Photo By Graham Lienhart

Chris Waugh

Chris Waugh has found her niche. She's put together all the disparate elements of her working life -- communications, marketing and sales -- and paired them with her passion: wine. "My husband turned me onto wine," she explains. "For years, we spent Christmas flying into Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino..." Her friendly storefront combines retail sales with a casual bar area and an outdoor patio where you can "try before you buy." Inspiration struck on a recent trip to Tuscany. "There were cafes everywhere," she recalls. "And wine drinking was such a pleasurable, unpretentious part of the culture." Lucky for us, she's re-creating that spirit here in Ohio. (Michael Schiaparelli)

CityBeat: Where'd you have your last great meal and what was it?

Chris Waugh: This is embarrassing, but the last time I had a chance to eat out was nine months ago when we opened. I took the staff next door for a six-course wine dinner at mesh. Everything was fabulous -- especially the foie gras course. They did an amazing job pairing each course with different wines.

CB: Why do you have periods between the letters of "C.A.R.T."?

CW: It stands for each of the four elements of our business: courses, art, retail and travel. We arrange in-store and off-site wine courses; we feature in-store art and entertainment; we're obviously a retail wine shop; and we support Ohio tourism and our terrific local wineries.