Astor is a bona fide wine megastore. Offering plenty of walking space between its vino-verdant shelves, Astor is a tranquil respite from the crowded chaos of lower Manhattan where you’re able to peruse thousands of potables, both common and obscure, from around the world. And if you like what you taste, speak up: Astor offers a 20 percent discount on any wine and a 10 percent discount on any spirit that’s poured the day of the tasting.
Tastings info: Free in-store wine and spirits tastings are held daily—just check the website for exact times.
It’s not hard to find a wine store throughout the five boroughs—there are hundreds of ’em. But only a select few encompass the hard-to-find features that make the best liquor stores truly great. What are the hallmarks of an assuredly epic wine store? Helpful staff members eager to share their practiced-but-not-preachy knowledge; an impressive selection of vinous (and spirituous) bottles ranging in country, varietal and price point; stellar consumer education programs featuring frequent (and free) in-store tastings, monthly newsletters and organized classes. We found the best right here in New York City, perfect for when you don’t have time for entire drinking day trips. You’ll know exactly what to order the next time you visit the city’s best wine bars.