Kroger Launches In-Store Wine Shops

Kroger Co. is launching in-store Wine Shops at 14 of its stores in its Cincinnati/Dayton Division. Customer response will determine whether the concept will expand to other regions.

The shops will be different from wine departments currently in some stores in that they will sell wines from “acclaimed and emerging producers” and will include tasting bars staffed by trained in-store wine stewards.

The Wine Shop will carry a selection of more than 130 wines, many of which will be imported from regions such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, Chablis and Sancerre in France as well as Sicily and Northern Italy.

“Customers will notice a more curated shopping experience featuring expanded premium and imported selections, improved navigation by varietal and region, and wine-pairing inspiration throughout the department,” the grocer said in a statement.