1275 S. Main St., Salinas

422-3961,

www.starmkt.com

Some make a name for themselves as Burgundy specialists. Others proclaim themselves Bordeaux experts. For Victor Kong, Star’s resident wine buyer/sage, it’s the terroir he has mastered. He knows what you want, and he knows the story about every local winemaker and winery in the county. As he should—this market has the biggest selection of Monterey County wine on the planet. The cool thing about Kong is, he won’t force a sale. Instead he’ll listen, then and prescribe something that’s sure to make you run across town screaming, “Monterey County wines are the bomb!” Whether it’s Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Arroyo Secco Syrah or Carmel Valley Cabernet, Star has it, and Kong will be there to steer you straight.