Hello,
My name is Yvonne K. Foucher and I own a small wine shoppe in Tucson Arizona that features over 350 labels that sell for under $15.00. I was an architect for 25 years and decided to chuck that career to follow my personal interest in wine and open up this shoppe.
I tend to prefer French reds and whites but offer a wide range of wines to meet several palates. I have several French wines in the shoppe which I feel are needles in a haystack because they are of good quality and affordably priced but am always looking for more. I would like to broaden my knowledge in wine and am excited at the wealth of knowledge that I see displayed on this forum. I feel that there is so much to learn and this is the perfect vehicle.
Well I just wanted to introduce myself and see what kinds of interesting conversations I can become a part of.
Yvonne
ITB
CataVinos
http://www.catavinoswines.com
Welcome Yvonne! This board is amazing and I’m sure you’ll learn and contribute plenty! Have fun!
Were you the one askIng questions about running/owning a wine store on the RP board a few years ago?
Assuming that you want information (and not just to advertise) – I think that Tucson is pretty far from NYC and so you would not be in direct competition with Chambers Street Wines. I heartily recommend looking at their selection, which includes many affordable wine gems that wine cognoscenti find wonderfully attractive, particularly including the Louis Dressner selections.
http://www.chambersstwine.com/
I like your idea of running a wine shop with wines that are chosen with thought and care. I think most people who read your message will wonder if it is really just hit and run spam…
Ah Frank… still the kind, welcoming sort I see.
Welcome Yvonne. Dive in and post. Something that in the biz people don’t always realize is that they’re perfectly free to post tasting notes etc. All the board asks is that you note that it’s a wine you sell and for the notes to be genuine.
Welcome, Yvonne. We have some active members here from Tucson. Sometimes they open and post TNs on wines that are kinda decent. 
I chucked architecture after 1 year to become a lawyer! Now after 19 years, hmm, a wine shop sounds pretty tempting.
Welcome, Yvonne!
If you were in Atlanta, I’d ask if you wanted to partner with a 22 year CPA to open that shop! ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
LOL, does going to law school in Atlanta count?!? Plus, I have a place near Brasstown Bald, which oddly enough for me, is in a dry county!
There is a great wine store/wine bar in Orlando that was started by a local lawyer. It has about 75 dispensing machines with wines of all caliber, and you buy a little credit card that you “cash up” then go try a bunch of wines. The pours can range from $1.50 to $10+ depending on the wines. It’s a genius concept and draws a great bar and shopping crowd. Would love to replicate that concept somewhere else. I’m guessing there is something similar in Atlanta.
That lawyer is a good friend of mine Robert. We have shared many bottles.
Wow, small world. He is a true gentleman.
Yeah, super guy who is actually the lead partner in my best friend’s firm.
Architecture to wine? You must like structured wines. Is this something you’re doing in retirement? I know nothing about the wine scene in Tucson. Do you stock many/any Arizona wines??
Welcome Yvonne.
I would query as to whether or not you’re really serious here however:
I would like to broaden my knowledge in wine and am excited at the wealth of knowledge that I see displayed on this forum. I feel that there is so much to learn and this is the perfect vehicle.
Beware! ![[wow.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/7/7d450e9830889c8943b674446a21b7254cad657e.gif "wow"){kind=small}
Welcome Yvonne,
Interesting business model. Is it driven by the local consumers or did you just decide to target that range of wine?
DOnt be afraid of the whitewalkers that Greg T speaks of
Hey Yvonne. Welcome to the board. I am a Tucson resident, but have not had the pleasure of visiting your store…Can you provide some more info on location, etc…I would love to come and visit…
HeadIng to phx and tucson next week and planning on tasting in AZ where are you exactly.
From the website in the OP:
CataVinos Wine Shoppe
& Tasting Room
3063 North Alvernon Way
Tucson Arizona 85712
Proprietor: Yvonne Foucher
Phone: 520-323-3063
Fax: 520-795-2276
e-mail: yvonne@catavinoswines.com