A Guide to Indie Wine Shops Across America

Between global tariffs, inflation, and myriad other challenges, the wine world has been going through some tough times, which means it’s more important than ever to support locally owned independent wine shops. Chances are their bottle selections have been thoroughly researched, tasted, and curated, with a staff ready to guide you to your next favorite bottle. Here’s a cross-country tour of some of the best indie retailers in America.

Northeast

Maine

Maine & Loire (Portland)

For more than a decade, Orenda and Peter Hale have operated this elegant wine shop and daytime bar (last call for counter service is 5pm) in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood. In addition to an array of under $25 picks, shelves feature a collection of natural- and biodynamic-leaning bottles from across France—the name of the shop is a play on the French region Maine-et-Loire—as well as Italian, German, U.S. wines, and carefully selected ciders and aperitifs.

Vessel and Vine (Brunswick)

Stop by this cozy neighborhood haunt to pick up specialty cheeses, handmade dolmas, or a bottle of small-production wine, beer, or cider from the rustic shelves and tables. If you have more time to spend, you can create your own snack board to nibble on while you sip a cocktail or glass of rosé or vermouth from the bar. Community-focused events include RSVP-free Vinho Verde tastings, foraging classes, cocktail workshops, and more. 

Maryland

Off the Rox (Baltimore)

Small-production and sustainable wine, beer, sake, cider, and spirits line the shelves and cold cases of this industrial-chic, family-owned business in Baltimore’s Highlandtown. Opened by Jeryl and Tyrekia Cole in 2018, Off the Rox hosts rotating in-store and rooftop tastings with local and far-flung wineries, breweries, and distillers. Its wine club, Rox Box, offers 12 handpicked bottles via quarterly memberships. 

Massachusetts

The Urban Grape (Boston)

With free wine tastings on Thursdays and Saturdays, and a unique approach to classifying wines by body rather than region or variety, this Black-owned, family-run South End wine shop prioritizes inclusivity. The wide selection includes bottles by queer, female, and BIPOC winemakers, plus New England producers, a collectors’ cellar with premier-cru Burgundy and rare sherry, $5 canned cocktails, and more. The annual Urban Grape Wine Studies Award offers three-month internships that include educational programming, mentors, and experience working at a winery in Sonoma, California, to nearby college students.

Tip Top Wine Shop (Easthampton)

Opened in 2023 in the stately Paragon Arts and Industry Building, Tip Top works with local Massachusetts distributors to source bottles from across the U.S. and around the world, with a special emphasis on family and small producers as well as natural and organic wines. Helmed by longtime friends Miranda Brown and Lauren Clark, the shop also sells amaro, aperitifs, and snacks like cheese and charcuterie boards, and hosts rotating events including tarot readings and food truck pop ups.

New York

Astor Wines & Spirits (Manhattan)

A New York stalwart since 1946, Astor was owned by the Fisher family since 1968. But in 2022, the family sold the business to its employees, and the store is now fully employee-owned. A mecca for bottles both popular and esoteric, Astor boasts a collection of more than 5,000 wines, spirits, and sakes. In 2008, the Astor Center opened on the premises offering educational classes on wine, spirits, cocktails, and beyond. Whether you are hunting for a specific bottle or simply looking to explore, the shop’s employees are happy to be your guide.

Fiasco! Wine & Spirits (Brooklyn)

Opened in 2021 by a trio of New York City bar and restaurant veterans, this stylish Crown Heights bottle shop—featured in the 2025 Imbibe 75—focuses on small production and minimal intervention wines plus spirits like Brooklyn-made amaro and mezcal from fourth-generation family distillers in Oaxaca, Mexico. Eager to keep the party going? Head across the street to the team’s wine bar, Whoopsie Daisy.  

Happy Cork (Brooklyn)

You’d be forgiven for mistaking this sunny shop on a side street in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood for the private home of an especially savvy wine and spirits collector. Friendly staffers create an inviting vibe and skillfully navigate the floor-to-ceiling shelves to help you find whatever you’re looking for, be it a biodynamic Verdejo, sparkling Argentine Malbec, or a bottle from the extensive collection of Black-owned wines and spirits, including McBride Sisters, Aslina, Maison Noir, and Brooklyn’s own Sorel liqueur.

