Westlake store owner living his dream and helping the less fortunate

With over 20 years of experience and expertise in the wine industry, Nick Nasrallah of Bay Village dreamed of having a place where people would feel comfortable shopping, while giving them the opportunity to browse wines they wouldn't see elsewhere. To realize his dream, in 2000 he established The Fine Wine and Tobacco in Westlake.

"There are great values from small wineries that people just don't know about." Nick says. "I try to bring in as many low-production, high quality wines as possible." These wines are showcased at bi-weekly wine tastings held at the store, with a portion of the proceeds from each event donated to various charities. Nick and his son, Tony, have given several thousands of dollars to local organizations, including Building Hope in the City, and other charities that aim to benefit the less fortunate.
 
An upcoming wine tasting will be held on Saturday, July 17 and will benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a three-day, sixty-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The tasting will feature over 30 wines from around the world, and a portion of the $25 admission will be donated. Patrons will also be able to make private donations.

In addition to hosting wine tastings, the family-owned establishment underwent another significant change in January, when the State of Ohio awarded the Nasrallahs a state liquor license. The new license now allows them to offer a full selection of spirits. The process of acquiring a state liquor license is competitive and time-consuming, and after many visits from the state, The Fine Wine was awarded the license over several competitors.
 
Future wine tastings, with a portion of the proceeds donated to various charities, will be held every other Saturday at the store, located at 26179 Detroit Road in Jefferson Square. You may call 440-892-7096 to RSVP for the tasting on July 17, and for future dates and times.

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Volume 2, Issue 14, Posted 7:38 PM, 07.10.2010