All these years visiting the neighborhood and I had no idea they existed. Cabrini Wines & Spirits is like an off the beaten path gem, hoarding regions of organic and non-organic wines and liquors. Walked in and had a sensory overload. I was not expecting such an extensive selection of everything. A myriad of options, unique and not at all of the common variety. Of course I couldn't find what I would generally source. I asked the gentleman for a white wine suggestion for the lightweights trying to ween themselves off of the sweeter, less complex varietals. A female voice out of no where bellowed a non-sweet suggestion, which I went with. Once back to the party, all who imbibed gave the choice two thumbs up. Before leaving, I chatted with the woman who offered the suggestion, she was extremely well-informed. While chatting, her cute and friendly cat hopped on the counter to help me check-out my purchase. :) Friendly. Knowledgeable. Vast. Cabrini Wines. A must visit if in the area. read more

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Wonderful experience today at this great little wine shop. The staff were friendly and helpful. Plus, there was a lovely tasting going on AND live music for ambiance! read more

On a whim, I picked up several bottles of really affordable wines. Like less than $20. They were quite good. This one was particularly yummy. Imma buy a few to take home. In a city with so many over priced places, it's lovely to find a place that has so many affordable options. read more

The thing about Cabrini Wines is that there is always someone there who really knows wines and spirits. The more important thing is that if you're in the neighborhood and need anything, they arrive before you can get to your cash for a tip. This is the friendliest and most knowledgeable neighborhood liquor store in northern Manhattan. read more

They carry a vast assortment of wines here. They have pretty much any kind of wine your heart could desire. The staff is knowledgeable (which is always helpful to me when dealing with wine). They deliver for free to a limited area if you make a purchase of $150+. If under $150 there is a delivery fee. Last time I was here I got a bottle of Mario Bazan Cabernet. A new label that I never heard of before but a great choice nonetheless. Check them out if in need of wine. You won't be disappointed. read more

Cabrini Wines & Spirits - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - New York, New York

This wine shop is very quaint. The owner is friendly and extraordinarily knowledgeable about every type of spirit on the planet. I have ordered Champaign from France to excellent kosher wines from Israel and beyond. The Israeli wines are becoming spectacular and are flying off the shelves. I ordered a special order and two cases came in. I took two bottles and when I returned a few days later there was only four bottles left. Needless to say I grabbed them and ran. Hope she orders More. I think that Cabrini wines was voted best wine shop in the city in New York magazine one year and now I see why. Highly recommended! read more

The best place i ever been to.. The lady thats in charge very helpful she help me get some good bottles for gifts before the Holiday's for friends and family.. Will be going there again soon... read more

Good wine selection for most occasions. Small liquor selection. Staff knows little to nothing about what they're selling so you're on your own which is fine if you know what you want. I know I can always find a great bottle of wine to bring to dinner when invited. Price range is good. read more

Since after meeting Clarke Boehling at Purple Yam a couple of weeks ago[1] I got curious about wines from the Jura region. I needed to get some wine for a formal dinner, and being in the neighborhood I decided to go to Cabrini Wines. This place is awesome: row after row stacked to the ceiling (and we're talking very high ceilings here) with bottles of wine, it is almost overwhelming! The staff is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Moreover, many of the bottles have a little card describing the qualities of the wine. In my case, they didn't have much of a choice for wines from Jura, and that's the only reason why I don't give it 5 stars (although to be fair we're talking about a small part of France that produces small amounts of wine). I got a Annie et Philippe Bornard Cremant du Jura ($23.99), a dry sparkling wine from Chardonnay grapes. As red I got a Gabbas Lillove' Cannonau from Sardinia ($21.99), a rich, medium bodied, dry red wine with floral notes. If you are in the neighborhood, spend a minute to check out Pinehurst Avenue Terraces[2]! --------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] http://www.yelp.com/biz/purple-yam-brooklyn [2] http://www.yelp.com/biz/pinehurst-avenue-terraces-manhattan#hrid:UnkwElwVfX6dQF6vEcrKHQ/src:self read more

