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CommentsCheese to Please
The Shop: PFI Diamond Ridge Market, 3401 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield, 417-891-2702 (Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–7p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5p.m.)
Atmosphere: As I opened the doors to the Diamond Ridge Market, the smell of leather was delicious and inviting. But to be honest, I wouldn’t know a good saddle if I was sitting on it, so I resolved quickly to focus on the east side of the store where the wines, cheeses, salsas, spices and coffees can be found. (However, if saddles are your thing, Diamond Ridge Market and Saddle City are actually one big store, though cleverly divided.)
Several helpful and pleasant staff members with cheerful southern accents greeted me instantly. They quickly provided me with highlights of the store’s many features, including the free food samples and wine tasting.
Key People: PFI owner Randy Little and Diamond Ridge manager Tyler Jolley both enjoy wine but, like good businessmen, understand that many of their customers are somewhat overwhelmed by the task of picking a good bottle. Thus, the creation of Diamond Ridge Market. The store opened in October 2007, and Tyler Jolley says the mission of the store has remained the same, “Our main focus is to educate our customers about wine and make it more accessible.”
What You’ll Find: Expect to be wined and dined, literally. I enjoyed the sample of a Wind and Willow mango cheese ball served on graham cracker—and even went back for seconds. The best part: unlike some vendors that provide samples, there is no high-pressure sales person lording over it, which allows the shopper to taste without guilt.
The wine-tasting bar is always open. I was lucky enough to be helped by Jolley himself, who often works behind the bar. He offered me a Juno South African Shiraz as well as a taste of the PFI Family Wines, Blackberry Run. I picked up a bottle of the latter to take home, appreciating the $16.99 price.
Diamond Ridge Market is convenient and definitely makes wine accessible. The store is divided by countries of origin, and each section is labeled with the country’s flag. Each bottle has a flavor description, making wine shopping easy for this less-than-experienced shopper.
But don’t expect to just find wine and cheese. Diamond Ridge Market also has grill seasonings, hot sauces, dip mixes and clever western-themed accessories. I personally was drawn to the wine rack made out of horseshoes for $32.
One of the most surprising parts of the store is how many products the PFI Family line makes. There are salsas, wines and even their own blend of coffee. I picked up the Moonshine Stampede, a blend of kahlua and crème, Irish crème and amaretto (all non-alcoholic, of course). It was $6.99 for an 8-ounce bag and smelled delicious. And if you like things pickled, look no further. I found Pickled Dilly Corn, asparagus and beet eggs, all priced around $5. While I am not brave enough to try any of these, I’m sure someone’s mouth is watering out there just thinking about it.
Finally, the store has extensive gift baskets ranging from $34 to $134. You may customize a basket of your choice, or you can pick up a pre-made one. Either way, they can feature any of the items found in Diamond Ridge Market.
417 Verdict: PFI’s Diamond Ridge Market lives up to its mission of making wine accessible. However, the store has so much more to offer. Next time you have a party that calls for eclectic tastes and want to support a local business, stop by. The friendly staff will be able to direct you to exactly what you are looking for.
Savvy Shopper is a monthly opinion feature guiding readers to independent local stores. Have one to suggest? Visit 417mag.com and click Contact.
