Shipping with a twist

When Dorene Cain took over Pumpkin Postal in Morton two years ago, it was strictly a packing and shipping business.

Cain added “and Gifts” to the title in July 2008 when she constructed a gift shop area for customers to peruse candles, lotions, knick knacks, cards, coffees and specialty food items after they drop off packages or while they wait in line.

Now, Cain said she hopes her customer base will expand as she offers a broad range of wines and the ability to ship bottles or gift baskets to friends and family.

After Morton’s liquor ordinance changes earlier this year, Cain took advantage of the opportunity to become the only gift shop in Central Illinois that can ship wine gift baskets.

“I took a chance when they started issuing more liquor licenses, so I decided to carry wine. Then, I thought, let’s try to see if I can get the permit to ship them as well,” Cain said.

Pumpkin Postal only carries Illinois wines — about six different labels at the moment — and Cain said she wants to offer more German wines, as well.

“Morton is a German town, and I’ve found out I love the German wine, too. I used to only drink the whites, but the German reds are very sweet and they don’t add any sugar, either,” Cain said.

By visiting many wineries throughout the state and going to tastings, Cain said it has helped her with answering customers’ questions.

“I can answer to the best of my knowledge, and if not, I can contact a few of the vineyards. We have definitely had some new customers come in just specifically for the wine and our wine tastings,” Cain said.

“We usually have open bottles on hand, too, if people want a sample before they buy,” she added.

Cain said she has tried to be very particular in what wine labels she carries at Pumpkin Postal, too, because of cost and accessibility.

“There was a vintner I was interested in up north, but they said I would have to come up there to get the shipments. With just me and one other employee here, that’s not very convenient. So, I don’t carry it,” Cain said.

With the new wine shipping permit, Cain said she could have raised her prices per bottle to help offset her costs, but she chose to stick with her old prices.

“Lots of people still don’t even know we’re doing the ship option here, so I’m hoping keeping the prices steady will help. I’ve tried to get the word out through our grand opening party last week and some giveaways and tastings we’ve been having,” Cain said.

Cain added there are eight states the store cannot ship wine to, where they still do not allow shipments of liquor.

“There are lots of laws and regulations. Even if they order from the Internet, sometimes it can require a special permit,” Cain said.

Among the numerous bottles of dry reds, sweet blushes and sparkling whites on the wine rack, two bright orange sections stand out — pumpkin wine.

“Obviously, we had to do that because of Morton and because it’s fun. Some people like to send it to relatives,” Cain said.

“I wouldn’t recommend drinking it cold, though. I throw it in a crockpot with a cinnamon stick and it’s quite delicious, especially around this time of year,” she added.

Cain is also working on a cookbook filled with recipes that use Illinois wines, but said she is struggling to fill the pages.

Recipes can be e-mailed to her at dorene@pumpkinpostal.com, or dropped off at the store at 110 E. Queenwood in Morton.

All proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks will go to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.