The masters of both quantity and quality run a robust wine program featuring brands from near and far. The Party Source sees its “sweet spot” for wine purchases in the $15 to $25 range, as many stores do, and scouts its distributors for interesting new wines weekly. The staff here seem to treat special orders and unusual requests as fun adventures. ♦ 95 Riviera Dr., Bellevue, (859) 291-4007
This small neighborhood spot fits perfectly in MainStrasse, offering eight wines and eight craft beers on tap, plus cocktails, by-the-glass wine pours, and local craft beer cans. It has a small food menu featuring meat and cheese charcuterie boards, small plates, and desserts. Stop by for wine tastings and wine and cigar pairings and take home your new favorite bottle. ♦ 642 Main St., Covington, (859) 360-0476
With multiple Northen Kentucky locations, this mini-chain stocks wines from across Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa as well as 15 U.S. states, including Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. There’s a big selection of Japanese sake, too. ♦ 584 Buttermilk Pk., Crescent Springs, (859) 261-8333, and other locations
Jim’s Fine Wines & Spirits
The shop sits at the busy intersection of Dixie Highway and Buttermilk Pike in the Lakeside Park area of Ft. Mitchell, but don’t let the strip-mall appearance fool you. The space was upgraded five years ago under new ownership and thrives on special orders and stocking customer favorite wineries and varietals. ♦ 2521 Dixie Hwy., Ft. Mitchell, (859) 341-5467
Formerly known as The Cork ’N Bottle, this is Covington’s answer to The Party Source in Bellevue. Small and unassuming, this bottle shop features a wide swath of wines, spirits, and hard-to-find bourbons. If beer’s more your jam, Uncorked is praised by local beer lovers for its robust selection of English, Belgian, French, and German brews. ♦ 501 Crescent Ave., Covington, (859) 655-2280
This warehouse store offers party supplies, liquor, wine, beer, and specialty foods under one massive roof and invites you to browse to your heart’s content. Why else would it have a full-service bar inside? Maybe to host bi-weekly wine and bourbon tastings, or maybe to give you a chance to rest while shopping the long aisles. ♦ 6823 Burlington Pk., Florence, (859) 371-4466
A new addition to the local wine scene, Taste opened inside a former art gallery last November. Challis and Lauren Hodge are no strangers to the Cincinnati food scene, and here you’ll find everything needed for the ultimate wine and cheese spread: wines from small producers, spirits, craft beers, cheeses, charcuterie, pantry essentials, and gifts. ♦ 16 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas, (859) 916-8488
If your idea of the ideal pairing includes a libation and cigar, this is your spot. In addition to an extensive array of liquor that includes Kentucky mainstays like Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam, the store’s shelves always feature new wines worth trying. The shop has an impressive cigar inventory sure to please even the most discerning aficionado. ♦ 10358 US-42, Union, (859) 869-0006
Edgewood locals know Valley Wine & Spirits as the place to go for a casual bourbon or bottle tasting with little pretention (and great pairings—doughnuts or Reese’s are perfectly acceptable). From wine to whiskey, you’ll find Valley Wine’s shelves fully stocked with anything your heart could desire and maybe some new-to-you pours, too. ♦ 152 Barnwood Dr., Edgewood, (859) 360-3134
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