9 Great Neighborhood Wine Shops in Columbus

Wine is not a product that is hard to come by in Columbus. Every grocery store has a selection, some of which have grown to be pretty impressive in recent years. Even CVS has a wine shelf (even if they did just stop selling cigarettes, which means wine is still classified as a healthy product, right?). But if you want the most knowledgable experts in the realm of wine selection, pairing, vintages, production and other general information and random factoids, then you’re best served by the local boutique shops found scattered throughout the region.

Thankfully, no matter what neighborhood you live in, there’s always a wine shop nearby. Below, we’ve listed out local wine shops for ten different neighborhoods in Columbus to help you find something great without going far from home:

1. German Village – Hausfrau Haven – Located on Third Street in the heart of German Village, this little wine shop may not be a tourist destination like Schmidt’s or Katzinger’s, but still draws in the locals regularly for wine shopping trips and upstairs tasting events on the weekends.
2. Short North – Wine on High – In a similar format to Hausfrau, Wine on High offers over 300 varieties in the shop on the first floor with a tasting bar in the upstairs loft. WoH also hosts regular tastings, events and of course, is a critical stop for any wine lover during Gallery Hop.
3. Olde Towne East – Corner Stone Carryout – After opening at the start of 2013, Corner Stone has become OTE’s go-to shop for all things related to craft beer and wine. Their knowledgable staff can help with making selections in their small shop at the corner of Oak & Parsons.
4. Downtown / Arena District – The Barrel & Bottle – The North Market is home to one of Downtown’s small-yet-hip wine and beer shops: The Barrel & Bottle. In addition to providing a quick bottle of wine to Downtowners on the go, expansion plans are in the works to add on-site seating, tasting, and enjoyment in the near future.
5. Downtown / Discovery District – The Hills Market – In addition to providing Downtown workers, students and residents with groceries and prepared foods, the Hills Market on Grant Avenue boasts an impressive-yet-small wine selection that includes regular in-store tastings to improve your shopping experience.
6. Clintonville – Pace-High Carryout – Located at the corner of High and Pacemont (hence the name), The Pace-High Carryout has become known as a respected bottle shop featuring over 600 varieties of beer and wine for Clintonville area residents looking for an alternative to the grocery store.
7. Fifth by Northwest (5xNW) – Gentile’s – For exactly 60 years, Gentile’s has been Grandview, Arlington and NW Columbus customers for all of their wine, beer and homebrewing needs. In addition to wine shopping, Gentile’s offers wine classes, tasting events, and planning consultation for weddings and other events.
8. Grandview Heights – The Twisted Vine – Sandwiched between Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff, The Twisted Vine is another neighborhood institution that features fine wines, microbrews, gourmet foods and cigars. The shop features six new wines every week, and a tasting bar for sampling.
9. Worthington – House Wine – If you live in Worthington, House Wine is your go-to wine shop, but even if you don’t live nearby, it might also be worth the drive. Owner Donnie Austin is a Certified Sommelier, which might sound lofty, but his friendly demeanor can make even the most novice of wine drinkers feel welcome.
10. Bexley – Terroir Wines – *editor’s note 5/17: now closed* Opened in 2012, Terroir is another newcomer on the list. Located on Drexel Avenue, Terroir brings a boutique selection of fine wines to Bexley residents who want a neighborhood experience within a close walking distance from home and from other entertainment options on Main Street.

Of course, there’s plenty of other great shops just beyond these ten. Leave a comment below and tell us where your favorite neighborhood wine shop is located!