is another person who found his way into the operations of Bottleshop 48. He happened to stroll in on day when Jordan was in the shop, and they immediately hit things off. After a while Keith said, “You have fabulous beers to showcase, but could really use some help with your wine selection.” Jordan, a huge advocate of letting people shine, wholeheartedly agreed. Keith, now the wine consultant at Bottleshop 48, has developed a fun and educational wine club and is consistently bringing awareness to the wine side of the shop. One section is devoted solely to Arizona wines as well. The wine room itself has cozy couches and dim lighting so customers can enjoy a private conversation or chat it up with new friends.

Listening to Lindsey and Keith beam about their opportunity to thrive in this industry has no doubt brought excitement to wine and beer lovers in the neighborhood. So, although I did not have the pleasure of meeting owner Jordan, as a spectator I think his dream is very much alive in the people he has chosen, and the bottles on the wall.

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Darla Hoffmann, passed both her Sommelier Level 1 and Certified Level 2 exams with the highest score in her class, earning the esteemed “Walter Clore Scholarship”. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine and Hospitality Beverage under the Society of Wine Educators, and a member of The Wine Century Club. She works in the tasting room of Scottsdale’s LDV Wine Gallery, has written for City Sun Times, MYnewsMesa, and The Society of Wine Educators’ website. Darla is the sole proprietor of About Wine, which focuses on wine education and marketing through means of tastings, classes, and promotions. She conducts customized classes at various restaurants and events in Phoenix, such as Wine 101: ‘The Grape Expedition’ series, and Italian Varietals: Wines of Bordeaux, Spain & Portugal. For more info, visit: www.aboutwineinaz.com.