Beaupierre Wine & Spirits (Manhattan)

In a slim space in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen lies this friendly, family-run shop opened by a husband-and-wife team of New York natives: Michelin-starred sommelier Yannick Benjamin and former David Burke beverage director Heidi Turzyn. In addition to expertly picked wines from around the world, including Burgundy at various price points, the retailer features Braille labels, a wide doorway with a ramp, and shelves accessible at all heights (Benjamin has been on a wheelchair since 2003). Beaupierre hosts complimentary wine tastings every Thursday and offers three tiers of wine club memberships with three or six monthly bottle picks.

Vermont

Wilder Wines (Burlington)

Natural and minimal-intervention bottles headline this welcoming operation in downtown Burlington, which owner Sipha Lam relocated to a larger space with a wine bar in early 2025. The retail shop features a rotating list of local and far-flung wines from small and sustainably minded producers, while the cozy, no-reservations bar serves cheeseboards, tinned fish plates, and Alsatian orange wine, Vermont sparklers, and Etna rosso by the glass or bottle. 

Washington, D.C.

Domestique

Situated between the District’s Bloomingdale and Eckington neighborhoods, this sunny shop specializes in global natural, biodynamic, and minimal intervention bottlings. The Studio Miel-furnished space is chic and welcoming, and knowledgeable staffers are happy to recommend old favorites or new arrivals, or sit back as you browse $20 co-ferments and splurge-worthy Grand Cru Chablis.

Grand Cata

There are three locations of this award-winning Latin American wine specialist in the D.C. area: the elegant flagship store that debuted in the Shaw neighborhood in 2016; a hybrid wine shop-bar within D.C.’s Latin marketplace La Consecha; and a newly opened retailer in the Mosaic District of Fairfax, Virginia. All are devoted to sourcing quality bottles from across the Caribbean and Central and South America. Grand Cata provides on-demand wine classes for as little as $35 per person and month-to-month wine club memberships.  

South/Southeast

Alabama

Golden Age Wine (Mountain Brook)

At Golden Age, just outside of Birmingham, co-owners Brandon Loper and Trent Stewart curate a (largely French) selection of wines that speak to their sense of place, with an emphasis on organic or biodynamic farming and minimal intervention in the winery. It’s a program that has earned them a James Beard nomination and plenty of local love. You’ll be sure to leave with a good story and a great wine. 

Florida

Golden Hour (Orlando)

Opened in 2021 by upstate New York transplant (and wine industry vet) Heather LaVine, Golden Hour became Orlando’s first all-natural-focused wine shop. Stocking multiple labels from her favorite makers, LaVine offers a selection ranging from the Alpine region to the Canary Islands. As a bonus, well over a hundred bottles retail for less than $25. 

Georgia

3 Parks Wine Shop (Atlanta)

Helmed by hospitality vet Sarah Pierre, 3 Parks first opened in 2013 and now boasts locations in Glenwood Park and the Old Fourth Ward. Pierre hand selects all the wines and hosts educational tastings every Wednesday. Grab a bottle from the extensive collection, including categories highlighting Black and women winemakers, or even fill a growler from wines offered on tap. 

Louisiana

Bacchanal (New Orleans)

With hundreds of wines comprising their global selection and a staff eager to make a rec, Bacchanal is a go-to spot for a bottle in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood. But with live music nearly every night of the week in their lush outdoor space, you may be tempted to enjoy your wine on site for “Nola’s backyard party.”

Really Really Nice Wines (New Orleans)

Opened in 2023 by wine and hospitality vets Miriam Matasar and Darrin Ylisto, Really Really Nice Wines lives up to its name with a collection of natural wines hand-selected by the husband-and-wife team. Come for a bottle, stay for the good vibes. 

North Carolina

Raleigh Wine Shop (Raleigh)

Serving downtown Raleigh since 2011 (and now in its huge, airy Olde East location), the Raleigh Wine Shop features an expansive selection of “honestly made” wines from all over the globe in addition to a full wine bar and even a dedicated classroom for those looking to further their wine knowledge.

Rocks + Acid (Chapel Hill)

Owned and operated by sommelier Paula de Pano, Rocks + Acid lives up to its name by highlighting terroir-driven, high-acid wines from all corners of the globe. The team also seeks out wines crafted by family-run wineries that put an emphasis on sustainability practices, as well as amplifying the work of women, immigrants, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals in the industry. So whether you grab a crisp Riesling Kabinett or a tinto from Tenerife, you’re sure to find a bottle that tells a story. 

