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Photography by Kirsten Beckerman
Bin 604
Conveniently located in the complex with Whole Foods Harbor East, the compact shop features labels chosen by Jen Burger, the outgoing wine pro who also teaches tasting classes. Jen trained under store director Tony Foreman. “Every wine had to earn its place on our shelves,” she says. Her preference lies in Old World wines, but she’s open to everything. “Several categories I gravitate toward include pinot noirs, wines from the Rhone Valley, German rieslings, Spanish reds, and I have a soft spot for big Grenaches.” Jen encourages customers to try new wines rather than falling into a rut. And she wants to break down the notion that wine buying is intimidating. 604 S. EXETER STREET (410) 576-0444
Wells Discount Liquors
This mega-popular mecca for wine and spirits opened in 1937. Michael D. Hyatt, store president, staffs four smart consultants, T.J. Morton, Lee Grandes, Jason Hartsfield and David Page. Visit the shop any day of the week— except Sunday—and you’ll find one or more of these gregarious gents, wearing coat and tie, waiting to take your questions. T.J. has studied wine for nine years—his passion is traditional Old World wine from Italy, France and Spain. He says the strength of Wells stock is its vastness (over 5,000 bottles) and greatly varying price range. “We have many terrific values under eight dollars,” T.J. adds. 6310 YORK ROAD (410) 435-2700
Spirits of Mount Vernon
Step through the glass door and meet the easiest going French mastiff bulldog ever. Equally accessible are owners Vicki Schassler and Michael Hackshaw. As nonchalant as they are, the pair is extremely well versed in wine. They enjoy educating customers beyond a basic vocabulary of red versus white. Vicki loves to help neighborhood customers choose a bottle based on the night’s menu. Vicki favors wine from the Northwest, Oregon and Washington State, and also Spanish and Chilean selections. Stock represents every important world region shelf by shelf. She and Michael, a native Venezuelan, have a nice rapport with numerous distributors—they have in fact sampled and handpicked all of the 400-plus labels stocked in the small,
spotless store. 900 N. CHARLES STREET (410) 727-7270
Pinehurst Wine Shoppe
Bob Schindler and Al Schudel opened their well-loved Cedarcroft wine shop 22 years ago. Bob, previously a manager at Wells, is one of the most knowledgeable wine sellers in the biz—he regularly trades notes with wine icon Robert Parker and serves as a beverage consultant to restaurants. Bob stocks popular wines at the front of his store, which is pretty convenient if you’re following the pinot noir craze or hopping on the shiraz bandwagon (like us). Californian and French wine moves fastest at Pinehurst, but shelves boast more than 1,000 labels, each world region enthusiastically represented. 6242 BELLONA AVENUE (410) 435-5200
The Wine Source
This Hampden wine shop brings elegance to the Avenue. The store is roomy, airy and mucho organized. Ian Stalfort is a well-traveled wine consultant, on hand to field questions most weekdays. On research trips specifically for the shop, Ian has visited France, Spain, Germany and South Africa. He believes that wonderful wine is made all overthe world, but says his passion lies in wines from the Rhone Valley and Provence. Strengths of the Wine Source stock are price range, quality and origin—Ian is especially proud of the access he can provide customers to rare wines. 3601 ELM AVENUE (410) 467-7777
Vineyard Wine and Spirits
Owner Michael Fishman’s Vineyard in Federal Hill is an intimate wine shop beloved by residents in the know. Vineyard’s buyer, Denis Ryan, is an informed Australian, a serious wine enthusiast. He favors great
Aussie reds, quite naturally, but is proud to note that the shop carries 65 quality wines priced under $15 each. In addition to ultra-affordable labels, find a medium range stock of exceptional bottles of varying price tags. Denis and staff enjoy advising customers, so don’t hold back label questions. 1137 S. CHARLES ST. (410) 837-3733
Grand Cru
Owner/charmer Nelson Carey’s celebrated Belvedere Square wine shop is wine bar plus retail outlet. The bar menu offers an extensive variety of wines by the glass, but you can also pick any bottle off the shelf and, for a miniscule $5 corking cost, sip your selection in the cozy, dimly lit barroom. Find a thorough selection of boutique-style wines from the best smaller vineyards. We recommend this spot for an after-dinner weeknight toast. Live a little! Or even a lot! 527 E. BELVEDERE AVE. (410) 464-1944
Mount Washington Wine Company
This top-notch wine shop, ever so conveniently located next to Whole Foods on Falls, welcomes new selections weekly. Wine pro/owner Seth Stevens, who has a twentyyear background in buying wine for restaurants and hotels, favors traditional wines packed with distinctive regional flavor. What’s his top choice for chilly months? “I hate the name but here goes: The Hammer. It’s a blend of petite sirah, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon. It’s bold, dry and firm. Not too fruity or oaky.” The store offers a delivery service in Baltimore City as well as corporate gift services and gift baskets. 1340-E SMITH AVENUE (410) 435-7410