The Gifted Cork, a retail wine and gift store specializing in wines from around the world and gifts related to wines, is celebrating its first anniversary. The store officially opened on Feb. 27, 2009.

“The first year was about what was expected,” said store owner Jeanne Maron. “I stuck to the business model I created in the beginning, and it seems to work.  Customers are very receptive and I have a lot of repeat business.”

Maron, who has 23 years of retail experience, said her business model included several keys: having enough working capital to get through the first two years; expecting to work seven days week; treating all customers as special; and promoting, advertising, and using every avenue for positive publicity.

To help promote the business, the store hosts a daily wine tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., focusing on a theme of the month.

The Gifted Cork (www.giftedcork.com) is located at 64-A Hypolita St., St. Augustine.