I want to know more about wine then my current label art appreciation. I don't know if I have a good or bad palate. I can't taste the currents or aged figs that accent the vintage or identify the full-bodied from the swill, but I really want to. I've tried to read "Wine for Dummies" but I spilled my starter bottle of Chenin Blanc all over it. I've been to many tastings but really what am I supposed to learn from just a taste (and they do look at you funny when you ask them to "fill it up")? So in the spirit of wanting to learn and drink I've decided to follow in the footsteps of the president of the American Sommelier Association Andrew Bell and his picks for "My New York" from the Sunday Post. He certainly knows something so I figure if I go to all the places he recommends' then I certainly will pick up at least some lingo and possibly a fellow wine lover or two. So in no particular order I will visit and Yelp on the experts nine NY winechoices - fist up, Cabrini Wines at 181st Street. To start my learning process I decided not to follow my uneducated instincts. I was going to let the pro take me by the hand and I quickly found one. Brian, the wine enthusiast who helped me, asked me about price range, what I usually enjoy and made sure I was on the wine fan club email list. The place is large and roomy and I give it an extra star for their window displays featuring neighborhood artists. I love a good neighborhood store and this place had that vibe for me, even if I live 165 blocks downtown. After I explained the reason for my journey three bottles were recommended to me: 2008 Coeur Esterelle Provence Rose 2005 Chappellet Mountain Cuvee 2005 Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis My favorite ended up being the last one, the 2005 Roland. White wine and I usually don't go together. I never order correctly and always end up with something too sweet or just not to my liking. The Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis was refreshing and pleasant. Clearly Brian heard me when I said I wanted it dry and delicate because that is what I got. My first lesson on being a wine drinker: go to a store where they know what they are selling, love wine and trust their choices. I described what I thought I liked and Brian picked it out. How wonderful is that? The other two were very nice as well and full of flavors I had not expected. The Rose was very light and elegant and went down perfectly on the last few days of summer. The Chappellet was a blend that was like a meal in a glass. It was 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Remind me I like it in January because it will be great with beef stew. Lesson one and stop one - check and check. Next up Discovery Wine on Avenue A stay tuned. read more

Cabrini Wines & Spirits - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - New York, New York

I love this place! Like an adult candy store! Such a huge selection! The staff is amazing too!

A very well-stocked shop in the place you'd least expect: 181st street in the Heights. An abundance of stars for, a) Bharbancourt rum from Haiti, b) a very helpful staff, one of whom was able to direct me to a "bottle of that really nice champagne I drank at some wedding whose name starts with an 'R'". Seriously, that's about all the info. I could offer them, and they led me right to the champagne. Just one thing: During the times when the sidewalks were icy, and since the Heights never used to get plowed or shoveled or anything, there were whole chunks of time I couldn't get down that steep hill to Cabrini. 4.5 stars. read more

After living in Riverdale admittedly I never thought I'd be as happy living in Inwood. Little did I know that just blocks away in Cabrini I'd find all the things I was accustomed too and more! Gourmet supermarkets, intimate cafe's, and to my delight Cabrini Wines. About 7 row's of wooden platforms are stacked high with all your favorite, Sauvignon Blanc's, Chardonnays, Merlots, Pinot Grigio's, and my personal favorite Moscato. The thing about Moscato is most wine stores do not carry more then 2-3 brands if your lucky. Not at Cabrini though! I had a choice of about 10 different Moscato's which were easy enough to choose from following the expertise of the sales girl who assisted me. I plan to pop that bottle tonight over dinner, but you can be sure I'll be back at Cabrini's in a week or so to stock up for the house. read more

No one on the staff spoke to me--literally none of the three people holed up behind the register--while I wandered aimlessly in this pleasant-looking and empty store. I found this somewhat intimidating and finally settled on a Sangiovese because the label was pretty. The cashier didn't speak to me while I was paying. Maybe they belong to a sect with a code of silence? The store seems too big for their selection, and a lot of shelves, the Scotch especially, look like their heart isn't really in it. The don't bother to label the domestic wine section at all. The German whites held a few Rieslings and some Blue Nun. I'm not joking. A few steps down to a lower level, you'll find down-market and jug wines. Maybe they saw me investigating this room and decided I had cooties or something. So why even two stars? Right at the entrance is a charming woman named Samantha who sells homemade guacamole, tomato salsa, mango salsa, and pesto. They're delicious, there are free samples, and she's fun to talk to. Note to Samantha: As soon as your business gets off the ground, get out of this place. You can do better. read more

