While the business is about two years old, it’s been just a few days since Wine & Liquor Warehouse opened at its new Route 44 location.
The business now occupies a nearly 4,800 square foot space in the Petals and Paws building on the corner of Routes 44 and 179. Previously it was in a much smaller location on Route 44 near the intersection with East Hill Road.
“That was always a temporary location for us,” said store manager Paul LoCascio.
The business is less than 2 miles from Bahre’s Package Store in Canton Village. Both are owned by Mark Gerrity.
It’s also less than 2 miles from Center Spirit Shoppe in Collinsville.
While there is certainly overlap, LoCascio feels the store offers much to help set it apart, including its specialization in single-malt scotches and bourbons and a climate-controlled wine room.
In all, the store will offer more than 1,000 wines.
With more than 35 years in the business, including work for a distributor and experience picking wines for restaurants, LoCascio said he knows the flavors and loves to help customers pick the right bottle. He even encourages patrons to bring him recipes so he can refine the process.
“Wine has always been a passion for me,” LoCascio said.
A bottle can range from $5 to $500 but LoCascio said he tastes every wine he carries. There are many good selections at reasonable prices, he added, especially among brand that have not yet become household names.
“I look for things that are special but are what I consider a value,” he said.
LoCascio grew up in the Naugatuck Valley. His family owned LoCascio Liquors in Prospect and he ended up taking it over but sold it in 1998. The 12 to 14 hour days took too much time from family, he said.
Managing a store, however, allows him to stay in the business he loves but yet have more time for the family.
“It’s all the advantages of retail without the headaches,” he said.
LoCascio is working out the details of a grand opening for next Saturday and is also installing a wine bar for more formal tastings and accessory sales.
Wine and Liquor Warehouse
- 465 Albany Turnpike (Route 44, Canton)
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 860-693-4050.
