Troy Phillips became a wine enthusiast in college while working as a waiter for fine-dining establishments like Fiona's and Genoa Lakes' Supper Club. His love of wine has inspired him to open a wine shop in downtown Gardnerville, Battle Born Wine, in the old Netti's building.
Phillips said he picked the name Battle Born after studying history for so many years in college. But it wasn't history that dominated his interest, it was fine wine. When he should have been doing his homework, he studied wine books and became a connoisseur.
"I want to bring my passion for fine wines around the world to my hometown," said Phillips, who has spent 15 years of his life in Gardnerville and attended Douglas High School.
Phillips' co-owner, long-time girlfriend Megan Hanson, currently manages a tanning salon.
"She's the numbers, brain, and business side," Phillips said.
Battle Born Wine will feature 200 labels, one hundred of which, according to Phillips, consumers will probably never have heard of. He said his store will specialize in rare or 'niche' wines of limited case production, including rarities from Italy, France, South Africa, Argentina, Chile and also some local gems from California.
Philips said the wine industry in Nevada is booming and he couldn't have picked a better time to open a wine shop. He mentioned grape growers in Smith Valley, Fallon, and Carson Valley producers like Tahoe Ridge Winery of Minden. He said Nevadans are increasingly becoming more interested in wine.
Besides selling fine wines, Battle Born will offer catering services for special events. Phillips also said he plans to offer wine-tasting sometime next spring.
Battle Born Wine will host it's grand opening 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 782-7684.
-- Scott Neuffer can be reached at sneuffer@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 217.
