This is the coolest shop we went to all year. Located in the back of hip, Italian-ish restaurant Jon & Vinny’s, Helen’s is small, but its selection is killer. Curated by Helen Johannesen, beverage director for Jon & Vinny’s as well as the group’s other restaurants (Animal, Son of a Gun), the bottles at Helen’s are available to take away Read more...

New York City is flush with wine shops, many of which possess enormous selections — with oversized staff egos to match. Dandelion is not one of these NYC wine shops. The beautifully curated selection emphasizes warm service and incredible wines under $25, making it a go-to for those in the neighborhood and across Brooklyn. Employees are extremely helpful, providing an Read more...

One of those shops you just want to root for, this Capitol Hill “wine boutique” is a D.C. institution. Co-owners Michael and Michelle Lim Warner launched the business simply based on their shared love of wine, and DCanter offers a wide selection of bottles, as well as a slate of classes and events held at the onsite tasting room. VinePair Read more...

As the city and its restaurant scene continue to evolve, Atlanta is one of the most exciting cities for wine. Named for its location at the intersection of Atlanta’s Grant, Glenwood, and Ormewood Parks neighborhoods, 3 Parks is committed to building a passionate wine community. There are free weekly wine tasting classes and a wine club. The selection emphasizes small-production, Read more...

Tampa is consistently one of the most passionate wine cities in the South, and Redneck Wine Company fuels that fire. VinePair survey respondents say they never feel intimidated or pushed to buy an uncomfortable price point in this welcoming shop, where knowledgeable staffers offer tastings and educational experiences. All in all, a wonderful neighborhood destination dedicated to its community. Read more...

Opened just over a year ago in West University, this Houston gem is another combination wine shop/wine bar. Helmed by Patrick McCray, chef-owner of Montrose’s Divino restaurant, and Divino wine director Thomas Moesse, the hybrid space pours a number of wines by the glass and has a 300-bottle retail selection. The list to purchase includes global, dessert, and sparkling wines, Read more...

Located above Wilridge, an urban winery in Madrona, and situated alongside a cozy wine bar (also called Bottlehouse), this shop is a Seattle institution. It’s the ideal place to learn how wines go from grape to glass while sampling an excellent selection of bottles from local Pacific Northwestern producers and global estates. One of the first shops to embrace wine Read more...

This is the coolest shop we went to all year. Located in the back of hip, Italian-ish restaurant Jon & Vinny’s, Helen’s is small, but its selection is killer. Curated by Helen Johannesen, beverage director for Jon & Vinny’s as well as the group’s other restaurants (Animal, Son of a Gun), the bottles at Helen’s are available to take away Read more...

Akin to an excellent record store (remember those?), Independent Spirits is the type of shop that both serves and embodies its neighborhood. Embracing maker culture, and highlighting small and independent producers, Independent Spirits is where you go when you want to discover that unsung gem of a wine that will knock the socks off you and everyone you know. The Read more...