inexpensive wine near Somerville, Massachusetts (or Cambridge)? [moved from Wine]

[somervilleoldtimer]

I've been given a list of wines to purchase for an event. They're mid-level -- Woodbridge, Yellowtail, etc. Where's the cheapest store in the 'hood? Everyone I know goes to Kappy's in Wellington Circle, but I have no idea whether its reputation as cheap is justified. I've driven past another large liquor store on Mystic Valley Parkway. How is that? And then a friend buys his wines at the liquor store next to Whole Foods by the Fresh Pond Rotary, which just occurred to me. Maybe that's where I should go. Thanks for your input.

CHOW moderators: As I wrote this, it occurred to me that it should probably be on the greater Boston list, but I don't know how to move it. Sorry, and thanks.

[weg]

Wine and Cheese Cask on Washington Street is my go to store. They have a 15% discount on whole cases or 10% on mixed cases. I think that they will be able to point you to wine that is the same price as Woodbridge or Yellowtail (which they carry) but is better.

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Wine and Cheese Cask
407 Washington St, Somerville, MA

[cambridgedoctpr]

the wine and cheese cask also has 20% quarterly sales. They aim to find good wines at the low end, and Steve and Dan- the owner - and Jim are very knowledgeable.

[kimfair1]

The new Marty's big buys in Allston (North Beacon ST where the Hollywood video used to be) has great prices, and a very nice selection. Example, Mark West Pinot Noir $11.99 at Marty's in Newton $9.99 at Marty's big buys. I'm not sure they have Yellowtail, as I swasn't looking for it, though they had the 1.5 liter Cavit Pinot Grigio for less than $12.

[okra]

Do you have to buy by the case at Marty's Big Buys?

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Marty's Big Buys
103 N Beacon St, Allston, MA 01234

[kimfair1]

Nope, I bought just two bottles of a nice Spanish red there the other day for $8.99 a bottle. I had it at a friends house, and liked it. he paid about $12 for it at his local liquor store.

[smtucker]

I have done well calling around and getting case prices when throwing a big event. Phone quotes let you know where you should go before leaving the house. Not a cheap option, but the wine store in Lower Newton Falls used to [many years ago now] sell me wine at competitive case prices and then buy back what I didn't use.

[pemma]

I find that Kappy's Wellington Circle is generally cheaper than most other places. It's definitely cheaper than the store next to Whole Foods at Fresh Pond (although they do have pretty good sale prices.) You are probably not going to find a place where every single brand you buy is going to be cheapest, but I think at Kappy's you will generally come out at the low end.

[yarm]

Atlas Liquors in Medford (and 2 other locations) has excellent prices across the board. Better than Kappy's and the rest (although you will find exceptions here and there), although you'll find more obscure stuff in the better stores.

[franksnbeans]

Second Atlas Liquors. They're helpful too.

[westside1izzy]

Spot next to Whole Foods Fresh Pond is Cambridge Wine and Spirits. Great prices and very helpful staff. PS...Yellowtail is not mid-level and you can find it anywhere and it will always be about the same price.

[somervilleoldtimer]

I'm sure you're right about the mid-level-ness. Just goes to show what plonk I usually drink!

[yumyum]

I like shopping at Kappy's, and Sav Mor, but the best prices I've found are at Fresh Pond liquors, in the rotary.

Trader Joe's is another good rec, but if you have specific wines to get, you might not be able to find them there.

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Trader Joe's
1427 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

[Fly]

Not "in the rotary", as there are two places there: Sav-Mor on the old Kappy's side, near Trader Joe's, and Fresh Pond next to Whole Foods. You're recommending the one next to Whole Foods.

It is indeed a great store.

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Trader Joe's
1427 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

[yumyum]

Right right -- I mean the one next to the Whole Foods mother ship. Thanks for the clarification.

[tdaaa]

"Mall Discount Liquors" - also has a nice upscale beer selection and reasonable prices on hard liquor.

Actually, just saw the post below... I guess they changed their name when they expanded.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

That's the place. BIg selection, lots of stuff on special, helpful staff.

[STL BOS]

If you need to buy in bulk, I would suggest taking a trip to one of the NH stores (I think you can check prices online)

I like the Trader Joe's on Memorial for well-priced wine but they may not carry exactly what you are looking for.

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Trader Joe's
1427 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476