By Carl Gordon
The Romans had Bacchus, the god of grape harvest; historic downtown Clermont has the real deal in Bacchus Vino Etcetera, located at 692 West Montrose Street, Suite D, Clermont. Lending quality, class and education to Montrose Street, Keith and Karen Mullins have promoted downtown through fun interaction with the community since 2004.
Keith and Karen encourage the customer to explore and enjoy for themselves the vast array of wines from around the world. To help achieve this, each week two wines are available for sampling at the tasting counter and at least once a month, evening gatherings are held featuring wines from a specific area, grape variety, winery or theme.
Bacchus Vino Etcetera currently stocks over 750 wines from 19 countries and eight states. Wines from many popular wineries can be found along with those from lesser-known producers. Bacchus can special order wines not already in stock subject to availability.
In addition to the “vino”, a variety of wine racks, corkscrews, stemware, picnic baskets and wine-related gifts are available. For the beer lover in the family, Bacchus carries selected imported and domestic ale and lagers.
Mullins was raised in the dry Texas Panhandle. His education was at Western Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in marketing. He worked at Michigan’s largest winery, Warner Vineyards, where he worked his way up through the ranks to middle management.
Keith and Karen moved to Tallahassee in 1985 to take a position with Lafayette Vineyards and Winery before moving to Clermont in 1988 to head up an expansion project at Clermont’s Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards.
“I think my guests enjoy buying from someone with the expertise to recommend the most enjoyable wine to fit their palate,” said Keith; “I really enjoy working with my guests because wine encompasses history, culture, and geography.”
The guest definitely gets an education on each wine and Mullins has wine tasting daily in the store. His whole approach to the experience is simple…fun!
Located at 692 West Montrose Street, across from city hall park, you will find a well-stocked variety of vintage wines ranging in price from $6 to $220. Bacchus has also introduced visitors and residents to downtown through their famous Wine Walk since 2011.
“Stroll historic downtown Clermont sampling wine. shopping, schmoozing at the 25-30 participating businesses,” said Keith, “because wine is fun!”. You must have a photo id to participate and be over 21 years of age.
Bacchus is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 9 am-2 pm to coincide with the Farmer’s Market and Merchant Faire.
Don’t Miss the World Kindness Day Wine Walk on Friday, November 13. Stroll Historic Downtown Clermont sampling wine, shopping and schmoozing. Tickets sold at Bacchus Vino Etcetera.
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