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Boston's Best Wine Stores

Liquor Stores are, of course, fairly common in any big city, with Boston being no exception to this rule. Attempting to track down a specialized wine store in the city could prove a bit more complicated, however, given the hobby's comparative low profile to beer or spirits. Great fine wine stores do indeed exist in Boston, they just take a little detective work. Here are some of Boston's best wine stores.
Boston Wine Exchange
(Photo Credit: Boston Wine Exchange)

Boston Wine Exchange
181 Devonshire St.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 422-0100
www.bostonwineexchange.com

The Boston Wine Exchange caters not only to fine wine aficionados, but also to proud beer snobs of all ages. This grand liquor location between Milk and Franklin Streets also employs a number of beer and wine specialists amongst its number, ensuring that smart, friendly service will be part and parcel along with the Boston Wine Exchange's noted selection and variety. No matter what the poison is, chances are pretty good that Boston Wine Exchange has it covered with ease.

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The Wine Bottega
(Photo Credit: The Wine Bottega)

The Wine Bottega
341 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 227-6607
www.thewinebottega.com

This North End wine spot is notable right from the get-go as an establishment which is run by dyed-in-the-wool fans of wine; passionate devotees and aficionados of the almighty grape who sell their vintages at an affordable price, many bottles arriving with a price tag under a 20 spot. Higher-end brands of wine are also for sale at The Wine Bottega, while this Hanover Street store also offers wine tasting events designed to broaden the palates of fellow wine fans.

V Cirace & Son
(Photo Credit: V Cirace & Son)

V Cirace & Son
173 North St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 227-3193
www.vcirace.com

V Cirace & Son is also located in the North End and holds a similarly positive reputation amongst the city's passionate and devoted "wine snobs," combining selection and knowledge in a manner which makes it, according to many, one of the finest liquor stores in Boston. V Cirace & Son does indeed know its wine and feels comfortable sharing its passion for wine with customers, including getting together the perfect looking gift or basket for any occasion. Italian wine serves as a specialty for V Cirace & Son, a go-to place for those who worship this fermented, crushed grape beverage.

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Wine generic
(Credit: Thinkstock)

The Wine Emporium
607 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 262-0379
www.thewineemporiumboston.com

Heading to the South End for a bit, this Tremont Street location goes by the title The Wine Emporium, and with good reason, for this place enjoys a large and varied stock of wine, beer and spirits, not to mention all of the required materials for any cocktail one could imagine. The Wine Emporium is affordably priced for wine and beer fans who may not exactly be willing to break the bank for their particular, favored brand of spirits. What's even better is the fact that The Wine Emporium staff is perfectly happy to special order beer and wine for its valued customers. This one provides big liquor store selection with local prices to equal one in the win column.

Social Wines
(Photo Credit: Social Wines)

Social Wines
52 W. Broadway
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-2974
www.socialwinesbos.com

Staying south for this final example of fine Boston wine stores, Social Wines is a fair example of what one might envision when thinking of a "higher end" wine store. Social Wines is run by experts, as evidenced by the numerous tastings and special events held within the store, and it shows. This classy wine store possesses almost any sort of stock any self-respecting aficionado might desire. Craft beer is also proudly sold here at Social Wines, falling in quite nicely with the store's upscale vibe and atmosphere.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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