T
he resounding first impression of a boutique wine shop within a mall presents itself as a fallacy. Wine connoisseurs would be quick to assume a shop with such a location would not house such an impressive collection, and the only boutique wines present would be commonly known names, which truly do not qualify as boutique. However, owner Roger Johnson has accumulated a selection of over 1000 distinct wines from all over the world. From Burgundy to Bordeaux, to South Africa, to New Zealand, and from Slovenia, Croatia, and Cyprus to North and South America, there are bottles representing well over 300 different wine regions. This hidden gem has become a destination for wine lovers from all over the region as well as many visitors who find it easily once they land at Pensacola International Airport. With a collection as impressive as the one at BTG, the idea of a grand staff and an extensive inventory would have to exist. Remarkably, Johnson does it mostly on his own. Johnson prides himself on his collection and having something for everyone. Simply name a region or a brand, and he will know if he has it -- the vintage and the style, all off the top of his head. Unlike traditional wine shops and tasting rooms, he carries no menu.
24-25 Swizzle_Beyond the Grape.indd 1
5/30/22 10:00 PM