Holiday season calls for fine wine.
(yes, I’m taking a break from my real estate charts and graphs to talk about wine)
As most longtime readers know, I’m a wine snob. I fell into it when I was 20 working for Liquor Barn – an old Safeway brand. It was a job to make extra cash. But once I tasted the 1984 Hop Kiln Late Harvest Zinfandel, I took notice.
I had to learn more about wine. Everything. Since then, around 1985, wine has been my life’s art. Not a month goes by when I’m not reading about or tasting good wine. Okay, fine wine.
Downtown Delray Must-Visit Wine Shops
Today I want to share four wine shops for you to consider in downtown Delray if you want to go on a holiday wine buying spree.
* First up is The WineWave. Located just east of the Atlantic Ave bridge, I’ve been a regular customer for years. At first it may be intimidating as their selection is expansive. Their French, Italian and Spanish offerings are impressive. And you’ll find plenty of fine California wines, Rosé’s and sparkling. I recently bought a sparkling wine from England that is delicious.
Jeremiah owns it, and his staff Miguel (sommelier), Stuart, and Adam can help you – whatever your budget or level of sophistication is. Lately, my palate is enjoying Spanish Tempranillo and Spain’s white varietals, Godello and Verdejo. I also lean into Italian Nebiollo’s from Barbaresco, and the northern region white wine, Arneis. (similar to Chardonnay but less buttery-oaks).
If you live in downtown Delray east side, get in there and tell them Mr Downtown Delray sent you.
* Have you heard of Virginia Phillip? She opened her wine shop last January next to iPic on SE 4th. She focuses on tastings and bringing people together for nice, small wine education events. Her shop only sells fine wines – no beer or other booze.
Virginia’s wine resume goes deep. Check this out. She’s the Wine Director at The Breakers Palm Beach, one of America’s most iconic luxury resorts, plus has her flagship store in Palm Beach. Her staff knows wine. If you have questions, ask away. To have her store in downtown Delray is exciting.
* If you need to drink fine wine now, head over to The Wine & Spirits Kitchen. Beyond a fun culinary experience, taste wine with over 192 hand-selected wines available to enjoy through their Enomatic wine dispensing system. The ambiance feels like you’re underground in downtown Chicago.
* Pat’s Liquor is for fine wine lovers. In Pineapple Grove, they’ve elevated their selection with some fine Argentinian Malbecs and others to lay down in your cellar. Plus, if you’re a Whiskey lover, their selection is one of the finest.
There are other places in downtown Delray worth your time, too. Bartolo’s Cafe and Neptune Cigars & Wine is next to Hyatt Place hotel in Pineapple Grove. They carry smaller boutique wines, have a huge cigar selection and comfy bar where you can enjoy. Or sit outside and people watch.
And Crown Wine & Spirits on SE Federal Hwy with a wide variety of wines from California, France, Italy and South America.
I visit them all!
So there, I love wine. Fine wine. Anything less, well…
P.S. Would you join me if I organize a fine wine tasting gathering? Let me know. I want to get an initial headcount so I know where to take this idea, and when.
(Main Photo: My top 2025 (sparkling) wine pick for “where quality and value meet)
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*** This Friday night is the Boat Parade
*** This Saturday night 6-8pm is the Holiday Parade. It starts on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach from the Intracoastal Bridge to NW 5th Avenue
*** If you missed last weeks essay on downtown Delray restaurants, try again here
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*** South Florida Real Estate Inventory ***
Last week’s supply was 54,908
Today’s supply is 54,902
No change last week
*** December Inventory is UP 297 units ***
