Top 12 Places to Buy Wine in Metro Atlanta

Have you ever been invited to someone’s home and were asked to bring a bottle of wine and had no idea where to start? Or maybe you’re just learning about wine and wonder where do other enthusiasts and connoisseurs like to go? Here’s a top 12 list to use as a guide (12 inside and 12 outside the perimeter). You’ll notice that with the exception of Whole Foods, the big chain supermarkets like Publix, Kroger, or Walmart are not mentioned. The reason for that is they usually tend to stock commercial brands that are mass produced, which in itself is not a terrible thing. But for better quality options at the same price point or less, it’s best to visit a wine shop. The other benefit is that wine shops will have a “wine guy” or gal who’s knowledge about wine and is happy to help recommend a bottle at the price range that’s comfortable for you.

Top 12 Inside the Perimeter

• Perrine's (West Midtown & Buckhead)- Originally from Burgundy, France, Perrine was the former sommelier at Joel’s restaurant and has since opened her own wine shop. Besides having an amazing selection, there’s also a mouthwatering array of cheeses and chocolates. Perrine’s wine shop hosts regular tasting events that tend to fill up fast. So be sure to follow her IG or sign up for her newsletter to get the latest updates. 1168 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta; NEW Buckhead location: 3112 East Shadowlawn Ave

• VinoTeca (Inman Park) specializes in small production wines, including a variety of organic and natural options. They have weekly tasting events and a monthly “Align & Wine” yoga/ wine meetup. 299 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta

• Elemental Spirits Co (Poncey-Highland)- I first heard of Elemental while at my favorite wine bar, Lucian when the wine buyer there mentioned that Elemental was one of their partners. Elemental’s focus is natural and low intervention wines, plus they carry rare producers that you won’t find at other stores. 602 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta

• Hop City Craft Beer & Wine (Krog Street Market)- As the name suggests, in addition to their unique wines, they have an impressive selection of craft beer plus a full bar. They’re also one of the few stores in Atlanta that carries Cidre de Normandie, the French cider from the Normandy region in France. 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta

• Cellar 13 (Buckhead)- Owner John Passman has literally tasted every bottle on the shelf and hand selects wines from small, family-owned producers. 3765 Roswell Rd, Atlanta

• Lucy’s Market (Buckhead) - While Lucy’s isn’t a wine shop, their wine selections are top. They even have one of my favorite, but hard to find Champagnes, the Lanson Rosé. Plus the atmosphere there is always convivial and trust me when I say that you’ll be tempted to buy other things like baked goods, snacks and mac and cheese…yes it is so good!

• Corks Cellars (Buckhead) is a neighborhood wine shop located in Peachtree Hills with a really nice selection of old world wines as well as new world producers. The weekly tasting events on Saturday afternoons bring in the locals and they’re also pet-friendly :) 200 Peachtree Hills Ave, Atlanta

• Sherlock’s Wine Merchant (Buckhead) is one of the oldest wine shops around, since the 1980’s. They specialize in artisan wines made by top producers from Bordeaux to Napa Valley. 401 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta

• Brookhaven Wines has a neighborhood vibe as the owners themselves are residents of Brookhaven. They have a wide selection of wines from around the world, including lesser known regions like wines of Slovenia as example. The tasting events are occasions where you’ll see Brookhaven locals gather. 1418 Dresden Dr Atlanta

• 3 Parks Wine Shop (Glenwood Park) Black Owned- I first met the owner Sarah Pierre at an event hosted by the Alliance Française as she provided the wines for the evening. Her focus is on value wines from small producers and she even offers a mobile wine bar service for private events. Wednesday tastings and wine flights weekends are on the calendar for all to join. 451 Bill Kennedy Way SE, Atlanta

• H & F Bottle Shop (Peachtree Battle) is part of the Hopkins & Co. restaurant group- Holeman & Finch, H & F Burger, and C. Ellet Steakhouse to name few. Owners Gina, a certified sommelier and Chef Linton Hopkins, a James Beard award recipient for Best Chef Southeast, have long supported their community as co-founders of the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. At H&F Bottle shop you’ll find artisan wines at affordable prices.

• Purple Corkscrew (Avondale Estates)-Black Owned-This wine shop/ wine bar has a great vibe, thanks to owner Steffini Bethea who’ s created a space that is like an extension of her own home. The shop offers something for every palate at every price point. The events calendar has lots of fun tastings regularly. Follow them on IG for the latest!

Top 12 Outside the Perimeter

• Corners Fine Wine & Spirits (Peachtree Corners) My go-to person here is Terrell. He used to be at the Sherlock’s on Peachtree Rd. before they closed. Not only does he know his stuff, he’s also a joy to talk to. 5730 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners

• Vino Venue (Dunwoody) is a wine bar, wine school and wine shop. Besides their high quality selections, they have a calendar chock-full of tasting events, cooking, and wine classes. Plus they have wines on tap! 4478 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta

• Savvy Cellars (Sandy Spring)- Not only is Richard (store manager) one of the nicest guys that you’ll ever meet, his recommendations are always spot on. 6690 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs

• Vineyard Wine Market (Smyrna)- Owner Anthony Alvarez hit the nail on the head with this wine shop/ bar by offering the complete experience to wine aficionados. The unique wine list is represented both in the retail shop as well as the wine bar. Stay tuned for weekly happenings by signing up for the newsletter. 295 W. Spring St, Smyrna

• Roswell Provisions (Roswell) is a charming little “épicerie” with a French provincial feel. Their wine section is modest, but features top quality bottles from Italy, France, Spain, Chile, Australia and the U.S. Upstairs is Le Bistro restaurant with a wine bar and outdoor seating. Be sure to check out the charcuterie and cheese selections too! 955 Canton St

• The Wine Store (Alpharetta) was started by former NFL player Chris Hinton who also had a passion for fine wines. Next door is a tasting room where they have events and also serve wine on tap. 8455 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta

• Sigman Bottle Shop (Conyers) has drawn a steady clientele since the 1980’s and has an impressive collection for everyone to enjoy from connoisseurs to those seeking budget friendly wines. 439 Sigman Rd. NW, Conyers

• Corks and Cuvee (Conyers) Black Owned- welcomes the novice to enthusiast to sip and shop at this très chic wine boutique. 923 Center St NE, Conyers,

• Sherlock’s Wine Merchant (Marietta) features artisan wines from Bordeaux to Napa. East Cobb location- 2156 Roswell Rd. Marietta; Kennesaw location- 135 Barrett Parkway, Marietta

• Niko's Wine Corner (Snellville) is a true gem where you’ll find a range of options from affordable to luxury wines . Weekly tasting events bring together locals from Snellville and nearby neighborhoods. 2118 Scenic Hwy N, Snellville

• Hooch Beverage (Duluth) proposes selections of domestic and international wines as well as educational tastings. 2870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth

• Jax Beverage Superstore (Buford) has a full array of wines from around the world. 2437 Hancock Dr, Buford

Here are some bonus options too if there happens to be one of these stores near you.

• Savi Provisions

• Total Wine

• Trader Joe's

• Green's Beverage

• Tower Wine

• Cost Plus World Market

• Whole Foods

Stay classy!