Gridskipper
Back in college I thought I was allergic to wine; a few glasses and I'd have a two-day hangover. But then I graduated, got a job, and was able to afford wine out of a bottle. Good bye Franzia, hello muse! But as much as I enjoy wine now, I hate the pretense that goes with it at some stores and restaurants. It's been a while since I gnawed on bark, so saying a wine has a "slightly oaky tint" doesn't tell me whether or not I'll like it. And the prices can be even more off putting. When I'm in your store at noon on a Tuesday reeking of last night, wearing a t-shirt that says "Dykes against Bush," with a cigarette butt in my hair, do I look like I'm in the market for a $30 "special occasion" wine? Here are some DC area wine stores that offer good selections at reasonable prices with minimal affectation. (photo)
The Curious Grape
4056 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206
Gridskipper already has given The Curious Grape well-deserved props for having outstanding cheeses and chocolates.… But The Grape is first and foremost a wine store, and it excels there too. Owner Suzanne McGrath treats the store like a personal wine cellar, so while The Grape doesn't have the largest selection of wines in the DC area, it does have one of the largest selections of good wines. If The Curious Grape is open, so is its free tasting bar. And the staff regularly shares its knowledge with free seminars that usually focus on the wines and cheeses of a particular region. [link]
N 38° 50.27955 W 77° 5.16790
Paul's of Chevy Chase
5205 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, DC 20015
Paul's sparse decor — shelves of wine that run from the floor to its high ceiling — is emblematic of its low prices. The outgoing staff is knowledgeable about Paul's substantial offerings and is quick… to make suggestions based on your rambling description of what you like. Paul's also has free tastings on Fridays. Bonus: Unlike many of the other stores here, which just sell wine or maybe high-end beer as well, Paul's has a good assortment of hooch. (photo) [link]
N 38° 57.25916 W 77° 5.2041
Schneider's of Capitol Hill
300 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002
Schneider's has perhaps the most passionate following of any DC-area wine store. It's a throwback to the independent, family-owned wine stores, more common before every Safeway, 7-Eleven, and roach coach hawked… vino. Fans rave about the staff's knowledge and ability to recommend a wine, as well as the store's selection. Schneider's also has a great assortment of beer and liquor. [link]
N 38° 53.40559 W 77° 0.7196
Arrowine
4508 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207
Arrowine's wines reflect a good balance of prices, regions and grapes. Its wine tastings are popular and a practical way to learn about what you're throwing down. A great assortment of cheeses and foods such as… pasta, deli meats and chocolates are also available. Sign up for its mailing list and you will receive discounts and special offers. [link]
N 38° 53.54965 W 77° 7.5527
De Vinos
2001 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
At the west end of the U Street corridor, De Vinos carries more than 1,000 wines, 100 beers, and 40 kinds of sakes. The website carries no explanation, however, of why it carries that much sake. As with everything… in this gentrifying neighborhood, the prices at De Vinos edge toward the high side. De Vino's impressive selection, knowledgeable staff, and trendy location have earned it a lot of fans. [link]
N 38° 55.1199 W 77° 2.29771
Daily Planet Wine & Gourmet
2004 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
Planet Wine's highlight is its "carefully chosen selection of 50 outstanding wines costing $15 or less." And if you're eating at Evening Star Cafe next door (which you should do — often), you can order a bottle… from Planet Wine with a corkage of only $10. Even added to the retail price, it's still a lot cheaper than a bottle of wine at most restaurants. Or you can save $10 by just buying a bottle and pounding it on the street. Either way. [link]
N 38° 49.26404 W 77° 3.29866
The Wine Specialist
2115 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
The Wine Specialist's young staff makes it popular with residents of this area between Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom. And with it's deep stock, The Wine Specialist is a popular place to get that hard-to-find bottle.… While some people complain about the prices, it should be expected given the rent in the neighborhood. The Wine Specialist also has a good selection of sakes. [link]
N 38° 54.19437 W 77° 2.51002
Comments
Uhhh... am I the only one that can't see a map? Does the emperor have not clothes!
When the emperor is a freelance contributor working from home, the emperor has no need for clothes.
No, Murph, sadly you are not alone.
hehe...perhaps there actually aren't any "DC area wine stores that offer good selections at reasonable prices with minimal affectation." i always got my shit at Cairo Liquor on 17th St. NW or at the Barrel House on 14th NW. But at that point having thirty bucks to spend on a bottle would have been a special occasion indeed...
hehe...perhaps there aren't actually any "DC area wine stores that offer good selections at reasonable prices with minimal affectation." I always got my shit at Cairo Liquors on 17th St NW or at the Barrel House on 14th. But at that time having a whole thirty bucks for a bottle of vino would have been a special occasion indeed!
Still no map, but now I am seeing double!
@William Thirteen:gosh darn it!
I guess our new psychic, straight-to-the-brain technology still has some kinks. Look for old-school venues you can actually see in a few minutes.
[crystal.typepad.com]
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... i'm assuming dupont market will be on this list. people who drink wine out of anything but coffee cups are too pretentious for me.
@John Rambow: F it. I'm heading down to 7-Eleven for some Mad Dog. And I'm not referring to Mad Dog Sangiovese either.
[www.glasgowsurvival.co.uk]
I'm down with Cairo for their beer selection : price ratio. There's always a new beer I want to try, and they're much more affordable than the other premium beer outlets in the district.
Schneiders of Capitol Hill is all you need to know.
I'm assuming the Piney Branch Safeway will be on the list, since I'm afraid of unemployment and its got the $5.99 special on Yellowtail Shiraz Cab!
@Zach: Please get me 2 of whatever you get. And how the hell did you get your hands on my prom pictures?
Wait, which of these places carries that pink Andre?
second, schneider's. love their staff.
I have a serious addiction to wine and a just as strong aversion to wine snobs, and the best place in the city I have found is Bell's Wine Shop on M St between 18th and 19th... they have great prices, a really nice selection, and a few really knowledgeable guys that work there. Definitely try to get the help of the oldest person working, because the younger guys I find to not really know what is going on. On several occassions I have spoken with the older gentlemen and find them to really know their stuff, make great suggestions, and will let you know if they have a comparable wine that is significantly less expensive. Also, they have a lot of wine tasting opportunities and are always eager to tell you about them. What can I say, I love them, love them, love them!!
I would also recommend Grand Cru in Arlington
[grandcru-wine.com]
Lots of unique wines but also offer a great menu and the ability to try any of the wines with your meal for a corkage fee.
Don't forget Ed's Wine, Cheese and Bait Shoppe in Dundalk!
What about Church Street Cellars in Vienna? If Arlington counts so should NoVa.
Wine Specialist = Wine Dictator
"You must buy this wine because I say so!"
Church Street Cellars in Vienna has become my favorite wine store in the area by far.
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