Small wine and spirits merchants across California provide both locals and visitors with unparalleled, curated selections that reflect their expertise and passion. From historic family-owned shops to new, community-focused stores, here’s a list of small merchants excelling in wine and spirits.

1. Fireside Cellars

Fireside Cellars is recognized for its dedication to high-quality wines that cater to both casual drinkers and collectors. With an impressive variety across regions, the merchant’s selection highlights wines carefully chosen to suit all palates, making it a trusted name for wine enthusiasts in California.

Image Credits: Fireside Cellars

2. Martin Wine Cellar

Family-owned since 1946, Martin Wine Cellar boasts a varied selection of wine, spirits, imported beer, gourmet food, as well as catering into a multifaceted experience by hosting tasting events. Their expertise spans from local selections to international finds, making Martin Wine Cellar a go-to for anyone looking to explore wines in a welcoming, knowledgeable environment.

Image Credits: Martin Wine Cellar

3. The Jug Shop

Established in 1965, The Jug Shop has been a San Francisco mainstay, known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to quality especially when it comes to wines and spirits. A family-owned establishment, the store’s strong ties with wineries allow them to access rare and exclusive wines, ensuring customers have a unique shopping experience with personal recommendations. Additionally, equipped with a knowledgeable and friendly staff one can always be assured to find the perfect bottle, depending on their need and preferences.

Image Credits: The Jug Shop

4. Flatiron Wines & Spirits

Flatiron Wines & Spirits possess an extensive selection of wines, apart from their rare wine room, six eurocaves full of vintage and hard-to-find bottles. While wines are their forte, they also have on offer a sizable spirits collection, specializing in small-batch bourbons and mezcals. With a large tasting room, rare wine cellar, and an extensive spirits room, this San Francisco store provides an unmatched experience for patrons. 

Image Credits: Flatiron Wines & Spirits

5. California Wine Merchant

Established in 1974 by Greg O’Flynn, California Wine Merchant has always focused on California wines that had the potential to rival against the best European wines. Showcasing exquisite wines personally tasted and vouched for by the owner, this store combines exceptional customer service with a California-centric selection, giving customers an authentic taste of the state’s wine offerings in a friendly, knowledgeable setting.

Image Credits: California Wine Merchant

6. Bounty Hunter Wines

Situated in Napa Valley, Bounty Hunter Wines is an acclaimed merchant with an impressive portfolio of wine and spirits. Known for its exceptional and careful service when it comes to delivering goods, they bring customers exclusive access to rare selections owing to their close ties with renowned wineries and distilleries worldwide.

Image Credits: Bounty Hunter Wines

7. Avinage Wines

Located in Petaluma and co-founded by husband and wife duo Damien and Shree Carney, Avinage Wines offers a community-driven atmosphere where wine lovers can explore carefully selected wines. With regular tastings and events, the store brings a personal touch to wine shopping, creating a neighborhood space for conversations around wine and its makers.

Image Credits: Avinage Wines

8. Little Saint Wines

Little Saint Wines boasts of its wine lounge located in Healdsburg, prioritizing sustainable and natural wine selections. With a collection featuring over 800 bottles of both chilled and natural wines, apart from a reserve cellar, courtesy of top California producers; and a curated array from Champagne, Burgundy, and beyond, their collection focuses on eco-conscious practices, catering to wine lovers who seek both quality and sustainability.

Image Credits: Little Saint Wines

9. Vin Vino Wine

Vin Vino Wine in Palo Alto is a boutique store, co-owned by Guillaume Bienaime, Alecia Blazei and Lisa Robins. Known for its commitment to quality and authenticity, this neighborhood bottle shop and tasting bar offers an exquisite collection of wine, with handpicked wines from major global regions. Their selection emphasizes thoughtful choices, making it a favorite destination for those seeking distinctive bottles for any occasion.

Image Credits: Vin Vino Wine

10. Bradleys Liquor

Bradleys Liquor provides a broad selection of spirits with a focus on customer service. This small merchant has become a trusted destination for unique finds, helping customers discover the best options for their specific tastes and preferences.

Also Read: U.S. Wholesale Wine Distribution Today and What Does the Future Promises

11. Woodland Hills Wine Company

Since its founding in 1978 by Paul and Carol Smith, Woodland Hills Wine Company has grown into a premier wine merchant with a top-notch selection, of which 200 offerings are predominantly Californian. Building strong connections with several wineries across California and the world’s important wine-growing regions, their e-commerce presence and extensive store space make them an accessible, trusted source for fine wines from both local and international producers.

