A new wine shop in Milford understands that people can get intimidated and confused when choosing wines. And that sometimes, you just need a little taste to make sure it's good.

The Tasting Room opened this month in a retail space on West Street. The shop features Italian wines and olive oils imported by the Guido family of Milford.

Inside the space, a horseshoe-shaped bar, supported by wine barrels, provides a space for wine-tasting events. The tasting menu will change weekly.

For several years, James G. and Mary Guido, and their son, James E. Guido, have imported Italian wines. In the past year, the family obtained a town license to sell the bottles directly to customers from a retail space. In September, the family opened the Tasting Room at 194 West St., in the Westview plaza near Dairy Queen.

The shop features wines from all regions of Italy and three types of virgin olive oil. The wine is sorted by body strength. Prices range from $10 up to $200, with many varieties in the $10 to $13 range. The shop will allow customers to sample the wines, said James E. Guido. Mot of the wines are from small vineyards, and available only in Italy.

Because Guido samples every wine before it is imported, he can help customers make a choice.

"We import a lot of wines, grapes that people are not aware of."

The Tasting Room is at 194 West St., Unit 1, in the Westview Plaza. 508-381-1273. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Parking is available in front.