Let's take a deeper look at what makes Metro Wines the go-to destination for both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors in Western North Carolina.
The Philosophy: Wine as Community
"At Metro Wines, we believe wine is about community, family and friends". This philosophy permeates everything we do. While many retailers view wine as merely a product, Metro Wines sees each bottle as a potential gathering point, a conversation starter, and a way to bring people together.
Our approach can be summarized in the following words: "big shop selection with small shop service." This means customers get the variety they'd expect from a large retailer, but with the attentive, knowledgeable assistance that only our dedicated, passionate team can provide.
The Team: Always a Sommelier on Duty
Perhaps Metro Wines' greatest strength is its team of wine experts. The shop ensures there is always a sommelier on duty, bringing both retail and restaurant experience to help customers select the perfect bottle for any occasion.
Let's meet some of the key people who make Metro Wines special:
John Kerr, Co-owner
Born in Napa, John has wine in his DNA. Despite initially being drawn to a career in wine and working the land, his analytical mind led him to spend most of his career as a Chartered Financial Analyst working with large national banks. After retiring from the financial sector, John's goal was to build a business that would support the local community, and Metro Wines became the perfect vehicle for that vision.
John manages the business operations and has guided Metro Wines from selling individual bottles to providing wines for weddings, planning cellars for collectors, and acquiring rare bottles. He's also significantly contributed to the shop's educational programs, including work with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville, and is a co-founder of The Asheville School of Wine.
Gina Trippi, Co-owner
With a background as an attorney, Gina brings a wealth of different experience to the wine world. Her career has included roles as a Felony Public Defender in Tampa, City Attorney in St. Petersburg, Legal Adviser for Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, and Litigation Attorney for the Comptroller of the Currency in Washington DC.
Gina's journey into wine began when she met John in Washington DC. Together, they started a wine shipping business in Virginia before relocating to Asheville with their two greyhounds. For Metro Wines, Gina authors the weekly newsletter, "The Public Palate: Putting Wine in Its Place," keeping customers informed about new arrivals and wine education.
Andy Hale, Director of Sales & Education
With almost two decades in the wine industry, Andy first worked as a server and later as a Sommelier for the 5-Star, 5-Diamond rated Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island near Charleston, SC. After a stint as a wine rep, he joined Metro Wines as Director of Education.
Andy is a co-founder of the Asheville School of Wine and Asheville's Blind Tasting League. He teaches wine classes through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville and AB Technical College. As a Certified Specialist of Wine and first-level Sommelier, Andy brings deep knowledge to Metro Wines' educational offerings.
The Extended Team
The Metro Wines family also includes:
- Lou Collichio (Operations & Delivery, Beer Expert)
- Kristen Calloway (General Manager and Wedding Coordinator)
- Bridget Kelly (Sales Consultant)
- Catherine "Cat" Lavezzo (Wine Buyer)
Each team member brings unique skills and perspectives, creating a well-rounded knowledge base that can address virtually any wine question or need.
Personalized Service: Beyond the Bottle
What truly distinguishes Metro Wines is our commitment to personalized service. This manifests in several innovative ways:
Wine Pairing Expertise
The team at Metro Wines understands that the right pairing can make or break a special evening, dinner party, or even a casual pizza night. Our sommeliers can help customers select the perfect bottle to complement any recipe or occasion. Rather than simply recommending popular wines, they consider flavor profiles, intensity, and how the wine will interact with food.
Wedding and Event Planning
Under Kristen Calloway's guidance, Metro Wines has become a go-to resource for couples planning their wedding. Kristen works personally with each couple to pair the best wines for the best price with their menu, selecting options that almost everyone will enjoy and finding the perfect sparkling wine for toasts.
As Kristen notes, "Wines are becoming the focus of creating lasting memories at weddings." This personalized approach extends to all types of events, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
Case Club Subscription Services
For those looking to expand their wine horizons, Metro Wines offers Case Club subscriptions at both regular and premium levels. Members can select all red, all white, or a combination, with options to include rosé or sparkling wines.
Each box includes descriptions of the wines and food pairing suggestions, removing guesswork from the dinner table. The Case Club is designed to be adventurous, introducing members to both familiar and lesser-known varietals and regions, expanding their wine knowledge and potentially saving them money when dining out.
"Wine Please" Text Service
Metro Wines has streamlined the buying process with our innovative "Wine Please" text service. After setting up a profile with wine preferences and a desired price point, customers can simply text "Wine please" to initiate an order. The knowledgeable staff hand-selects a case based on the customer's profile, typically delivering within 1-24 hours.
This service provides convenience while still delivering the personalized touch that defines Metro Wines – connecting customers with small producers and value-driven wines while supporting a local business.
Education: The Asheville School of Wine
Understanding that knowledge enhances appreciation, Metro Wines founded the Asheville School of Wine in 2014. The school's mission is clear: "to educate, inspire and encourage knowledge of wine in Asheville, and to help make it a worldwide culinary destination."
The curriculum covers practical topics such as setting up a cellar and properly decanting wine, as well as advanced classes on geography, regions, and famous wines of the world. We also offer classes for food and beverage professionals about proper wine service, sales techniques, and advanced restaurant skills.
Classes are primarily taught by Andy Hale and John Kerr, with occasional guest lecturers. The educational opportunities extend beyond the classroom, with Metro Wines offering multiple guided wine tours in France each year.
Community Impact
From the beginning, John and Gina wanted Metro Wines to give back to the community. As John states, "After retiring from my career, my goal was to build a business that would support the local community."
This commitment is evident in our:
- Generous donations to local charities
- Provision of local employment
- Reinvestment of profits and taxes into the community
- Educational partnerships with local institutions
- Support for the local food and beverage industry
Why Customers Choose Metro Wines
Based on the shop's philosophy, team, and services, it's clear why Metro Wines has earned its reputation as Asheville's premier wine destination. Here are the key factors that keep customers coming back:
Expertise Without Pretension The Metro Wines team offers depth of knowledge without intimidation. Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, you'll receive respectful, helpful guidance tailored to your level of wine knowledge.
Value at Every Price Point Metro Wines prides itself on offering "internet competitive" pricing, and often better. The case discount of 15% provides additional value for customers purchasing in quantity.
Unparalleled Selection With our "we got that!" attitude, Metro Wines offers an extensive selection. If we don't have what you're looking for, we’ll make every effort to find it.
Educational Approach Rather than simply selling wine, Metro Wines educates our customers, helping them to learn about what they're drinking, and understand why they might enjoy it.
Community Connection As a locally owned business, Metro Wines maintains deep ties to the Asheville community, creating a shopping experience that feels authentically local.
Looking Forward
As Metro Wines continues to serve the Asheville community, we remain committed to our founding principles of community, education, and personalized service. Our innovative approach to wine retail – from text ordering to educational programming – keep us at the forefront of the industry.
For wine lovers in Asheville or visitors to the area, Metro Wines offers more than just a place to buy wine. It's a resource, a gathering spot, and a testament to how personal connections can enhance the wine experience.
Whether you're seeking a special bottle for a celebration, looking to expand your wine knowledge, or simply want to enjoy a glass with knowledgeable guidance, Metro Wines welcomes you with expertise and warmth. As we like to say, "A friendly face will be waiting. And we always have a bottle open to taste at MetroWines!"