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A great selection doesn’t always mean depth or variety on the high end. These are the shops we look to when we want something special.
Armand’s Cellar
Los Angeles
In a city that knows a thing or two about luxury, this shop specializes in and exclusively stocks rare and high-end wines and spirits. Buyers with the family-owned business seek out and purchase private collections, and you’ll also find a great selection of one-offs.
The House of Glunz
Chicago
Run by descendants of Louis Glunz, Jr., the German immigrant who opened the store in 1888, this shop claims to be the oldest wine store still owned by its founding family. Some relationships with producers are just as old as the store itself. You’ll find no shortage of rare wines and spirits here, as well as some ancient vineyard offerings.
K&L Wine Merchants
California (multiple locations)
This mainstay focuses on fine wine with an element of discovery. Its buyers keep an eye out for what’s new and exciting, but you’ll also find plenty of old favorites from Napa, Sonoma, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. If you’re in the market for something really special, check out the auction lots.
Millesima
New York City
The focus here is France, so look for Mouton Rothschild’s artist labels and rare and large-format Champagnes. You’ll also find exquisite bottlings from Chianti Classico, Napa and Barolo. Millesima really shines when it comes to service and helping you find the right wine for any occasion, so if you’re looking for bottles to pair with a special meal, be sure to tell the staff about your menu.
Parcelle
Online
Imagine if you had a very good neighborhood shop open 24/7, and you’ll get a sense of Parcelle. In addition to an impressive selection of top-notch bottles from Burgundy, Tuscany, Champagne and more, the site offers friendly, conversational notes that encourage you to learn about what makes these wines so special, as well as a hotline where you can text wine and pairing questions. Additionally, you can find more value-oriented options to round out your purchase.
