Star Market
1275 S. Main St., Salinas
(831) 422-3961, starmkt.com
Saloons of the Wild West are known for whiskey, but there were options – including beer, Champagne and, yes, wine. But in that era, there weren’t many choices. Dandelion, perhaps? Lucky for Monterey County wine-drinkers of today, there’s a thoughtful and widely varied selection available at Star Market. There are affordable everyday wines, there are top-shelf options for special occasions and there are lots of local vintages, as well as imports. It’s a genuine reflection of what consumers want, in keeping with the philosophy of Star’s wine buyer, Managing Partner Victor Kong. “The main thing is, listen to your customer,” he says. “If they’re looking for something you don’t have: Let me see if I can find it. Don’t sell them what you have, give them what they want.” They want wine (good wine), and Star delivers.
