Shop Local: Heard it Through the Grapevine
Wine shops
Finding the perfect wine pairing can sometimes seem daunting, we know. With only a few cool nights left, spring garden parties are right around the corner. Make planning easy by allowing a few of Sarasota’s specialty wine shops to take the pressure off the purchase. Expertly guiding their customers through pairings, any of these great local shops will impress the novice all the way to the seasoned aficionado.
Wine to Buy
Staying true to their principles, theWinetoBuy.com is bringing Sarasota the highest-quality wine at the lowest price possible. Recently celebrating their 11th year of business, this Gulf Gate gem serves up daily top-pick offerings. Choosing from their selection of favorites won’t be easy, but their team has mastered what the client wants. Stay connected online for exciting wine tasting events.
2140 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota; 941-926-9463; thewinetobuy.com
Michael’s Wine Cellar
For more than 30 years Michael’s on East has been serving up some of the finest wines in Sarasota. Owner Michael Klauber’s close relationships with 80% of the wineries represented has Michael’s Wine Cellar boasting more than 1,000 international wines and 200 estate and domaine bottles available to Sarasota for under $20! Their wine professionals on staff are always willing to help customers find the perfect wine every time. Online shopping is available, too!
1283 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota; 941-955-2675; michaelswinecellar.com
Vino Loco
Nestled in the heart of downtown Englewood, Vino Loco Wine Bar, Tapas & Bottle Shop is pouring an impressive 30 wines by the glass and over 350 wines by the bottle—all hand selected. “I’ve tasted everything in here,” proudly proclaims Joyce Colmar, owner of Vino Loco. They even have their very own Vino Loco wine label including an Italian cabernet sauvignon, Amarone, and Moscato d’Asti. Saluti!
420 W Deaborn St, Englewood; 941-473-8466; vinolocowine.com
Magnum Wine and Tastings
Stop by to see owner Heath Cordes for a glass of wine at Magnum’s elegant wine bar or pop in for a tasting and do some shopping. Either way you are guaranteed to leave with a little more wine knowledge and/or a special bottle for whatever the occasion. Their wines offered by the glass change regularly, giving guests the opportunity to broaden their palates. This destination is perfect for a night out with friends, colleagues, or someone special.
2300 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota; 941-929-9463; magnumwinesrq.com
Norman’s Liquors and Fine Wine
Norman’s three popular locations (Sarasota, Bradenton, and St. Pete Beach) are busy keeping the Suncoast up to speed on the latest trends in the wine world. Norman’s Sarasota location hosts wine and liquor tastings daily and with online coupons this is a deal you don’t want to miss! For the cigar lovers out there, Norman’s perfectly controlled humidor offers more than 300 cigars to pair with the perfect red or white.
5200 Clark Rd, Sarasota; 941-926-9421; normansliquors.com
The Butcher’s Block
A Sarasota staple for 50 years, The Butcher’s Block invites you to come check out their meticulously selected wines. On the second Tuesday of every month they host a fun wine tasting showcasing their impeccable service. Known for carrying a great selection of boutique wines, their red wine pairings are most popular. This should come as no surprise since they do, after all, sell USDA Prime beef.
3242 17th St, Sarasota; 941-955-2822; butchersblocksarasota.com
Morton’s Gourmet Market
Wine tasting and a little shopping at Morton’s Gourmet Market in Sarasota’s Southside Village sounds like a perfect evening to us! Bringing their one-of-a-kind wine selections ranging from smaller-production vineyards to prominent wine labels, Morton’s selection will intrigue even the most seasoned enthusiast. There is something for everyone and every occasion with knowledgable, friendly staff willing to help you find the perfect wine.
1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota; 941-955-9856; mortonsmarket.com
Sarasota Liquor Locker
Located conveniently in the Sarasota Crossings Shopping Center on Fruitville Road in Sarasota, the Liquor Locker lives up to its name! Choose from more than 125 beers, 170 vodkas, 100 rums, 80 tequilas, and 50 single-malt scotch selections. This is the place to stock any at-home bar. But don’t let the name fool you: Their sophisticated wine choices will easily pair with any dish you can think up. Sarasota Liquor Locker is keeping Sarasota fully stocked! And guess what? They deliver!
5403 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota; 941-377-5477; facebook.com/SarasotaLiquorLocker