Image Credits: Woodland Hills Wine Company

12. Silver Lake Wines

Los Angeles-based Silver Lake Wines owns a varied wine collection, stocking everything from natural and skin contact wines to rare, collectible wines. Featuring offerings from women-owned brands as well, Silver Lake Wines is more than a wine shop—it’s a community hub, fostering healthy communication around wine and a sizable collection of spirits as well. Their diverse wine selection and commitment to quality make it a go-to for customers seeking a diverse drinking experience.

Image Credits: Silver Lake Wines

13. Hi-Time Wine Cellars

Founded in 1957, Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa is a family-owned retail store that offers a vast selection from its temperature-controlled cellar, featuring over 10,000 wines from renowned regions of California, Oregon, Washington, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Eastern Europe, South Africa, South America and Portugal. With a sprawling space and regular events, Hi-Time provides a rich experience for those looking to deepen their wine knowledge. They also sport a wine bar at the entrance of their establishment, hosting wine tastings 3 times a week to foster communication around the beverage.

Image Credits: Hi-Time Wine Cellars

14. Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine

Known for its high-end tequilas and premium spirits, Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine offers an impressive variety that caters to all tastes and budgets. Apart from this, they also deal in fine-wine, ensuring that not only their product but also their knowledge regarding their offerings is relevant to your experiences and preferences. Their dedication to quality has made them a prime location for spirits enthusiasts across Southern California.

Image Credits: Beverly Hills Liquor and Wine

15. Mission Liquor

With over 35 years of expertise, Mission Liquor is one of Southern California’s finest spirit and fine wine retailers. Their selection is carefully curated to include premium and rare spirits, providing a diverse range for collectors and casual shoppers alike.

Image Credits: Mission Liquor

16. BevMo!

BevMo! is a well-known specialty beverage retailer across California. Recognized for their vast selection of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as winning prestigious titles such as Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for Retailer of the Year (2006); The Tasting Panel Lifetime Achievement Award (2008); and two American Business Awards for Executive of the Year and Company of the Year (2012); BevMo! combines convenience with variety, appealing to customers looking for a one-stop shop for all things beverage-related.

Image Credits: BevMo!

17. PlumpJack Wine & Spirits

With two San Francisco locations, PlumpJack Wine & Spirits bridges boutique wine and spirit offerings. From rare wines to specialty spirits, their diverse selection caters to both the curious and the discerning buyer, making them a staple in the city’s beverage scene. The flagship store on 3201 Fillmore Street, this location specializes in offering a diverse collection of wines from around the world, including very rare library wines for the discerning buyer and collector. Additionally, they also offer an extensive selection of spirits, champagne and sake. Their second location on 4011 24th Street is all about spirits, but has an equally exquisite wine selection. 

Image Credits: PlumpJack Wine & Spirits

18. Liquorama

Since 1978, Liquorama has been a family-owned business known for its expansive selection of wine, spirits, and beer. Their extensive offerings include Kosher wines, mixers, and more, making them a versatile source for customers seeking both familiar and unique or novel products.

Image Credits: Liquorama

19. D&M Wines & Liquors

D&M Wines & Liquors is a trusted name for wine and spirit enthusiasts looking for quality and variety. Located in California, D&M’s curated selection ensures customers can find premium choices, irrespective of whether they’re looking for refined wine picks or specialty spirits.

Image Credits: D&M Wines & Liquors

20. Cork & Barrel

Cork & Barrel provides premium wines and spirits, supported by expert knowledge and frequent tastings. Their offerings cater to a wide range of preferences, from local California wines to globally sourced spirits, making it a favored spot for quality products in California. Tyler Parker, General Manager of Cork & Barrel personally tends to explore new offerings and products in the market and shares his finds at his tastings. His vast knowledge and connections are responsible for assembling their clientele's exquisite selections.

Image Credits: Cork & Barrel

This list showcases California’s commitment to excellence and variety in wine and spirits retail. These small merchants provide more than just products—they offer an experience enriched by knowledge, passion, and a dedication to serving their clients.

Header image sourced from Bounty Hunter Wines.

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