Wine is both a personal and an educational experience, according to Federal Way’s WineStyles owner, Shanna Watkins, a former teacher.

“We ask customers what they like and then suggest similar but different wines,” local store manager Christine Frizzell said.

Experimentation is encouraged.

“Venture beyond your usual choices in wine,” Watkins said.

The customer may be surprised to discover less known grape varieties that will please their palate.

“Every palate is different — we help customers explore and learn about what they like,” Watkins said.

To help the customer with wine selection, the store is organized by eight different style categories. These taste profiles include crisp, silky, rich and bubbly for whites and fruity, mellow, bold and nectar for reds. Customers will also find a description listing the wine’s characteristics, flavors and suggested food pairings.

WineStyles staff regularly consults with wine representatives and assesses each wine before placing it in a style category on the shelf. This is important because sometimes a certain variety of grape can be silky one year and rich the next, depending on a number of variables, Watkins said. These may include the growing season weather and the type of fermentation barrel (oak or stainless steel or a combination of both).

WineStyles carries more than 100 revolving world-class wines, including local, regional and worldwide varieties from small to large vineyards.

In addition to wine, the store offers accessories, unique personalized gifts, a monthly wine club, weekly tastings and special events. For more information, visit www.winestyles.net/federalway.

WineStyles is a national franchise with 140 locations nationwide, including eight located in Washington. Watkins owns the Federal Way store, located at the Crossings, with her mother, Nancy Quinn. They also own the WineStyles Bonney Lake store. Watkins oversees both and her mother is the primary employee at the Bonney Lake location.