There’s something undeniably special about a great neighborhood wine shop. You walk in for a bottle, walk out with a new favorite producer, a tasting on your calendar, and at least three stories about growers you’ve never heard of—plus a recommendation that pairs perfectly with that Thursday night pasta situation. USA TODAY 10BEST’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 shines a spotlight on that magic with their Best Wine Shop list, and it’s a love letter to local, boutique retail done right.
As the 10BEST Editors put it,
“Local and boutique wine shops offer a unique charm and personalized experience that large retailers simply can’t match.” — 10BEST Editors, USA TODAY 10BEST
These shops were nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers, which feels fitting: the best wine stores are community hubs, not just places to transact. They curate bottles you won’t find at big-box chains, host tastings that broaden your palate, and make exploration feel accessible whether you’re deep into cru Beaujolais or just learning the difference between Shiraz and Syrah.
Standout stops from the list
Flor Wines (Portland, OR): Downtown Portland’s Flor Wines is built around matching people to their perfect at-home pours. With owners recognized among top sommeliers and access to overlooked, hard-to-find bottles, Flor embodies thoughtful curation with a teacher’s heart. The vibe: less flex, more discovery—ideal for anyone who loves digging for gems off the beaten path. Or, as 10BEST reminds us,
“You’re in superb hands here.” — 10BEST Editors, USA TODAY 10BEST
Social Wines (Boston, MA): The owners only sell bottles they’ve tried (respect), and most choices come from small producers and family-run operations. Add regular winemaker tastings and a solid lineup of organic and biodynamic labels, and you’ve got a shop that nudges Boston drinkers toward fresh horizons without getting preachy. This is the friend who hands you a glass and says, “Trust me,” and is—annoyingly—always right.
Red or White Wine (Mobile, AL): Equal parts shop and bar, Red or White sources some of the best and rarest bottles they can get their hands on. You can sample a glass, scoop a bottle for later, and pair the whole thing with a handmade wood-fired pizza from the on-site restaurant. There are sister locations in Fairhope and Birmingham, but the Mobile flagship sets the tone: serious wines, easy hospitality.
3 Parks Wine Shop (Atlanta, GA): Ticketed tastings, weekly deals (hello, three half-pours for $15), and a convivial, come-hang vibe make 3 Parks feel like a neighborhood living room with better glassware. There’s always something new on offer, and the team’s knack for education without ego keeps it approachable for beginners and rewarding for veterans.
Why local shops matter (and how to shop them)
The list is a reminder that the best wine experiences start with people, not points. You’re buying a bottle, sure, but you’re also tapping into a team’s palate, relationships, and curiosity. That’s why these shops hit different: they curate, host, and guide.
- Ask for their “one bottle that surprises everyone.” You’ll discover regions and styles you’ve never considered.
- Hit tastings regularly. Calibrate your palate, learn producers, and find what you actually like—not what you think you should.
- Lean into staff picks. Small shops often have allocations and oddities you won’t see elsewhere.
- Shop with a dish in mind. Give them your menu and budget; let them play matchmaker.
- Explore off-peak. You’ll get more time to chat and better deep cuts.
The bigger picture
Lists like 10BEST’s aren’t just about bragging rights—they’re roadmaps for how to drink better with fewer misfires. Whether you’re in Portland chasing a Jura unicorn, in Boston tracking down natty bottles from tiny producers, or in Atlanta sampling flights while swapping notes with the person next to you, these shops bring the joy back to choosing wine.
And if you don’t live near one of the featured stores? Use the criteria as a checklist: engaged staff, regular tastings, small-producer focus, and a selection that makes you curious. When a shop nails those, odds are your next favorite bottle is already on the shelf.
Cheers to the 10BEST Editors and the readers who voted—proof that great wine retail starts and ends with community.
