Emily Basser inside of Basser’s Fine Wine and Craft Beer.
By Jill Fox
Glenn and Emily Basser love their home in Parkland, but something was always missing.
Having lived in New York most of their lives, and coming from a family in the wine industry, they missed the boutique wine shops they used to frequent and felt Parkland deserved better.
All over Westchester County, there were beautiful, little stores selling the best wines and beers in the world. Now, the Heron Bay residents have brought one to Parkland with Basser’s Fine Wine and Craft Beer.
With a boutique experience like theirs, Glenn said shoppers have expert guides personally helping them choose the right wines.
“You’re going to have more of an international selection, really interesting wines, more that are small production and estate-grown,” said Glenn, whose family has been in the wine business for over 50 years.
Glenn and Emily Basser.
For two generations, his family has worked in various parts of the industry. His father sold fine wine and spirits for Seagram’s for 30 years and Glenn was the national sales manager for Grgich Hills, one of the most famous wineries in Napa Valley, and then vice president of sales for Michael Mondavi’s Family Estate.
Emily shares her husband’s wine and craft beer knowledge. After being around the business for the last 20 years, Glenn said she has a far better palate than he, so they chose to open the shop together as a project.
Emily, who taught at both, Heron Heights Elementary School and Kol Tikvah, loves the community, and with a son in third grade and a daughter in fifth grade at Heron Heights, she has been heavily involved since they moved to their home in The Vistas of Heron Bay in 2012.
The shop’s motto, “Come in…Drink Better,” explains it all. According to Glenn, there are not a lot of great choices for wine and beer in Parkland. Wine drinkers have to drive for 15 or 20 minutes or go to a supermarket, which has a lot of private labels, whereas a boutique shop focuses on authentic family wineries.
“We wanted to elevate the bar, and give enthusiasts the world-class experience in Parkland,” he said.
Free wine tastings will take place at Basser’s Fine Wine and Craft Beer, every Saturday from some of the best wineries and craft breweries in the world, starting with Cakebread on October 12. Interested residents can also join the Uncorked wine club to learn about exclusive events, and utilizing the private wine cellar for parties or meetings.
The Basser’s are thrilled with their chosen location. With the new Bamboo Restaurant opening and Orange Theory close by, they feel it’s a nice, fast-growing center. Glenn said, Parkland is such a close-knit community and supports local businesses, so they thought it would be a perfect fit.
The grand opening of Basser’s Fine Wine and Craft Beer is October 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy music, charcuterie and free tastings of some of the most famous wines of California. Everyone is welcome, including children.
Glenn said, “We have two kids, so they’ll be there, and we’ll have outdoor activities and coloring books to keep children occupied while their parents shop.
Basser’s Fine Wine and Craft Beer is located at 6240 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs.
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