Ted the Wine Guy, a new wine shop, opened recently on Zelda Road in Montgomery. We asked owners Ted Klose and Scotty Scott a few questions about what led them to open the shop and their plans.

Q: What does your business offer? Does it offer something that wasn’t available near this location before?
A: Klose: Before we opened, Montgomery did not have a store that specialized only in wine. Through tasting and research, we bring the best

possible selections of wine to our customers. Our unique climate-controlled room stores and displays our more age-worthy wines.

Why do you believe it will be successful?

Scott: We are offering a diverse inventory of wines, expert service and wine education.

Is there a reason you decided on your current location?

Klose: Our location is in the vibrant Zelda Place Shopping Center, and nearby residents are very supportive of the area. The store can be reached from just about anywhere in Montgomery within 10 minutes.

What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?

Scott: Changing some people’s perception that you have to go to Birmingham or Atlanta to get the best wine.

How long have you wanted to do something like this?

Klose: Having a wine store has been a dream of mine for many years.

What were you doing before?

Klose: Originally I’m from Connecticut. I’ve been in the wine business for 15 years. Having sold wine in Danbury, Conn., Birmingham and then Montgomery, I’ve been exposed to a vast array of wines, which I think gives me a unique insight into customers’ tastes and preferences. I take special pride in helping people experience different wines that they may have previously found intimidating.

Scott: I’m from Montgomery. I developed a love for wine during my seven years with Caffco International. That interest in wine led to several California wine country trips, Wine Spectator courses and then the decision to make a career in wine.

What future plans or hopes do you have for the business?

Scott: We just want it to be successful. We think a key component of that is to educate our customers on wine, and how much fun it can be.