Wine House in Los Angeles / Photo courtesy Wine House
If you’re a serious collector, it’s important to trust the source. These shops not only offer good selections of rare wines but have also earned our trust.
Bounty Hunter
Napa, CA
The name comes from a team of pros with long, deep relationships in the industry who are devoted to connecting customers with hand-selected bottles. The scouts have access to bottles, both current and past, that mere mortals simply can’t get. That extends to whiskeys, for those in search of a tipple.
MacArthur Beverages
Washington, D.C.
Almost 65 years old, this seller has a storied history: It was the first to offer futures of California wines and, in 1977, the owners set a world record for most paid for a single bottle ($14,450 for an 1806 Château Lafite Rothschild). Its direct import model means it’s a trustworthy source with longstanding relationships in the world’s best wine regions.
Old & Rare Wine Co.
Online
If provenance is a concern, rest assured that Old & Rare Wine Co. is extremely transparent about its standards for accepting and selling older bottles, and for storing and transporting. Founder James Yobski often purchases back vintages directly from producers and still in original containers, so you can be confident that they’ve been vetted for quality and proper storage.
Vinfolio
Online
Vinfolio provides a wide range of back-vintage wines as well as storage options so that you can be sure your purchases are being held in optimal conditions, and tracking services to determine the best times to drink your treasures. Through its partner company, Liv-ex, you can also monitor the value of your collection and how it’s appreciating.
The Wine House
Los Angeles
A favorite among the city’s sommeliers and other wine pros, this landmark carries a range of styles and price points, but its rare wine selection shines. It offers on-premise storage for those special wines, and you can also purchase French, Italian and California futures here. Best of all, the knowledgeable staff can help track down what you’re looking for and make sure you enjoy it at the optimal time.
