Raising a wine glass to Sandusky's newest business

SANDUSKY — Forget the passport and plane ticket: People can now explore the wide world of wine without ever leaving downtown Sandusky.Sandusky Wine Merchant, a new business that recently opened on Water Street next to Hotel Kilbourne, sells about 100 different varieties with many more labels coming soon. Most bottles cost $20 or less.Shoppers can easily find a selection from one of several major wine-producing regions on Earth, both:• International, including Australia, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, New Zealand and Spain• Domestic, such as California, Oregon, Washington in addition to Ohio's own Firelands Winery, based in SanduskyA selection of rose wine sit on the racks at Sandusky Wine Merchant in downtown on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.At his business, owner Kevin Bertschi somewhat masquerades as a travel agent. He's there to help navigate customers around and steer them toward a flavor they might favor."It's old-school sounding, but I wanted my downtown shop to be reminiscent of an old European wine shop, where people walk in, and someone working there helps you find what you are looking for," Bertschi said."Hopefully, the person who has tasted thousands of wines, me, can point you in the right direction," he continued. "I want you to come in and tell me what you like. You might have never seen a certain label, but if you tell me certain things about what you like in a wine, I can narrow it down for you."The racks at Sandusky Wine Merchant contain more than 200 varieties of wine.After graduating from Sandusky High School in 1980, Bertschi relocated to Columbus, where he ran his own fine-dining restaurant, Alana's Food and Wine, for 18 years. He named the eatery after his wife, Alana Shock. They sold the property in March.Along with Shock, Bertschi moved back to Sandusky this spring mainly because he saw many encouraging signs for opening up a new business."We've watched the downtown make a comeback," said Bertschi, specifically referencing Zinc Brasserie, J Bistro and Small City Taphouse as pillars for Sandusky's ongoing renaissance.Many are raising a large wine glass to Bertschi, Shock and Sandusky Wine Merchant for making a major investment in Sandusky."Sandusky enthusiastically welcomes the Sandusky Wine Merchant," said Maria Muratori, the city's economic development specialist. "The business owners — Kevin, a trained sommelier and Sandusky native, and his wife, Alana, a revered chef — are valuable additions to our ever-growing community of entrepreneurs. The Sandusky Wine Merchant provides yet another unique destination in a thriving section of our business district."Sandusky Wine Merchant, a business in downtown Sandusky, offers bottles of wine from all across the world.Want to go?What: Sandusky Wine Merchant, offering bottles of wine from all across the worldWhere: 211 W. Water St., SanduskyWhen: The shop is open daily from about noon to 6 p.m. and by appointmentContact: People can call 614-805-5609 or email sanduskywinemerchant@gmail.com for more informationCost: Bottles range in price from about $10 to $100Sandusky Wine Merchant is a new business in downtown at 211 W. Water St.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Sandusky Wine Merchant owner Kevin Bertschi stands inside his new business in downtown Sandusky on Tuesday, May 30, 2017.