These Are the 8 Best Wine Shops in the Country
There's more to these small wine retailers than just the bottles on their shelves.
Put aside any preconceived notions you may have about local wine shops. Today's wine experts are reinventing the retail game by cultivating spots that prioritize educating guests and creating a sense of community—all while offering great bottles of vino. What was once a seemingly a transactional space has turned into an an experience that has oenophiles and curious drinkers wanting to come back to time and time again.
While some of the best wine shops in the U.S. may stay with tradition, specializing in signature varietals from Napa Valley or bubbly sips grown in Italy, others explore the wondrous world of natural wine and highlight selections from under-the-radar regions. What they both have in common are the brilliant staff members ready to aid on your wine quest and the thoughtfully curated bottles lining the shelves. And, one can't overlook the shop's interiors that invite you in to cozy up on a banquette with a glass of your favorite wine in hand. Below, our picks for the best wine shops in the U.S. (that also happen to be some of the most beautiful spots to sit and sip).
Domestique; Washington, D.C.
One of the leaders of the natural wine movement, Domestique exclusively sells wines that are made with organic or biodynamic grapes and fermented only with native yeast and minimal sulfur. With such thought into the wine selections, each bottle landing on the shelves of the Washington, D.C. shops feels unique and offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Golden Age Wine; Mountain Brook, Alabama
Nestled in verdant Mountain Brook, Alabama, Golden Age Wines is a low-intervention wine bar and shop catering to wine lovers of all levels. Curious minds are invited to spend the afternoon learning about the latest wines taking over the industry. Whether you prefer a funky orange or a crisp Sancerre, owners Trent Stewart and Brandon Loper will help you find a bottle of that will likely become a new favorite.
Wilder Wine; Burlington, Vermont
The brainchild of Sipha Lam, Wilder Wine highlights natural and sustainable wine from overlooked regions in the world at their quaint brick-and-mortar. Any pretentiousness is left at the door with Lam welcoming visitors to ask questions and engage in discussions that focus on the industry. Pay special attention to the shop's unique offerings from underrated locales such as Croatia and Vermont, itself—we doubt you'll be disappointed.
The London Place; Seattle
Wine, flowers, and pastries—The London Place may just be our version of paradise. The multi-hyphenate mainstay in Pioneer Square carries an impressive line of family-owned, small-production wines from across the world that you can enjoy in the shop or at home. The shop even curates "care packages" that include a bottle of the staff's favorite bubbly, a delicious sweet from the bakery, and a sweet bouquet.
haley.henry; Boston
Awarding-winning sommelier Haley Fortier takes a more laid-back and welcoming approach to wine culture at haley.henry located in the heart of downtown Boston. The bar and shop aims to educate guests on the wonders of small-production wines while making sure they have a laugh along the way.
Keife and Co.; New Orleans
Keife and Co. has all the charm of an old-school wine shop, yet it boasts the variety and atmosphere of a contemporary wine bar. Every single wine lining the floor-to-ceiling shelves of this New Orleans institution is hand-selected by owners John Keife. They also offer an array of cheeses, cured meats, and pantry goods ensuring you'll have all the ingredients for the perfect wine night board.
Flor Wines; Portland, Oregon
Portland-based restaurateurs Andy Fortgang and Sergio Licea launched Flor Wines to create a welcoming space for people connect over a fantastic bottle of wine. Similar to a book shop, guests are encouraged to browse every shelf and work with the talented staff to discover lesser-known varieties.
Peoples; New York City
Stepping into this Lower East Side staple feels as though you're entering the hottest art gallery in town—except it's about natural wine. Part shop and bar, Peoples offers a more curated and condensed tasting offering while the minimalist cabinetry houses varietals from around the world.
Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.
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