Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
George Kingen, Owner, Pete's Wine Shop N o wonder Pete's Wine Shop is reputably the largest champagne retailer in Seattle: Owner Pete Kingen adores the sparkling liquid. Maybe that's why he changed careers from banking to bubbles (and so much more) when he started a grocery store business in May 1969 and never looked back. "When we first opened and a customer requested wine, I would have to go to a liquor store to purchase the wine and then sell it. That was just before the distribution network was set up—and then, just a few months later, we began stocking wine in the store when distributors were on the scene." Kingen operated 15 stores at one time, but wisely whittled it down to a successful three. "We were just too spread out. You either have 50 stores "I drink sparkling wine every other night, says Pete's owner or keep it simple." George Kingen. "And I never drink the same wine twice. After all, In the houseboat community just off Lake Union it's my job to keep up with the brands!" in the Seattle's Eastlake neighborhood, the area surrounding Pete's off-the-main-drag shop is so highly populated that business flourishes (and he will tell you that one reason is that the Boar's Head deli sandwiches are the best around). But his followers and loyal fans say that his 3,000-plus wine and spirits selection is also the best in town. "We get praise for our selection and knowledgeable help," he tells me. And customer service is right up there. "Only 50 percent of the residents here have cars, so deliveries are a must," he says with his contagiously broad, warm smile. —Meridith May 106 / the tasting panel / october 2013 TP1013_066-107.indd 106 9/23/13 10:37 PM