You are bidding on a $50 gift card to Beltramos Wine and Spirits Menlo Park

Beltramo's does more than sell wine. The store holds evening and weekend tastings, and has people on staff who can advise clients on what kinds of wine to choose and how much to purchase for anything from a dinner party for six to a wedding reception for 600. "People have a tendency to overbuy," says Bird.

The thorough training of salespeople is one of the many aspects that sets Beltramo's apart from warehouse-style dealers.