I live in Atlanta and this covers many a mile. Issue is, just getting into this, wine, I am lost as to where to go, what would make a good supplier, and I do not want to limit myself to explorations.
So, considering a good wine store seems to be vacant, is there a good supplier online? There are many different possibilities, I just would like to “cut to the chase” and get some recommendations as to who would be best. I feel like I am calling for Hansel and Gretel and would like to make this a better option for myself and my wife.
Can you tell us a little about what kind of wine you and your wife like right now? That would help with suggestions.
In general, I would find a good local wine shop and get to know the wine buyer. Explain that you are starting to take wine more seriously and ask for suggestions.
For specific suggestions:
If you are interested in the wines of the Pacific Northwest, you should check out Avalon Wine (https://northwest-wine.com/). They have a great selection of wines from Oregon and Washington. Just keep in mind that you will probably only be able to take delivery twice per year, in the Spring and Fall when the temperature is moderate.
If you are interested in wines from outside to U.S., you should contact the guys at Uva Imports (https://www.uvaimports.com/) since they are based in Atlanta too. In full disclosure, the owner is a friend of mine, but Uva imports a wonderful selection of wines from small family-owned wineries in Italy (with a particular focus on Piedmont), France (Loire, Burgundy, Champagne), and New Zealand. I’ve tasted most of his catalog at this point, and it’s been a nice way to get a curated introduction to some of these regions. Since they are local to you, I’m sure they could help you find local wine shops that carry their wine.
Not following as there’s several good wine stores around Atlanta for getting exposure into wine. Brookhaven Wine, Hinton’s, Highland Fine Wine, Tower, etc.
No shade, but the initial post reads a bit like it’s a bot or AI. Could you as others have asked give a little background about wines you currently enjoy, etc.?
Robert, there are some Berserkers in Atlanta that gave some local shop reccomendations in this thread: moving to Atlanta. The benefit to having someone local versus buying online is they can guide you to different producers and regions and discuss with you in-person. I found that immensely helpful starting out.
As you’re doing that, you can read WineBerserkers and pick up additional information on bottles/producers/regions you’d like to try.
I work with an online retail shop and would love to help you out, whether it be providing information and advice, or being a source of wine for you. I sent a private message with more info to you! Just wanted to give you a heads up as it seems you are new to the platform.
Robert, at the stage you’re in, just sampling is probably going to be your best strategy. Which means going to tastings! Fun and educational . Hopefully some of those Atlanta area wine shops host tastings. Some of our local ones in California do them weekly.
Once you start to figure out what you like, there are lots of larger, well supplied retailers (online/offline) that you can start to work with. MacArthur (www.bassins.com) in DC and Morrell in NYC have broad offerings though there are many east coast shops you can buy from (assuming they can ship to Georgia). Shipping from NY/DC will be a lot cheaper than shipping from the west coast.
I don’t generally buy much wine locally. I try a few from TJs and Costco, every once in a while from locals. My friend and neighbor doesn’t drink wine. However, he used to be in the restaurant business, and still buys wine for his wife. His recommendations are Corners Fine Wine and Spirits on Peachtree pky, in Peachtree corners. He also reccomends Beverage World in Doraville on Peachtree industrial blvd. I used to go there a lot, but mostly for beer.
The key in the area, as mentioned above, is to develop a relationship with the place. My friend buys mostly Italian reds, and expensive champagne.
Another ATL guy here: Agree w/ @Andrew_K : The Wine Shore in Alpharetta (formerly Hinton’s, formerly Bin 75) and Tower on Piedmont are good places to start. The former does all kinds of tastings.
I favor establishing relationships with actual humans at a local shop when you are starting out and exploring. Well worth paying a little more to speed up your learning curve/enjoyment, compared to buying online.
Though more pricey than Tower, the Perrine’s shops around Atlanta have consistently good and eclectic wines and knowledgeable staff, particularly for Burgundy and Bubbles.
Once you know what you really like, you may go down the rabbit hole of online wine shopping for rarities/special bottles, but you don’t need to at the beginning of your wine explorations.
100% agree with you. Problem is, the Atlanta area is so wide that it often takes one + hours to drive to a location in the hopes it is more than a Boones Farm dispensary.
Went to one place last Sunday, looked promising but when recommendations came, the reality of this choice was against and contrary to what was requested.
Just would like to find the most realistic options and accurate accurate suggestions that fit what is asked.
. Hopefully some of those Atlanta area wine shops host tastings. Some of our local ones in California do them weekly.