5 of the Best Wine Shops in Manhattan

5 of the Best Wine Shops in Manhattan

Whether you’re a serious wine drinker or a complete novice, New York City is well equipped with wine stores in just about every neighborhood. Manhattan wine shops stock bottles for every budget too, and many provide free tastings, with experts on hand to help you learn more about the art of making and drinking wine. From rare bottles to selections from local winemakers, find your favorites at these wine shops in Manhattan.

Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette St

Offering one of the most comprehensive wine collections in the city, Astor Wines should top every wine lover’s list. Beyond it’s sprawling emporium in NoHo, the business has one of the most comprehensive websites of any wine shop in town. So if you can’t get to the store, browse virtually and shop from home.  Features like “tasting notes,”  “glossary of terms,” and suggestions in the “You may also enjoy” section on each page, make shopping a snap. Known for budget bottles, with a solid selection retailing for less than $10, Astor offers case discounts for in-person shoppers. Plus, free delivery is standard in New York City with minimum purchases.

Acker Merrall & Condit Company, 160 W. 72^nd St

Founded in 1820, this Upper West Side outpost prides itself on its history and varied wine collection. As America’s oldest wine shop, Acker Merrall provides auctions, education, tastings, and wine clubs, in addition to a knowledgeable staff. Find a large selection of bottles under $20, as well as many choices from well-known producers like McManus, Martinelli, and Penfolds. Get your purchase delivered on a moment’s notice, a big plus when living in NYC.

Millesima, 1355  2^nd Ave

Hortense Bernard of the Bernard family runs a tight ship and provides topnotch service in a no-pressure atmosphere at this Upper East Side shop, a go-to for its Bordeaux collection. Each wine is tasted and selected by the wine experts at Millesima, so know that every bottle promises high quality for a great value. In addition to the large French selection including Burgundy and Champagne, you’ll find a lineup of unusual Italian bottles and various wines from around the globe. Be sure to check out the back wall with a budget-friendly selection of bottles for less than $15.

Crush Wine & Spirits, 153 E 57^th St

The Midtown stop stores all bottles properly, on the side, and temperature control is always a priority. Discover wines from small producers as well as rare vintages, one of the largest fortified wine collections in town, and an extensive selection of large format wines. Be sure to take advantage of the expert staff, always on hand to serve and share their experiences. Many folks who work at Crush are certified sommeliers or food and wine pros.

Union Square Wines, 140 4^th Ave

There’s no shortage of labels at this downtown wine shop, especially for nearby NYU students on a budget. Weekly tastings of wines from around the world, as well as food and wine events bring in locals. Especially known for  “mega-tastings” with 18-30 wines for sampling, and “hyper-tastings,” at which the store pours upward of 80 wines, Union Square Wines is know as a wine tasters paradise, and rightfully so. The store even features Enomatic machines so wine aficionados can taste to their heart’s content. Most tastings are free of charge too. (No events are currently scheduled, so check back .)

Do you have any favorite wine shops in Manhattan?

Also, Goodbye to Manischewitz and some of my favorite wines are from Piedmont, Italy.

Plus a wine tasting party with friends.