Mark’s Score 9.5
If retailers are going to survive in the 21st Century they need to be unique, make shopping an experience, and present their products rather than merely display them. In short, when I go into a retail establishment I want to be entertained and educated, not sold. Modern retail is about the experience, not the sale.
Bishop’s Stock is first and foremost an art gallery highlighting local artists. Unlike many art galleries near the shore, their gallery is not full of paintings depicting dolphins, seagulls, sailing boats, dunes, or crashing waves. Randy and Anne display artwork I would actually hang in my own home, and not the usual kitsch you find at the beach. Unfortunately, over the years I have collected art from around the world, and my house is chock-a-block. Consequently, I have no more room on my walls. But if I should wish to replace any of my artwork, this is where I will go to buy art.
Fortunately for me, Bishop’s Stock is not just an art gallery. They also sell wine, chocolate and a variety of other items. It was this eclectic mix of items that first drew me into their gallery several years ago. In all my travels I don’t think I have ever run into an art gallery/wine store
The unique combination of items tickled my fancy. Though I may not be in the market for art I am always in the market for wine. There are several stores where I buy wine and all of them have a larger collection of wines then Bishop’s, but what Bishop’s lacks in quantity of choice it makes up for in eclectic variety. Bishop’s caries wines you can find nowhere else on the Eastern Shore. Anne changes the mix every month. There is always something new to try. This time I bought a Sicilian chardonnay, a Sicilian Nero d’Avolo, and a Picpoul. Most of the wines she sells are cheap and cheerful ($15 – $25), so there is little risk in trying something new. If you don’t like the wine, you are only out $20.
You do not see Nero d’ Avolo wines in wine stores very often, but if you should run across one, I recommend you try it. Lemoncello in St Michael’s serves a wild boar pappardelle, I always have that dish with a glass of Nero d’ Avolo. It is not a popular wine, so they tend to be reasonably priced, but don’t be fooled by the moderate price, it is an excellent wine.
Each month Bishop’s has a featured artist and featured wines. They kick the month off with an open reception where you can meet that month’s featured artist and taste the featured wines. If you have a favorite lesser known wine, let them know, they are always open to suggestions. I’ll have to remember, the next time I go, to suggest Clare Valley Riesling or a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.
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