Empire used to be Capital Wines in Albany, but moved out to the burbs. It’s generally well run. I only meant that it’s the kind of store where you’re not that likely to walk in and find some hidden gem.
Drink the Grapes is really “Freeman’s Bridge Wine & Liquor”.
Applejack (enormous, some good deals, a bit out of the way)
Argonaut (best option near downtown. occasional deals and good daily drinkers)
Primo Vino (terrific shop that i’d go to all the time if i lived closer. killer italian selection, knowledgeable staff, occasional great deals)
I used to love Wine Warehouse, but the two North Tampa locations closed and not a great option for me to hit South Tampa. My last visit though…it seems their selection has been reduced. Nice prices however.
While anyone can hit Total Wine or ABC, I don’t care for Total Wine’s pricing and ABC is hit or miss based upon location, although the store at Bearss Ave and N. Dale Mabry is about the best. My preference for price AND selection is: B-21 Wine Company
43380 US Highway 19 North
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
(727) 937-5049 http://www.b-21.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
B-21 has from what I’ve seen the best selection of wines in Florida for pretty good prices. Probably weakest with Italian wines, but I don’t care much for them anyway.
They also have 6 killer themed tasting each year - August is Pinot Noir from around the world…can’t wait!!
I was at B-21 a couple of weeks ago and walked away with several bottles.
In this area, top recommendation would be:
Spring Lake Bottle Shop
1400 Third Ave
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Phone: 732-449-5525 http://www.bottleshop.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Knowledgable and friendly staff, and very good selection.
i have been able to gather all the major wineries from US in my data base
Dotcom Wine & Spirits
23 Crossroads Plaza
6117 West Hartford
Fine Wine House
901 W. Foothill, Suite A
91786 Upland
K&D Wines
1366 Madison Ave
0 New York
these are the ones which i have personally visited, i have more in the list but havent visted all of them http://www.vivino.com/shops/united-states/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Good selection, very knowledgeable staff. They are starting to stock Dressner Imports now that they are coming into Texas. Grower champagnes from Thierry Thiese and Becky Wasserman.
Twin Liquors has a chain of stores throughout central Texas. The quality of the wine selections is almost entirely at the local manager’s discretion. For that reason, I like the store at 3652 Bee Caves Road in Westlake. The manager, Peter Gatti, has a broad and deep knowledge of wine and is very approachable. His phone number is (512) 327-0315.
Otherwise, it’s a bit of a wasteland, though occasionally Whole Foods or Central Market will have a great wine at a great price.
A short drive from SFO airport is Weimax (http://www.weimax.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) in Burlingame. Small. Family owned. You won’t see any shelf talkers with rating points. You won’t find many cult wines (but they do have some) here but they do have lots of esoteric QPR wines from all over the world. Easy to find a $8-25 great QPR wine. They have a tasting bar in the back which they randomly comp.
I’m also a fan of Weimax, although I now live far enough away that I don’t get there often. It’s a very personal store, Gerald knows the wines that he sells. Wish I lived closer. I also have fond memories of a winemaker dinner he organized at a restaurant called L’Escargot around the corner on California.
For anyone looking to buy wine while they are in Florence, Italy, Enoteca Bonatti is definitely the best. A bit outside of the historical city center, but your prices, selection and advice will be way better. If you are in town while the weather is nice, check their site because they have great free tastings every Thursday night.
I am not a New Yorker, but go there a few times a year and always look for wine stores and BYOBs. If you are in the East Village or Lower East Side, two stores I would recommend are: Tinto Fino on 1st Ave (near 6th St, I think)
For Spanish wine only. They have an excellent, well organized selection and great, friendly service.
Another eclectic store for good recommendations and quality wines on their shelves is September Wines at Ludlow and Stanton. We spent over an hour chatting with folks in there about wines and that is always a good sign.
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