Piazza Discepoli Wine & Food — Restaurant in Madeira

I went in last year not having a clue what I was looking for, but I told them what kinds of food my sister in law was making, what wines I had heard my in laws saw they liked at some point, and he, the owner steered me to just the right bottle. I never pay more than 10 bucks because I don't know anything about it, so I was terrified they would only suggest something $60. But we discussed how much, the people sharing the wine cared, the people drinking the wine cared.... And I think it ended up about $19.00 a bottle.

It was also one of these days right before Thanksgiving and I had a cold, forgot that should have thought about it earlier, I looked and felt like hell. I do remember wondering if I was going to regret going in feeling and looking haggerd.(Not full blown train wreck, but damn near. And I have low standards.)

I remember walking out of there feeling good about my choices, not stupid, and thankful that people still are in retail, most of the time, because they enjoy the topic of which they are selling. I have been in that industry. I've been to the "mean wine ladies" shop in Hyde Park Square. I know it well. I actually wanted to start drinking more often so I had a reason to go to piazza discepoli more often. But, alcohol makes my feet swell and red wine makes me cry.... So, I hold back until I have a reason.

He also helped pick a sparkling wine, a rose. I was totally sceptical, because... Rose. It was wonderful! We ended up scouring local wine shops after Thanksgiving in SC to find more. (It started with the letter B) I'm so sorry someone in another post said she had a horrible experience. Mine was totally different.

When people in small shops start asking customers questions about what they are looking for, it's because they usually know the store inside out and can help you quickly navigate what you should look at or avoid. They probably care about sharing something they love or find useful with someone else. That's the ultimate joy, and why people stay in retail. Not everyone gets commission, it's a lot of standing and loving something you don't know if any one else will ever love and people think you're crazy if you start asking a whole lot of questions. "I'll know it when I see it" can sometimes be right under your nose in small shops. But you won't always find it without sharing a bit of yourself. This is the human connection that we are all missing. Small talk. Shared joy from silly things like loving how 2 colors are just so right together! Or the sharing the thought that goes into putting on a birthday dinner for family. Even if there are only 5 people coming to dinner. Be kind to yourself and your small shop owner. Sometimes they know what they are talking about. (PS. a lot of them are idiots and can't find their way out of a brown paper bag, and for them, I am sorry you have to...

Great little wine and food shop! Have been to several of their monthly wine tastings, and I will be back for more. They always have so much yummy food at the wine tastings, so it's worth the slightly higher cost than other tastings. The truffle cheese is SO GOOD! Staff is also very nice and knowledgeable about the wine, and they have a good selection. My ONLY complaint is that you must buy 12 bottles to get a case discount - versus six bottles at other places. [EDIT 7/2023 - THEY NOW OFFER THE DISCOUNT ON SIX BOTTLES]. But overall, highly recommend, and I will definitely be back...

I found this shop on google maps and Spencer did a fantastic job purchasing, packaging and arranging delivery for a wine gift to a local resident. The packaging was beautiful and the recipient loved the wine. Thank you for your attention to detail and help with this order from...