wine shop recommendations?

[badhat]

just moved to seattle from portland, and am looking for a good wine shop. ideally, a place that stocks great local and unusual wines at reasonable prices (pdx probably spoiled us in this regard). would be extra nice to find a place in the capitol hill/madison park area, but am willing to travel for a great deal/great selection.

thanks!

[kaleokahu]

Hi, badhat:

The "elder statesmen" of wine shops are McCarthy-Scheering (Wedgewood and upper QA), Champion (1st & Denny), and Madison Park Cellars. Their longevity is indicative of their knowledge, selection and quality.

Aloha,
Kaleo

[Kakkerlak]

Even though it's been a month since the last post on this topic, I want to suggest that Fremont Avenue Cellars (aka Fremont Wine Warehouse, not to be confused with the one near the I-5) reminds me the most of Portland Wine Merchants in the Hawthorne District.

http://fremontwines.com/

The proprietor was the wine steward at the late Red Apple Market (in roughly the same location) and focuses on under-$25 bottles with an emphasis on Northwest producers.

[Bada Bing]

Can anyone say which Seattle wine shops might be interested in pretty high end (port) wines for consignment sale?

[Charles]

I'm not sure if state liquor laws would allow this. With all the changes coming in the next few months you might want to bide your time and see how things play out.

[Bada Bing]

Interesting issue. Thanks for the heads up. I live out of state and just come here once or twice a year to visit family, so I have no idea about the legal stuff...

[Olympia Jane]

We appreciate vintage port in our household! There is a birthday celebration coming up, so the purchase of a fine bottle of port make a fine gift. If it is something you have with you, maybe we could meet while you are in the Seattle area?

[Bada Bing]

I'm visting relatives in Lacey, near Olympia. The only port I have that is old enough to drink presently is a 1985 Fonseca. The others are 1994s by Taylor, Fonseca and others--superb vintage, but those wines are jail bait in port drinking terms!

[badhat]

Thanks to everyone for your replies! Clearly, we need to visit all of the shops mentioned in order to compare... which sounds like a perfect way to spend the holiday season :)

[cocktailhour]

We go to Pike & Western in Pike Place and McCarthy & Schiering on QA, which is not convenient to the neighborhoods you mention. I think Pete's is a good choice for you. And we will see how much it changes with the new law!

[gingershelley]

a newer place that I am growing fond of quickly is Wine World, just West of I-5 at 45th in Wallingford. You might call it a wine warehouse, it is sooo big, but comfortable, with a good layout; divided by country and region and varietals. Nice seating; a room for private tastings, etc.
Lot's of tasting days as well.
I understand they are going to be carying specialty liquor when the new law goes into effect as well.
Used to go to Esquin, but after a few bum steers from them, I have been happily shopping at Wine world now for several months and have not been disapointed yet by a purchase there.

[firecracker]

Esquin has a terrific selection as does Pete's Eastlake and Pete's Bellevue. To support a small local business, I suggest Grape Choice in Kirkland.

[DonJ]

Try Leschi Market for a good wine store near Madrona. Great selection and good prices (10& off 6 bottles or more.)

[Lauren]

For reasonably priced wines we like Wine Outlet. The inventory rotates depending on what deals he has going so you're not always going to find the same thing each time. http://www.seattlewineoutlet.com/

For a good selection try Wine World. http://wineworldwarehouse.com/

[Charles]

I really like 12th & Olive Wine Shop. Steven is Bery knowledgable and always tries to have unusual cases in stock @ good prices