New Wine Shop Aims To Bring Localized Flair To Malden Center

MALDEN, MA — A new wine shop recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its opening on Pleasant Street. Malden Center Fine Wines aims to bring a warm, localized feel to the community. It's a true family affair: owner Chris Lianos's wife designs the windows and gift baskets, and his mother bakes treats for special events.

Lianos opened his first wine shop in Waltham in 1995 before moving it to Somerville's Ball Square five years later. He later opened Needham Center Fine Wines in Needham.

Each store has a distinctive retail concept, and Lianos does not try to compete with large-scale liquor retailers. He instead concentrates on a carefully selected inventory, featuring limited production wines, craft beers, small batch spirits and locally produced fresh and delicious gourmet foods. The shop also hosts small-scale tastings and special events twice a week.

Lianos attributes his success to hard work and his hands-on approach. He likes to get to know his customers, listening to their needs and training his staff to reflect a sense of service to the community.

Lianos's businesses in Somerville and Needham have forged relationships with local restaurants and Chambers of Commerce, university purchasing departments, corporate clientele, nonprofits and people seeking home delivery. He hopes Malden Center Fine Wines will carve out a similar niche in Malden.

The shop is located at 220 Pleasant Street. For more information, including hours of operation, to place on order, or for special requests, visit www.maldencenterfinewines.com.

See Also: MA Patch Local Business Information Center: A Community Resource