‘Super, super, super laid

Nate Riley could spend hours raving about his favorite cabernets, sauvignon blancs and pinot grigios — some of the best wine costs less than $30 a bottle, he says.

But the wine industry? He’s less thrilled about that.

“It can definitely be pretentious and elitist,” Riley said. “It doesn’t need to be.”

The former wine sales representative says his Waldo store, Marco Polo Selections, spares customers the snobbish looks and hoity-toity comments of other high-end retailers. And now that its spot at 336 W. 75th St. has established a customer base, he’s opening a store at 106 S. Cherry St. in downtown Olathe on Friday.

Riley said his new location is the ideal place to peddle his reds and whites from Italy, Spain, Portugal and more. Many of his customers have been driving from southern and western Johnson County.

“The public seems very excited,” Riley said.

Riley’s store will sit near Park Street Pastry and Vader’s Bar & Deli and will look similar to its original location. The store will maintain its “super, super, super laid-back feel,” with a tasting wall of sample-ready wines and a chalkboard helping customers choose their preferred drink.

Marco Polo offers wines starting at $13 and tries to select wines from around the world that are more affordable and perhaps lesser known than some pricier options.

“The good ones are everyday, small … production stuff,” he said.

He also sells a limited selection of ciders, cigars and seltzers. Plus, Riley promises his staff is eager to help the non-connoisseur crowd, free of judgment.

“We understand most people aren’t wine experts,” he said. “This industry can be a little bit intimidating for people.”

Riley’s Olathe store will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays.