As the countdown to major holiday festivities speeds up, youre likely making last minute preparations for your entertaining, or deciding what offerings to bring to whoever will host you. The gift of grape is usually a crowd pleaser, and there are plenty of local shops across Fairfield and Westchester Counties where the experts on hand can walk you through everything from prosecco to port. Here's a few that never miss.
Liquor LockerThis cozy wine cave is situated smack in the center of Main St. in downtown Westport, Conn. Advising wine novices and connoisseurs alike since 1968, the proprietors bring a wealth of experience to your wine shopping experience. Give these guys a dish and a price point, and theyll likely recommend just what youre looking for, even if youre not quite sure what that is. 68 Main St., Westport, Conn.
Harrys WinesA Fairfield, Conn. institution for 70 years, Harrys is a family-run, neighborhood wine shop. But dont let the small town feel fool you, Harrys staff brings international knowledge and refined expertise to the craft of wine selection. And with the 2007 addition of wine specialist Christelle Marilhet, originally of Lyon, France, Harrys has expanded its selection and knowledge of European wines. 2094 Post Rd, Fairfield, Conn.
The Wine MappA newcomer to the Greenwich, Conn. wine scene, The Wine Mapp opened its doors last month and the buzz has been big. The double p in the moniker is a nod to the techie aspect the stores concept. The Wine Mapp offers customers a smart phone app that helps pair wine with food and personal taste. In addition to the Mapps app, the proprietors also keep your purchase history in the store data base, which helps you find that really great bottle of French red with the blue label, even if you cant remember what its called. 469 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn.
Wine at FiveThis boutique wine store in the heart of Rye, N.Y. prides itself on being a little bit different. Owner Cai Palmer has created the kind of wine store, where I would like to shop, he writes. Stocked full of unknown and funky stuff that I could count on to be the perfect wine for that particular moment. 4 Purchase St., Rye, N.Y.
Wine GeeksApart from husband and wife team Derek and Carol Todds encyclopedic knowledge of wine, theres nothing geeky about this artisanal wine shop. The forward thinking wine enthusiasts put a focus on selling wines produced in organic and bio-dynamic vineyards, and have introduced Armonk, N.Y. and greater Westchester County to producers they would not otherwise encounter. 559 Main St., Armonk, N.Y.
Fountainhead WinesThe Ancona brothers of Fat Cat Pie Co. bring their love of wine to this quirky, off the beaten path their two wine outposts in Norwalk, Conn. and Bedford Hills, N.Y. Expect spirited service from the staff and prepare to move just this side of your comfort zone, as you wont find the ubiquitous California Chardonnay on Fountainheads shelves. But then the Anconas would say thats why people come to Fountainhead in the first place. 67 ½ Winfield St., Norwalk, Conn. and 19 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills, N.Y.
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