Over glasses of vino, Anna Kay von Dueszeln, Cynthia Hanworth and Debra Valentine would bemoan the absence of a local store to purchase wines, cheeses and speciality foods, akin to a gourmet food market such as may be found in any other major city in the world. From their collective observation, an idea to establish a speciality food boutique was formed, and earlier this month, the threesome beamed with a sense of accomplishment when Uncorked — their small-scale answer to Epicure — opened its doors on Hillcrest Avenue.

A quiet charm envelops Uncorked, and we’re certain the hands-on approach of the threesome has much to do with this. Sporting basic red aprons and warm smiles, the ladies take immense pride in ensuring customers visiting the store feel welcome and their business appreciated.

Stocked by Kingston’s 1876 Wines, bottles of vino are suspended on a wall, with still more on the shelves, where one can also find hummus, anchovies in olive oil, locally made pepper jellies, chutneys, marmalades, in addition to an assortment of crackers and crisps, as well as nuts — all the accompaniments needed for that wine and cheese soirée with friends, a small dinner party, or an intimate meal for two.

Barely a month old, the enterprise also has a myriad of cheese offerings (some 35 in total) that includes Pecorino Romano, French Brie, Ricotta Saleta, Stilton, Parmigiano Reggiano, Fromage Blanc with Spicy Tamarind Chutney, plus a locally-made goat cheese from Port Antonio’s Tamarind Hill farms, among others.

Also of note is the tapas selection offered — Garlic and Herb Mushroom, Antipasto Delight, Baby Kalamata Olives, Gigandes in Vinaigrette and house speciality, Peppadews — which customers can take home to prepare their spread.

Daily wine and cheese samples encourage patrons — who range from wine and cheese connoisseurs to curious foodie wannabes — to try something new.

Let your taste buds explore at Uncorked, conveniently open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.