South Carolina

Graft Wine Shop (Charleston)

Inspired equally by great wine and great music, Graft was founded by long-time friends and sommeliers Femi Oyediran and Miles White in 2018 and remains a favorite Charleston hangout. Pop by the wine bar and bottle shop for live music on Wednesdays, “Good Neighbor” Sundays with food and activities from other local businesses, or get the good stuff to go with a subscription to their Extra Sauce Wine Club. 

Midwest/Upper

Illinois

Bottles Up! (Chicago)

The longtime dream of owner Melissa Zeman, Bottles Up! opened in 2019. In addition to highlighting wines from smaller and underrepresented winemakers and organizing via her own color-coded system that groups wines by weight/body, Zeman aims to emphasize camaraderie and community by offering an affordable bottle club and hosting live events multiple times per week.

Michigan

Spencer (Ann Arbor)

Husband-and-wife team Steve Hall and Abby Olitzky opened Spencer in downtown Ann Arbor a decade ago, and the emphasis still remains on ethically sourced wine (and seasonal food to go with it). Their wine shop shelves stock hundreds of options, from “weeknight couch wines” to “deep cellar gems.”

MotorCity Wine (Detroit)

Operating since 2009, MotorCity Wine isn’t just a staple of the local scene—it helped create Detroit’s wine culture. Originally intending to open just a retail shop, founders David Armin-Parcells and Melissa Armin-Parcells noticed more and more customers wanting to linger. Now, 15 years later, the shop and wine bar hosts live music (and sizable crowds) nearly every night of the week.

Minnesota

Henry & Son (Minneapolis)

When Gretchen Skedsvold and Mark Henry relocated from New York City to Minneapolis in 2012, they began to miss wines they couldn’t find in their new market. So the husband-and-wife team opened their own shop in 2015 and now curate a selection of bottles from smaller and independent producers with an emphasis on natural and sustainable practices. 

Ohio

Oakley Wines (Cincinnati)

Taking the name of its Cincinnati neighborhood, Oakley wines aims for organic, low-intervention wines from smaller producers. Snag a bottle or sample a flight on the main floor space, or venture down to the speakeasy-style cellar for live music. 

Wisconsin

Nonfiction Natural Wines (Milwaukee)

Opened in 2020 by husband-and-wife Allie and Brad Kruse, Nonfiction now has a bright new space in the Bay View neighborhood. An eight-bottle wine bar (plus snacks made by Allie Kruse herself) complements the shops broader selection of fun and unique natural wines. 

Southwest/Mountain West

Arizona

FLG Terroir (Flagstaff)

In a second floor loft space in downtown Flagstaff, FLG Terroir stocks more than 500 labels covering wide swaths of France, Italy, and Spain, along with interesting inclusions from spots like Slovenia and even some local Arizona wines. But with just $10 corkage, an impressive by-the-glass list, and homemade ice cream on the food menu, you might just be tempted to stay.

Sauvage Wine Bar (Phoenix)

From historic French estates to contemporary Oregon wineries, the bottle selection at Sauvage represents a carefully curated selection of some of the most interesting natural wines on the market. Pair that with regular tastings with winemakers and frequent dance party vibes, and this one is a destination worth checking out. 

Atlas Wine Shop (Scottsdale)

After two decades of being immersed in food and wine through Atlas Bistro and Atlas Catering Company, owner Todd Sawyer founded the Atlas Wine Shop, highlighting locations like Champagne, Rioja, Austria, Piedmont, New Zealand, and the Western United States. For collectors and novices alike, Atlas aims to provide interesting and delicious wines for all.  

Colorado

The Vineyard Wine Shop (Denver)

Owner Clif Louis inherited a love of French wine from his father and began working as a stock boy at The Vineyard after college. After a year, he bought the store from the owner and more than three decades later it’s still going strong, offering the Denver community a broad selection of wines and in-depth classes every Saturday evening.

Nevada

Craft Wine and Beer (Reno)

In Midtown Reno, a massive selection awaits with more than 500 wines, leaning heavily toward imports and small production, as well as craft beer and spirits for those who dabble. Snag a bottle(s) to go, or stay for frequent live music or a regular drink-and-draw meet up. 

