Bob Fishman, owner

first growth
by Bob Fishman, Proprieter

Our Favorite time of the year is finally here, when we can get back outside again and enjoy all the wonderful things that Cleveland has to offer. With a few exceptions in late February and March it was a relatively average Winter. In November The Grapevine celebrated our 20th year in business and its hard to believe that the time has gone by so quickly. It has been a true honor to do what we love best for such a long time. It would not have been possible without the best friends and customers that we have made over the years. When we decided to open The Grapevine we chose a different strategy. All of our competitors have traditionally carried a little bit of everything from many different areas, but not a broad selection in any one area. Our focus was different, be known for one thing and do it right. We have done that with featuring the best selection of domestic wines in the area. We love finding those gems that are not household names that are not mass produced. It’s our job to find them for you and introduce them to you. On the average we reject 75 percent of the wines that we sample, so that way you are only going to find wines that we believe in and our proud to carry in our store. We work with an absurd amount of distributors (twenty three) In order to keep the shelves full and we are constantly challenging them for new products. There is no point of stocking too many similar wines that are priced the same, taste the same or come from the same area. We look around at other stores and are amazed at the similar, boring, mainstream wines that we see every where. What’s the point? If we do not stand behind a wine we don’t want to recommend it to you.

Since we first opened in 1987, we have offered our customers the best in fine wines, gourment gift baskets, expert advice and exceptional service.

 

On The Road

It’s now been 4 years since I lost my weight and fell in love with cycling as a way to keep fit. During the indoor season from late October to hopefully early April I keep going with doing spinning classes 4 days a week and riding the other 2 to 3 days on an indoor cycle. My outdoor rides are 25 to 30 miles each day during the week and weekends are always a longer ride as time allows. I also try to ride to work a few times a week which is great but on those days if you call me for a delivery it makes it a bit more challenging to drop off your cases of wine, but we can work that out for you. With gas prices at record levels I should save a bundle this year by riding more. Last Summer I rode 2500 miles and I would love to do more this year.

I have been very involved with The American Diabetes Association and each year have participated in the Tour de Cure ride. In 2007 the Tour de Cure was held at Blossom for the first time and it turned out to be an outstanding venue for this ride. Again this year the ride will be on Sunday June 8 at Blossom and I encourage you to join me on my team or if that is not possible consider sponsoring me for the ride. You can ride as little as 5 miles or as much as 75 hilly miles depending on what course you sign up for. I was proud to have both my wife Lisa and my daughter Courtney do the ride, and again this year they will be doing the same. Each year the event grows and this year’s ride will bigger than ever.

For everyone that donates $100.00 or more in my name will be entered in to a drawing for a Cannondale hybrid bicycle (size large frame) of which is valued at $500.00. The random drawing will take place on the day after the ride on Monday June 9, 2008. All money collected is completely tax deductible and goes to a great cause. Type 2 diabetes unfortunately is on the uprise because of poor eating habits, but that can be changed with proper exercise and diets. If you can sponsor us we will be very grateful and we will ride stronger that day because of your support. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Please make out checks to American Diabetes Association or Tour de Cure, and send them to me c/o The Grapevine and we will take care of the rest. Thanks in advance for your consideration