Photograph by Devyn Glista
Tucked away in Glendale’s Village Square, Village Wines has a wide selection of wines for all budgets and tastes. Enjoy a glass at the bar in the Piccolo Wine Room (which also features a small plates menu) or stop by for the weekly Friday night tastings. ♦ 23 Village Square, Glendale, (513) 771-6611
Owner David Pustinger says his wine shop’s Thursday night tastings are “like Cheers.” It serves as a stop for wine enthusiasts from both near and far who enjoy discovering and purchasing unique and familiar wines from a welcoming and knowledgeable staff. Shop red, white, sparkling, sweet, rosé, and more wine varietals online or in-store. ♦ 11920 Montgomery Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 583-8163
Dilly Bistro, Bar & Bottle Shop
Pop in for a bottle and carryout or stay for a meal inside Dilly’s spacious dining room or on the patio while sipping on a bottle from its shop (for a corkage fee). From hosting the Xavier men’s basketball coach’s live radio show to local musical acts on its stage, this is a full-service, one-stop-shop for wine lovers and foodies alike. ♦ 6818 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, (513) 561-5233
Specializing in wines from Macedonia and the Balkan region, Fine Wine’s wine club will supply you with two bottles every month. If you like to drink with others, stop in to sip on a glass at the bar while perusing the food menu, featuring charcuterie, flatbreads, and more. And don’t forget to check out the discounted Wines of the Week, or the Thirsty Thursday weekly tastings. ♦ 6223 Montgomery Rd., Pleasant Ridge, (513) 429-2822
Iris Read stocks the latest natural wines for you to try at the bar or purchase by the bottle. The East Walnut Hills shop also regularly hosts tasting events and pop-ups, and natural wine fans can join the “Wine Clique,” a monthly subscription box with tasting notes and descriptions. ♦ 733 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, (513) 493-2270
Northside’s wine lovers know the beloved Loon (formerly The Listing Loon) is the perfect place to get cozy with a tall glass. Loonies frequent the bar not just for the excellent curated vino selection—it also has a wine club for Northside’s oenophiles—but for intimate music performances and monthly community-building events like book clubs, writers’ meetings, and watercolor nights.♦ 4027 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 429-2010
When you shop at this family-owned wine store in the Clifton Gaslight District, owner Mike Anagnostou will ensure you have a great personal experience. He and his friendly staff members will be more than happy to guide you and help find the perfect bottle. There are also popular tastings on Fridays and Saturdays and free delivery is provided to any shoppers in the neighborhood. ♦ 343 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, (513) 751-3727
Frequent Findlay Market shoppers know that this is the place to go when you need to find that perfect wine to pair with fresh local food. Owner Michael Maxwell offers about 700 wines from all over the world, but if the selection is overwhelming, you can always try some curated picks at the beloved weekly tastings or enjoy a single glass pour while watching the hustle and bustle outside. ♦ 128 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 744-9888
Owner Lynn Love worked for and was mentored by Michael Maxwell for several years before opening the Walnut Hills location of Market Wines so you’ll get the same top-notch service to help you find a favorite, whatever your preferences. Weekend wine tasting experiences are available by reservation. ♦ 767 E. McMillan St., East Walnut Hills, (513) 221-0287
Home to a polished wine bar, an expansive cellar with more than 400 bottles for purchase, and the Cincinnati Wine Academy, Vinology is the place to taste, buy, and learn about wine under one roof. The tasting bar features more than 20 wines as well as a build-your-own charcuterie board menu. ♦ 3181 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 376-9394
VV Express
This summer, VV The Italian Experience in Mt. Lookout jumped into the wine shop game with VV Express. The new store—located next door to its older sibling— carries wines from all 20 regions of Italy, representing the country’s regional varietal diversity. Drop by after dinner and you’re sure to find a special bottle of vino to pair with your next Italian meal at home. ♦ 1028 Delta Ave., Mt. Lookout, (513) 485-4007
Come for one of the largest selections of Champagne in the country and stay for the wine tastings, events, and good company. Water Tower also plays host to private and group events, specializing in the curation of selections for weddings, birthdays, showers, and other special occasions. ♦ 6136 Campus Ln., Mt. Washington, (513) 231-WINE (9463)
You can procure 10- to 20-year-old wines in a historical setting at this outlet located within Longworth Hall. Here, you can find unique selections of many varietals from all over the world at near-unbeatable prices. For more adventurous drinkers, you can also get 12-bottle mystery cases for around $100. And keep an eye on the store’s event calendar for frequent complimentary sampling events. ♦ 700 W. Pete Rose Way, Unit 1-E, Suite 124, downtown, (513) 929-0651
If you’re looking for the perfect wine to match your meal, The Wine Merchant specializes in food pairings and even has a tab on its website with suggestions. In addition to the large bottle selection (local delivery and curbside pickup available), the shop offers ticketed tasting events and multiple wine club subscription options. ♦ 3972 Edwards Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-1515
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