West Coast

California

Disco Ranch (Boonville)

In the heart of this very small Northern California town, 2 hours north of San Francisco, sits this celebrated roadside wine bar and shop. The repeat Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner by 40-year wine veteran and owner Wendy Lamer carries over 200 wines. It focuses on small local wineries in Mendocino County that don’t have tasting rooms and produce less than 800 cases a year. But it also boasts a handpicked inventory of sweet wines, vermouth, and Old World wines, including a $48 bottle of Champagne. They offer wine by the glass as well as tapas and specialty food to enjoy with a tasting or take to go for a picnic.

Domaine LA (Los Angeles)

At Domaine LA, the wines range from the avant-garde natural to traditional. The staff tastes each wine religiously to decide if they want to carry it or not—a practice at the store since it opened in 2009 and one of the factors owner Jill Bernheimer credits for Domaine LA’s longevity. While there are wine shops where the selection is tasted and curated, the whole staff is involved in the tasting process. Doing so “allows the whole team to really get a broad education.” 

Highland Park Wine (Los Angeles)

Putting the emphasis on wines that fall into the natural, organic, and biodynamic categories, Highland Park Wine also offers fun categories for browsing, from chillable reds and bottles that are a steal for 20 bucks and under, to “Non-myths and real legends” highlighting the people and brands doing incredible things in the world of wine and beyond. 

Lou’s Wine Shop (Los Angeles)

Often credited as the person who launched the natural wine scene in LA, Lou Amdur began his venture with a wine bar and restaurant in 2005, featuring 30 different wines by the glass every single day, until closing in 2012. In 2014, Amdur opened Lou’s Wine Shop, which famously specializes in “natural and unusual wines” and remains a beloved outpost for bottles and tastings to this day.

Vinovore (Los Angeles)

Sommelier Coly Den Haan opened Vinovore in 2017 with the aim to highlight women winemakers operating in lesser-known regions of the world. Today, her business includes two shops in the LA area in Silver Lake and Eagle Rock, and the Vinovore Vinovan that you just might spot at local events and pop-ups. Or, join the Wolfpack Wine Club to regularly discover new bottles with great stories.

Bay Grape (Oakland)

With an emphasis on communal experiences, education, and a motto to “buy cool wine from good people,” Oakland bottle shop and wine bar Bay Grape was opened by Stevie Stacionis and Josiah Baldivino in 2014 and created a hub for natural wine lovers. With the reins passed to new owners Cameron Hoppas and Lara Pearce in early 2025, Bay Grape continues to be a go-to community spot for great wine and excellent vibes.

Pacific Northwest

Oregon

Liner & Elsen (Portland)

Operating in Portland since 1998, and taken over in 2022 by a couple of the shop’s longtime employees, Liner & Elsen continues to be the go-spot for a selection both broad and eclectic. Including a sizable representation of wines from their home state, the shop covers nearly all corners of the globe with a selection numbering in the thousands. 

Mom & Pop Wine Shop (Portland)

Former restaurant professionals (and the titular Mom and Pop) Telina Rohrer and Dan Kunnecke opened a wine shop in their own neighborhood of Roseway in 2015. Their thoughtful selection of wines runs a few hundred deep, with extra consideration given to local Oregon wines. Try something new at one of their bi-weekly wine tastings. 

Washington

Little Thing (Seattle)

Proving that size doesn’t matter, Little Thing (aka Dylan Joffe and Katie Thacher) in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood offers a small inventory of hand-selected wines with a rotating selection and new things to discover every month. Their guiding belief? That wine should be fun!

Otherworld Wine Bar (Seattle)

Opened two years ago in a 114-year-old building in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, Otherworld is both a wine bar and bottle shop. Owners Matt Lucas and Ben Chaykin curate a selection that is 95 percent natural wines, and they aim to be local boosters for small producers to see the wines carried by more Seattle restaurants and distributors. 

The Thief (Walla Walla)

Located in downtown Walla Walla in southeastern Washington—itself a growing wine region—The Thief aims to provide the community with a thoughtful and diverse selection of wines, both local and global. Simply browse the shelves or join one of the shop’s four wine clubs, like the “Artful Dodger” for fun, unique options, or the “Grand Heist Cellar Builder” for ageable, collectable wines.