Grapes of Rye is an occasional feature to meet the owners and managers of local wine and spirit stores.
Today we meet Georgina Wang, co-owner and manager of G. Griffin Wine & Spirits.
Your name: Georgina Wang
Your role: Owner/manager
Your wine store: G. Griffin Wine & Spirits (at 498 Forest Avenue, Rye, NY, 10580, co-owned with Frank Chen)
MyRye.com: Describe yourself in one word.
Wang: Optimistic
How long have you been running G. Griffin?
Wang: We recently took over from the prior owner at the end of March.
Previously, where did you work?
Wang: At Kaito, our family-owned Japanese Restaurant located in Bronxville.
What and when was your first paid job?
Wang: My first paid job was at my family-owned restaurant in Connecticut when I was 13 years old.
Describe your path to G. Griffin.
Wang: We were in the restaurant business for all of our lives, and we were seeking different opportunities. We have the passion for wine and love to enjoy them. Personally, with experience in the service industry and my passion for wine, I think this wine store is a great fit for me and my family.
What are three attributes that make someone a good match for the wine business?
Wang:
1. Provide exceptional service
2. Possess knowledge about wine and spirits
3. Be willing to learn everyday
Describe your store’s clientele.
Wang: This neighborhood is very supportive and nice. They are well educated and knowledgeable for what they want. They are a community driven Rye team!
Describe the atmosphere of your store.
Wang: We are a warm and welcoming environment and make an effort to know our customers and their preferences.
Describe the physical attributes of your store.
Wang: Good size, unique, clean and simple, modern with all-wood shelving.
What does someone need to spend for a decent bottle of wine?
Wang: Depending on your budget, we have wine from different price points to meet anyone’s needs. Could be as low as $13 but more likely $15/$16.
What is the most expensive bottle of wine you have ever sold?
Wang: We have vendors and sources to fit special needs and collectors for French wine. We have offered Screaming Eagle (around $2,800) and Chateau Rothschild ($1,300). We are here to fulfill any special gifts.
What’s your favorite wine and why?
Wang: My favorite red is California Cabernet because of the full body of the wine. My favorite white is a French white burgundy like Chardonnay: their buttery, smooth and French oak are all part of the history of the Montrachet region.
Match a recommended wine with each occasion:
| Occasion | Recommended Wine |
| Warm summer evening | Rose, martini, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Crisp fall afternoon | Some red like Cab, Merlot or Pinot Noir |
| Cold winter day | Cabernet, port or mulled wine |
| Muddy wet spring night | Chardonnay or medium body Riesling, Pinot Noir |
| First date | A easy and smooth bottle of red wine |
| Date night | A french red or white, Chianti |
| Anniversary | Champagne or rose champagne |
| Breakup | If you are happy, drink your favorite
If you are sad, drink a glass of Riesling or Moscato |
| Favorite sports team wins | Favorite seltzer, Chardonnay |
| Hated sports team loses | Champagne and party with special cocktails |
| Good bonus | Champagne, your favorite bottle |
| Bad bonus | Still a bonus, grab a bottle to celebrate |
| Promotion | Champagne, your favorite drink |
| Birthday | White burgundy from Montrachet |
| Everyday | Depends what kind of food its paired with |
Thank you Georgina!
