Crushed Grapes Wine Shop was established in November 1999 by Len and Arlene Scaturro. Crushed Grapes sells wines, beers, spirits and gifts from around the world – their niche is carrying wines that people have not seen in this market, unique beers, and the best line of spirits in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.

Len started out driving a beer truck back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and during that time period he became part of the management team at a local Miller Beer distributor. In the late ‘80s and into the ‘90s, he went to work for a wine and liquor distributor. Len met Arlene, who had been working for Schnucks Supermarkets for 33 years. They both had a passion for wines and, in June 1999 decided to shop for a location in Edwardsville.

The first few years were very tough, but the Scaturros persevered and have developed a loyal customer base through friendly, knowledgeable service and dedicated staff. The couple started private wine classes, both going to people’s homes and holding in-store classes, which they continue today. Len started teaching wine and beer courses at Lewis and Clark Community College approximately five years ago and plans to continue the classes as long as the College will have them. Len stressed the importance of education in their industry, no matter what age (legal, of course) one may be, and expressed joy in helping others appreciate “the nectar of the land.”

Crushed Grapes Wine Shop just celebrated its tenth anniversary in November 2009. Although it hasn’t always been easy, Len and Arlene get the job done and enjoy doing it. Besides still working for Schnucks, Arlene takes on much responsibility at Crushed Grapes. Len credits her with giving the store upscale touches and creating a wine shop that visitors love returning to time and time again.

Arlene is a member of the Business & Professional Women (BPW) organization, and Len serves on the Board of Directors for the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce. They joined the Chamber in their first year of business because he and Arlene felt that membership was one of the most effective ways to meet new people, network, and promote their new business. “I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for honoring Crushed Grapes Wine Shop as the February 2010 Business of the Month,” Len said.Len is also a member of the Edwardsville Rotary Club.

The Crushed Grapes staff is top notch, and Len emphasized their excellent sense of customer service and keen understanding of the industry – “If I don’t know it, they do. We are always matching up wines and helping customers with food pairings. I will put our service at the top of the list – we like the one-on-one approach and will spend as much time is needed to educate visitors and help them make just the right selection for any occasion.” Arlene, Brian, Jim & Len will go out of their way to serve you.

Crushed Grapes carries something for every consumer, with wines ranging from $5 to $350. Every Friday night the shop hosts wine tastings \ where people are encouraged to come out and enjoy wines of the world! And each year Crushed Grapes sponsors a fund raiser for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which they wholeheartedly support.

One of Len’s favorite sayings: “It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one’s present or future thirst, the excellence of the wine, or any other reason.”

Crushed Grapes Wine Shop is located at 1500 Troy Road in Edwardsville. Learn more at their Web site, www.crushedgrapesltd.com, give them a call at 618.659.3530, or stop by the store.