Maybe you’re hosting a last-minute dinner… or you’ve got a date with your favorite Chinese takeout and Netflix. Either way, it calls for a toast—and that means a wine run. With friendly staff and funky bottles (not to mention some really great deals), these are our eight favorite wine shops in Brooklyn.
8 Essential Wine Shops in Brooklyn
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Published Jul 13, 2018
Slope Cellars (park Slope)
When a neighborhood liquor store shut its doors, Slope Cellars’ proprietress took matters into her own hands—and bought the place. Now you can expect an impressive selection of French bottles and sherries, along with frequent (and free!) two-hour tastings, usually held Thursday through Sunday.
436 Seventh Ave., Park Slope; slopecellars.com
Henry’s (bushwick)
Born out of an impossibly tiny storefront, this boutique specializes in low-intervention wine and small-batch spirits. Whether you’re looking for a rare French red (that costs, um, $945), a more manageable Argentinean Malbec… or you just want to taste some terroir firsthand, consider this cozy shop your best bet. And don’t let the small space or unfamiliar bottles intimidate you: The knowledgeable staff will be your best friend at Henry’s.
69 Central Ave., Bushwick; henrys.nyc
Thirst Wine Merchants (fort Greene)
The husband-and-wife team behind this natural wine store works exclusively with independent winemakers, and the small-batch selections mean you might never have the same bottle twice—but here, that’s a very good thing. Whether it’s an oxidized Georgian bottle or a hard-to-find pétillant-naturel, you’ll taste something new (and delicious) every single time.
11 Greene Ave., Fort Greene; thirstmerchants.com
Corkscrew Wines (clinton Hill)
Come for the robust selection of under-$25 bottles; stay for the super-friendly staff and curated weekly tastings. We’d be remiss not to mention the shop’s emphasis on female producers, as well as its rotating selection of wine packs (at wallet-friendly prices, no less).
489 Myrtle Ave., Clinton Hill; corkscrewbrooklyn.com
Dandelion Wine (greenpoint)
With a heavy focus on biodynamic artisanal bottles, this Greenpoint institution is your go-to for what’s guaranteed to be an interesting bottle of wine. Step out of your comfort zone with a funky, bubbly pét-nat or stick with a beloved under-$25 bottle. (Psst: The store also has a CSA pickup, if that’s your jam.)
153 Franklin St., Greenpoint; dandelionwineshop.tumblr.com
Uva Wines And Spirits (williamsburg)
Trust us: It’s worth slogging on the L train and wading through the throngs of Bedford Avenue hipsters to get to this gem. Why? The plethora of Old World wines, especially from France, Germany and Italy. Grab a bottle of Beaujolais or an equally delicious domestic in the under-$15 price range.
199 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg; uvawines.com
Smith & Vine (carroll Gardens)
There are two things you need to know about this Carroll Gardens institution that stocks value standbys and unusual bottles alike: 1) It’s owned by the same people behind the beloved cheese shop Stinky Bklyn (which happens to be down the street for convenient pairing purposes). And 2) It offers 10 percent off all bottles from 6 to 9 p.m. Need we say more?
317 Smith St., Carroll Gardens; smithandvine.com
Vanderbilt Wine Merchants (prospect Heights)
Take a handy labeling system that features helpful tasting notes, add a knowledgeable staff and offerings in every budget… and you won’t be able to wait to pop open your chosen bottle. Thankfully, Prospect Park is just a stroll away. Picnic, anyone?
573 Vanderbilt Ave., Prospect Heights; vanderbilt.wine
