At Seattle Wine Co. in Bellevue, personal relationships are important, and names are remembered, even if it’s a long stretch between visits. Families are welcome, and customers’ young children are presented with lollipops, making the experience memorable for the young as well as the old.

Founded in November of 2003 by Karen and Nabil Absi, Seattle Wine Co. is tucked away into a Bellevue strip mall, just off of Northup Way (NE 20th St.) From the outside it looks just like any other store in the neighborhood. However, inside it is a treasure trove of wines – both international and local.

The store’s collection is organized geographically according to region – Spanish wines in one corner, Italian in another, Australian, South African, etc. Complementary wine tasting occurs twice a week – on Fridays from 4-6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. – and attracts a healthy crowd year-round.

“When we opened, our number one goal was to provide the best available wines at the best price,” Nabil said. “We have a very small markup on our wines – they’re mostly at around wholesale prices.”

One might think that with such low profit margins, business would be struggling. However, despite the economic downturn, business is still healthy, albeit with a slight decrease in profits from years past.

The Absis credit this with the quality of their selection, the competitive pricing and the emphasis on strong customer service and relationship building.

“We really pay close attention to details with our customers,” Karen said. “We take care to build personal relationships with them, and have since the start. Our business originally came – and still comes – mostly from word of mouth. We have a girl, Caroline, who stands outside once a week with a sign and waves and blows kisses, but other than that, it’s all from people telling their friends about us.”

The store has a wide-range of regulars, who typically come by every week or two and spend between $12 and $20 per bottle. Some customers come locally from the Microsoft area, others as far as West Seattle. Demographically, they are diverse – some are 30- and 40-somethings with young families, some are older retirees, and some are barely legally old enough to drink, but appreciate wine for its sophistication and pairings with food.

When a new customer walks into Seattle Wine Company, the Absis and their General Manager Peter Carter begin to find out about their tastes, and their existing knowledge of wine, and then go from there. Then, the next time they come into the store, they can suggest new recommendations based on what they enjoyed the last time around, and take it from there.

“Often, customers who are throwing a dinner party will bring their menus by the store and ask what would go well with the food,” Carter said. “That’s something they can get from us that they wouldn’t get from your typical grocery store wine department. We’re very big on educating our customer base, and helping them discover their palette.”

Since the economy started to decline, Nabil said that customers seem to be buying more wine – as they’re entertaining more at home, and eating out less.

“Customers are changing their habits,” Nabil said. “They’re realizing that the markup on bottles or even glasses of wine at restaurants is enormous. They’d rather buy some quality wines and have an intimate dinner at home with their friends and neighbors.”

However, since the economic downturn, the Absis have been pickier about their stock, and have been putting pressure on retailers to be more reasonable about their pricing. As a result, they’re bringing in more value wines, and the more expensive ones they do bring in truly are of superior quality.

“Wine is for many, a health remedy,” Nabil said. “A glass away keeps the doctor away. People have grown accustomed to having it as a part of their lives, and it’s one of life’s pleasures they’re not willing to go without.”

So, what do the Absis suggest to drink while summer still is here?

Whites

Abacela, Abarino, 2009, Oregon. $15.95: Spirited white, with notes of citrus and grapefruit and a fruity finish. Goes well with paella, seafood.

Orvieto – Bigi, 2008, Italy, $8.95: Fruity wine, ideal for sipping on the deck.

Lioco – Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley. $17.95: Tropical fruit notes, hits mid-palate. Goes well with halibut or herb roasted chicken.

Mirth, Corvidae, Columbia Valley. $8.95: Another fruity, summery white, ideal for chilling and sipping on a hot day. Also goes well with halibut or herb roasted chicken.

Reds

Atalaya, Almansa (Spain), 2007, $13.95: Full bodied cabernet sauvignon. Serve with steak, prime rib, anything from the grill.

Sharecroppers, Columbia Valley, 2008, $13.95: Full bodied cabernet sauvignon. Goes well with baby back ribs.

Vittolo, Sangiovese di Toscana (Tuscany, Italy), 2007, $7.95: Medium bodied, notes of blueberry. Serve with red meat or lamb.

Dante, Oakville CA, 2008, $6.95: Easy, everyday drinking red wine. Serve with anything from the grill.