If you ever wondered where you can find a decent bottle of wine in Harlem we’ll have you know that you are not alone. Fortunately, the neighborhood has a few wine shops with great variety ranging from those made right here in New York State to international favorites. Here’s a crash course…
Unity Liquors at the corner of 145th and St. Nicholas sells lottery tickets and has a selection of hard liquor; however, you will more likely notice their broad selection of wines. Pam Joseph’s business specialized only in hard liquor three years ago, but she said, “Look around, this area is completely different.” She felt compelled to reflect the taste of their changing clientele’s palates and include wines for their consumption. Their wines feature a price range of $5.50 – $120.00 per bottle, and come from California, Argentina, France, Italy, and Chile. One of Joseph’s favorites is an Amarone wine, a type that is reputed as being one of the finest red wines in the world. They also recommend that you try Oberon’s Cabernet Sauvignon.
However, the other wine shops in Harlem intentionally set themselves up as wine shops because no one was meeting this need. Vintage Harlem is on St. Nicholas between 121st and 122nd streets. The price range for their wines is generally from $10 to $20 although they have wines that are much more expensive. They sell wine from a larger variety of places, including New York State wine. Reuben Fernandez, an enthusiastic employee, explained that, “due to the hard winter we just experienced, we are a little low in stock on these wines; however, New York vineyards that grow grapes in greenhouses had a good stock. These wines are more expensive and range from $15 – $30.” The shop features kosher wines and has a delivery service.
The Winery on 116th and St. Nicholas opened seven years ago. Eric White, the store’s manager, explained that the alcohol market expanded for wine overall and spurred opening this shop. Their wines were initially under $20 but have expanded in price and taste since it opened. White was excited about the possibility of managing this shop because, as he said, “I wanted to bring my extensive knowledge of wines that I acquired in midtown to Harlem.” All of the wines that they sell they actually enjoy. They have a range of 450 types of wine and when customers come in, White seeks to match them with “a wine that fits their palate.” Therefore, they recommend no favorites – it is whatever the customer desires. Their strength is in Italian and French wines, but they distinguish themselves by carrying organic and biodynamically farmed wines.
Lot No. 125 has been serving Harlem’s wine needs since 2001 on 125th between Amsterdam and Broadway. Maritza Rodriguez initially set the shop up so that it is half wine and half other liquors, now it sells more wine than liquor. They have large international and U.S. selections and have increased their Saki section to suit their Asian customers. The price range is $8.99 – $80. Her favorite wines are those that feature grape blends such as apothic wines. Rodriguez stated, “I didn’t like wines when I first started drinking them, I only liked cognac. I then started drinking sweet wines, and then my brother introduced me to blends. It was then I could appreciate dryer wines.” Many customers follow a similar path as they learn to appreciate wine, so she recommends blends to them. Lot No. 125 has a robust selection of wines and her employees know what they are doing. She has seen much change in Harlem and supports the neighborhood. She has the perfect beverage for every occasion.
Finally, Vino Fino at 1252 Amsterdam, caters to the Columbia University community. Jorge Alvarado, who is also a part-time actor, and his wife Miryam, manage the small shop. The only merchandise they carry is wine. They have been open for six years and they taste and enjoy every single wine they sell. Their price range is $10 – $60. They carry over 300 types of wine from all around the world and host wine tastings every Thursday from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Miryam Alvarado’s favorite wines are from Spain and Chile, notably wines made with Mazuela and Carmenere grapes. Carmenere is a wine that is grown in Chile. Alvarado noted, “at one time, it was thought that this grape was extinct, but was found in large quantities in Chile.” The taste is similar to Merlot.