New wine seller at village shop
Palmerston North’s independent Village Wine Trader Duncan Win is saying cheers to a new owner for the Hokowhitu shop.
After 31 years in business, Win has sold up to an experienced liquor retailer, Vanessa Orringe, who is determined to carry on the tradition of bringing wines, spirits and a range of craft beers from around New Zealand and the world to the village.
Win said after having three new hips and a heart stent, it was time to stop working six days a week and take another direction.
The former secondary school teacher said the highlight of his time working in the village shopping centre had been the people.
“The village has been amazing. And if you don’t like people, you should not be in a small retail business.”
The Village Wine Trader had built a reputation as a place to go for something a little different and something that came with advice from someone who knew the products well.
People did not just travel across Palmerston North for the special service, they came from around the country, and he also did a lot of business supplying city restaurants.
Stocks came from around New Zealand, with imported wines and spirits selected from suppliers.
While some of the prices were high end, Win said he had worked to cater for every taste and budget.
“Anything we stock has to be value for money. Money is hard earned, and whether it is $10 or a lot, no-one wants a horrible wine, and there are plenty of them out there.”
Win said the key to recommending a wine was understanding what was to other people’s taste, which varied depending on what they were eating with it, what time of year it was, and understanding how tastes changed over time.
“The art is recognising even if it’s not your style, it’s quality.”
The handover to Orringe happened yesterday after a thorough round of stocktaking, but it was a transition that was in development over many years.
“We have known each other for ages,” Win said.
He would not say a bad word about supermarkets, which he said did a really good job in their sphere, but he was pleased the shop was going to someone who would remain independent, and who had a wealth of knowledge and connections in the industry.
Orringe had spent many years working for LiquorLand stores, initially at the old Awapuni site before it was closed and demolished to make way for a supermarket, and latterly at Albert St where she had built up a range of gift lines.
“Duncan has created a legacy here and has a big following.
“I hope to pick up on that and give people a similar experience. But he’s a hard act to follow.”
Orringe would not be flying entirely solo. Her main cheerleader and support would be her partner David Key, a contract milker, who she met at the Albert St store when he came in looking for a good whisky to add to his own collection.
And the familiar face of staff member Matt Heir would remain behind the counter.