FusionFest Returns with “Art of Joy” Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Orlando
November 23, 2025
Photo from Tim's Wine Market Facebook Page
Holiday Wines and Why Shopping Local Makes All the Difference
The holidays are a time for gathering, sharing, and savoring moments that matter. And nothing elevates a festive table quite like the perfect bottle of wine. But here’s the question: where do you find those bottles that feel special? And what about wines that tell a story and pair beautifully with your holiday menu?
This holiday season, skip the aisles at the big box retailers and step into Orlando’s locally owned wine shops, where expertise and passion meet community. Local shops have the ability to curate experiences by hand selecting bottles making every recommendation personal, while supporting the culture that makes our city unique.
Tim Varan, Certified Wine Educator and owner of Tim’s Wine Market, believes local shops offer something big retailers simply can’t - knowledge and service. “If you walk into a local wine shop and see the same wines as they carry in Publix or Costco, then the owner is not providing anything more than convenience—certainly not service,” he says. “We take the time to understand your preferences and guide you to bottles that truly stand out.”
For Varan, it’s about helping customers discover varietals that complement their holiday menus. “When you go into an independent wine shop, you have to let the owner/clerk give you guidance,” Tim explains. Whether you’re serving roast beef, turkey, or seafood, his team ensures your wine enhances the experience, not overwhelms it. “For $20, you can explore the world.”
Unlike many big box retailers, which often leave their inventory in boxes on the floor with a price tag and no additional information, independent wine retailers take the time to actually taste the product and provide guidance and reviews as part of their displays.
Jason Maynard, owner of Mayson’s Wine Shop, also feels the reason for shopping local is straightforward: “We personally taste every wine before it hits our shelves. If we don’t love it, we won’t sell it,” he explains. “We know the stories behind the bottles, the winemakers, their families and their craft. That’s something big box retailers can’t offer.”
Photo from Mayson’s Wine Shop Facebook Page
“We personally meet many of the winemakers whose products we offer,” Jason told the Orlando Life.. These visits help the staff understand what makes their wines unique, so when you’re shopping for the perfect bottle, the sales associate can provide you with first hand knowledge.
Jeff Nichols, Director of Beverage Retail at The Good Pour, adds another dimension: giving back. “Our mission is simple - make wine approachable and meaningful. Every bottle we recommend has a story, and we love connecting people to those stories. Plus, every purchase supports local charities, so your holiday toast gives back to the community.”
Nichols emphasizes that wine should feel inviting, not intimidating. The Good Pour focuses on curated selections that make sense for real life occasions, whether it’s a grand holiday feast or a cozy night in. Another great feature of The Good Pour is that they offer build-your-own gift baskets and other fun giftable items made from local vendors. “Every Tuesday through the end of the year we host a Sip & Gift where you can save 20% on our premade and build your own gift. We call it Gifting Tuesday!”
Local wine shops share knowledge, tell stories and create connections. They help you find wines that elevate your holiday meals and reflect the care behind every pour. At The Orlando Life, we champion the businesses that make our city unique. Supporting local wine shops means discovering bottles curated with intention, and keeping Orlando’s culture thriving.
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