I have lived in New Haven for 16 years. I’ve only been a big time wine nerd for 5 of those, but still feel like I can speak to the wine scene with some authority.
First, the recommendation for Mount Carmel Wine is spot on. It is by far my favorite wine shop in the area. Great selection, super knowledgeable staff, incredible deals sometimes if you poke around. Their selection of Bordeaux and Burgundy is particularly good, and while the storage conditions are not stellar, I know for a fact that many of their older bottles come from their basement. I’ve never been down there, but the conditions must be decent. I’ve taken a risk on a few older bottles back to the 80s and mostly had good luck.
Amity Wine is still around but no longer a great shop. It’s ok. Wine Thief is a nice place that I enjoy visiting. Their selection isn’t huge, but it is very well curated and they carry producers that can be hard to find. Prices are a bit on the high side, but you’re not paying for shipping, so it all evens out.
If you happen to be driving South on 95 towards NY, consider stopping by Rye Brook Wine & Spirit Shop. I’ve only been there a few times, but my impression has been that it’s a weird place. Very unassuming, mostly inexpensive mass produced stuff on the shelves, metal music blasting, and staff that know nothing about wine. But, they have an amazing online selection. None of that stuff is on the shelves though, so you have to order it ahead of time. I would suggest making an online order a week before, then call them and ask them to hold it at the counter for pick up. It’s just a few mins off the Merritt.
If you’re driving North on 95, I’d recommend taking a stop off at Coastal Wine and Spirits in Branford. It’s 99% a big box store, but has an incredible little corner in the back (on the left side) with some really fantastic stuff. I don’t really know what the deal is, but there is a really old dude who works there, who told me it was his “private selection”. I don’t really know what that means but I remember seeing Le Pergole Torte, Ferrando, Cote Rotie, nice Burgundies. I think he mentioned he is friends with Neil Rosenthal. Anyway, the store is right off the highway, so it’s worth a stop is you’re passing that way.
If you’re driving north up I-91, you can check out the selection in West Hartford. I’ve heard good things about Toast, though I haven’t been there myself. Titlted Bottles, which used to be West Side Wines, has a very nice selection. I’m rarely up in that direction though, so I have less info on that front.
Yes, there’s always NYC. But I disagree with this.
Anyone who prefers Pepe’s, Sally’s, or Modern is a noob. The best New Haven pizza is not in New Haven at all. The place to go is Zuppardi’s, which is in West Haven.
Finally, I’ll send you a PM. I’m always looking for wine friends in the area.
Welcome to the Elm City!