Introducing
Shirley Warner
Owner - s.w. Connoisseur Wine
450 Lyndoch Street - Corunna, Ontario
 


Shirley Warner

I recently met up with Shirley Warner of s.w. Connoisseur Wines and found some interesting things about this wonderful lady with the warm smile and caring personality who is behind the biz of s.w. Connoisseur Wine.

 

Shirley is originally from Toronto, Ontario and has been living in Sarnia/Lambton area for over 50 years.  Shirley is now a widow was married to Norm and together they had two sons Norm and Phil and between the 2 boys she proudly says that she has 8 grand children and 4 great grandchildren.

 

Before the wine making business Shirley worked in the water department for Moore Township for 25 years.  After she retired from the Township she immediately became involved with politics and became councilwomen with Moore and St. Clair Township.  She served the community for 9 years. 


During that same time that her political career began she also started her business “Connoisseur Wines & Art” (which she later changed the name to “s.w. Connoisseur Wines”.)  Besides being a Wine Vintner, Shirley also has a passion for art.  (Her beautiful paintings and are displayed throughout her store and are available for purchase. Also a sample of her work is on display at SarniaWeddings.com)

Shirley loves wine but she credit’s her brother's influence for starting her in the business.  Her brother, a wine maker in Belleville, taught her how to get started and convinced her to open her own business, so she combined her art and wine making skills and created “s.w. Connoisseur Wines”.  Shirley has now been in business for 12 years and loves it!  It is a family affair with her son Norm and granddaughter Lori working with her in the store.


s.w. Connoisseur Wines is a fully licensed Vintner (Wine Maker) and is a member of the Fermenters Guild of Ontario.  (Added note: British Columbia is the only other province that has wine making stores.) 

Their wines are made with “Reverse Osmosis Water” which is water in it’s purest form without any additives.  They have over 100 different wines kits to choose from and they guarantee their products for customer satisfaction.  Even before the customer comes in to bottle,  Shirley personally samples each batch of wine that is made and if the quality isn’t to her satisfaction, she will not let it go out the door. 

 

s.w. Connoisseur Wines is for every occasion and they offer a great Wedding Package.  The package comes complete with 90 bottles of wine, customized labels, shrink wrap, corks, bottles, winery fee, filtering and all taxes for $370.00. 

 

Other products available in the store include glassware, wine glasses, gourmet food and of course many pieces of paintings and art.
 

s.w. Connoisseur Wines is located in Corunna in the plaza at 450 Lyndoch Street.  Lots of parking available! The Store hours are Monday to Friday from 11 to  5 and Saturdays from 10 to 3.  For a time more convenient to you arrangements can be made for after hour visits.

 

What keeps Shirley going?  Her reply:  “I know I should be retired but I’m not because I enjoy people!”.  She especially loves working with couples because “their fun, happy and excited when they come in” .

 

 

by Pat Brethauer
for SarniaWeddings.com