I created Canal’s Hainesport, along with my brother Mike in 1997.  Our Goal was to create a first-class wine buying experience.  For this reason, we created wide aisles for shopping and a huge shopping area for many varieties of wine.  My own wine-tasting experience started young, as my grandfather owned the “Ocean Heights Inn” in Pleastanville, NJ and I’ve been around wine and liquor my whole life.  I started going to wine tastings when i finished medical school in 1980, and have been “hooked” ever since.  I consider myself well versed in most areas of wine, with the exception of Germany, Austria, and South Africa.  Joe has that well covered in our store.  My philosophy of wine is that it is an integral part of life, and it doesn’t have to be expensive to be worthwhile.  All wines should be judged on their own merits, not because they are made by certain producers, or come from certain areas.  The exploration of wines is the true fin of it, and the pairing of wines with food is a wonderful hobby.  There are terrific wines at all price points, and i’m proud to carry them at our store.  I’m also proud of the staff and selection that we have at Hainesport.  This combination enables us to find and carry these terrific value wines at every price point.