Because if you have to go out for a beer run, you can at least enjoy the experience.
Quite possibly one of my favorite errands to check off my list is going to the local craft beer and wine bodega and picking up drinks for the day, er- week. And is it me, or has the neighborhood beverage store gotten so much cooler over the last decade? From beer and wine tastings to local tap takeovers, the trip to the local winery has become a cultured experience and not just a chore.
We’ve rounded up the city’s best booze and brew bodegas in one comprehensive list for your shopping pleasure. These stops turn your basic in-&-out to a full on perusal of pleasant potables (and yes, I am very much pleased with that use of alliteration). So grab you growlers and your super boojie reusable wine totes, it’s time to go shopping for the good stuff.
Corner Stone Craft Beer & Wine
This wine and craft beer stop sits in the middle of Olde Towne East. Despite its size, they actually have a pretty good selection of bottles, not to mention a rotating list of brews on tap for your purchasing and sampling pleasure. Feel free to pick the brains of any of the workers, they’re super knowledgeable and pretty friendly people.
Where: 61 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
The Barrel and Bottle
Located inside the North Market (along with everything else that’s cool about Columbus) is this beer shop and wine-erama. Not only is this a great place for picking up exotic beers, but they also have a service bar for cocktails and mixed drinks. Enjoy a tasty beverage and feel free to walk around the market as you do.
Where: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Palmer’s Beverage Center
This place hosts wine and beer tastings on a pretty regular basis, bringing in reps from local breweries. They have an enormous beer inventory worth bragging about with an even bigger wine selection. They also have a mission statement that everyone can get behind, “Our mission is to bring good beer and wine to good people. Life is short, drink what you like!”
Where: 3375 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
Savor Growl
Not only do they have a massive bottle selection, they also offer a variety of beer on tap to revive your empty growler. The service here is always more than delightful. None of that rushing you around the store to decide nonsense, you feel at ease and welcome from the moment you walk in. Here, you’re encouraged to take in the experience, not just shop. “Savor”, if you will.
Where: 2991 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202
Twisted Vine
Everyone has that inner wine snob, just scratching at the surface to get out. Don’t worry, The Twisted Vine welcomes it. Stop in for a wine tasting and look through their current selection of fine wines and beer. If you take your vino fairly seriously, this is the place to exorcise that spirit.
Where:1816 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Gentile’s The Wine Sellers
Gentile’s brings a vintage feel to the wine shopping experience. They’ve been selling libations to Central Ohio for over 50 years now, so they know a thing or two about good wine. They also offer supplies for the would-be home brewer and wine maker. And if that weren’t enough, they also offer their services for wedding and event planning. Gentile’s pretty much does it all.
Where: 1565 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Hausfrau Haven
Hausfrau Haven doesn’t just carry your average day to day table wines, they also specialize in rare and unique gift wines as well. But don’t just shop, come in, try wines, become a part of their community. By signing up for their monthly wine club you’ll be privy to two bottles a month, as well as some very interesting info on wineries and growing regions. This place is truly for the wine nerd at heart.
Where: 769 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206
