Maryland-based Total Wine & More has opened its first Kentucky superstore in The Paddock Shops in the Springhurst area. The grand opening today, Thursday,  Oct. 6, will feature live music, free wine tastings and special giveaways to the first 100 people in line. As part of its opening celebration, the company will donate 10 percent of all wine sales opening weekend, Oct. 6-9 to The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts to support its statewide arts outreach program.

Located in the former Earth Fare location at the Paddock Shops, 4320 Summit Plaza Dr. #5, the store has 25,000 square feet of retail space, carries more than 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers. It has a temperature-controlled wine cellar, cigar humidor, padded floors, tasting bar, “brewery district” with a growler station, concierge service, and online ordering with in-store pick up.

Total Wine & More is sure to prove a strong competitor for local wine merchants. The big, bright store will offer wine, beer and spirits classes, as much high-tech bells and whistles as the seems reasonable for a liquor store, and lots of promotions. The store touts its well-trained staff, who undergo 150 hours of training and specialized instruction on various wine regions, production methods, varietals, brew styles, and tasting profiles.