Ocean Beach and Point Loma native Chris Stavros opened The Wine Tunnel in the late 1970s where Victory Liquor is currently located on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. At that time, he had more than 800 bottles of wine in his shop. As a long-time enthusiast, Stavros has always been intrigued by the “wonderful attributes of tasting, how wine compliments food, how it is made, every aspect outside of just drinking it.” Inspired by his own enthusiasm, Stavros said he wanted to offer the experience to others, as well as to educate the public about the nuances of wine. Given the high price point of many fine wines, however, Stavros said he understood why some people did not want to “take a gamble” on wine they hadn’t tasted first. In July 1987, Stavros moved across the street to 4805 Narragansett Ave., the current location of his business, now known as The Olive Tree Marketplace. About four years ago, his general manager, Mike Blanchfield, a self-proclaimed “beer geek,” wanted to introduce OB-crafted beers to the public. Stavros encouraged him, and this proved to be a positive and successful addition to the market. About two years later, Stavros and Blanchfield decided the time was right to propose yet another idea: an educational environment where enthusiasts, as well as the curious, were able to expand their experience and knowledge of beer and wine. With several brainstorming sessions, a mock tasting panel and months of planning, The Tasting Room was born on May 15. The Tasting Room can be entered from the street on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard or by cruising through the market. The inside entrance is at the back of the store behind a rustic wooden door with a wrought-iron handle. When customers first walk in, they will meet Blanchfield, who will greet them with sparkling eyes and a smile to match. He’ll offer a menu, a comfortable place to sit and an overview of the current selections. The environment is small and cozy, with bistro-style tables and chairs to relax and enjoy tasty wines and beers. Here, customers will notice the works of local artist Rich Walker, who works with recycled materials and paints. Walker has pieces currently on exhibit for sale. Stavros said the market is open to featuring other artists. The suggested duration of a tasting experience is from 20 to 30 minutes, with an occasional patron or two lingering a bit beyond. It is not unusual for regular customers to stop by for suggestions on food-and-wine pairing or for general recommendations. Blanchfield has a well-known gift for providing these. The beer and wine flights (a flight differs from a sample in that a flight contains three 2-ounce samples), which range in price from about $3.50 to $9. Blanchfield and Stavros hand-select and change the menu, which features beers and wines from all over the world every two weeks. The Tasting Room also offers a special beer-on-tap, some of which are exclusive to certain venues. There is also a section called “interesting wine tastes,” which provides a sample of some unique wines that range in price from $2.50 to $6 per sample. The beer flights, which range in price from $3.50 to $5.50, or from $1.50 to $2 per two-ounce glass, are presented by flavor intensity and alcohol content — from “lighter” to “medium,” followed by an “intense flight.” There is also a special bonus, 10 percent off any purchase of beer or wine in the store, with a Tasting Room receipt in hand (only valid day of tasting). The Tasting Room is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m., and by appointment for private tastings on Mondays or Tuesdays in the evening. During daytime hours, The Tasting Room is available for business meetings, where lunch can be offered as well. Blanchfield said The Tasting Room might add another day because of a steady ebb-and-flow of patrons. Some special events are planned for this fall, such as a wine/beer cheese-pairing event, and paid-seating presentations by some local brew masters and winemakers. The Olive Tree Marketplace is open Mondays through Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, call (619) 224-0443, or visit www.olivetreemarket.com.