In the past two years, some of the knowledgeable staff was replaced, there's much less merchandise and often one of the senior sales persons has been snapping at me. When I needed a gift for a client, a specific (expensive) whiskey, he did not have, he told me I should be grateful they had the cheap version as I perhaps did not have the money to buy the one I wanted. Another time when it was my time to pay, the girl on the register kept talking on her cell phone through the payment procedure. I used to love the store, the people that worked there and the great assortment. Now, the store is half full, and it seems the sales people don't give a hoot. I found another wine store where they know me, my taste and preferences, no more Cabrini Wines for me. read more

Love this store! They have a nice selection, including a decent number of kosher wines. Also have a nice rewards program. The best part of this store though is the staff! They are so warm and helpful. read more

A vastly improved experience since the last review. Good (though small) selection of wine at a variety of prices. Good customer service, and super dog friendly, even with my unruly hound. Also interesting selection of bourbons, whiskies, etc. Thank you. Oh and two more things, great loyalty discounts and they give you paper, not plastic, bags. read more

I'm so happy this wine store is in my neighborhood! It's huge and has a vast selection. I like knowing that I can get any type of alcohol if I'm headed to a house party or am cooking and need, oh I dunno, vermouth, and can easily get it here. I'm knocking one star off because I've never really dug any wine I've bought here - and some of the wine's I've bought have those twist off tops which I didn't know until I opened the seal. Okay - maybe I'm a wine idiot - but how is it that every bottle I've tried in the $10.00-20.00 range (that's about all I'm willing to spend on wine) kinda sucks here? Any bottle I buy at Trader Joe's is pretty decent - so why can't they have the same quality at that price here? That's why I knocked off one star. read more

I am so hideously lazy. I like to pick up the phone, call Cabrini wines, and have the stuff delivered to my front door. There are shops that deliver who are closer to me, but none of those shops is as with-it as Cabrini. I call, they recognise my name, my phone number (from the caller ID, I hope), my address, my credit card info, and everything else. They come within an hour (seriously, it's a schlep to get to my place from Cabrini Wines), bearing my booze, and cheerfully go off with their tip, and everyone's happy. There are times when they may not have a specific brand, but the lady on the phone will generally direct you to something similar. read more

I don't claim to know about wine. I really, really don't. I know Merlot. I know Pinot Noir. I know that I like to buy bottles of red based on their cute labels. I know it tastes pretty damn good. I know it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside after I drink it. Cabrini Wines is a well stocked establishment with more bottles of wine with cute labels than I can shake a stick at, a good selection of liquors, and friendly and helpful staff. If I need specific help, they are there to save the day. If I'm just looking for a bottle of Sav Blanc with a quirky label, they've got that too. What more can a girl ask for?! read more

Cabrini Wines is one of the better quality wine shops in Washington Heights due to the size of the shop and the variety of wines they carry. Only downer is that they carry just one brand of Lambrusco. Staff is touch and go depending on the day. Most of the time, they are friendly and informative. They take cards with no minimum and will deliver if you need it. Cabrini Wines won't replace TJ's wine shop in my heart, but they're my go-to when I don't feel like going downtown for my vino fix. read more

Great store with a wonderful selection of wines, liquors and champagne. The staff is friendly and helpful and actually most have a lot of wine knowledge. Weekend nights they have tastings which are great because they make it a point to have wines in reasonable price points during the tastings. I found one of my new favorites by walking in one night when they were offering tastes. The wines are nicely organized and labeled and they truly do a great job of offering many varietals and regions. You can find a great bottle here whether you're a wine snob or a novice. I personally love wine and am able to find some of my favs here and find new bottles that I have yet to try. Keep in mind they don't have everything, but no store does. Also, I had a dinner party about a month ago and went to buy wine and liquor for it there. I asked about any discounts/coupons and they gave me a discount on the wines. I thought it was a nice gesture and made me like the place that much more. I never thought that I would find such a great wine store right by my apartment and I am very thankful to have it here. You should definitely stop in and check it out! Oh and as a follow up to the review by Jennifer M. and her mentioning of the twist tops and not loving any wine there. I am guessing maybe she didn't speak with anyone who worked there to give her a suggestion, which I totally understand. But, if you are there and are looking for something new, you should definitely utilize the staff, they will find you something you will like. Additionally, screw caps are becoming increasingly popular due to the problems with natural corks and wines spoiling or being "corked". While it may not be as aesthetically pleasing and wine presentation isn't as sophisticated it does a much better job of preserving the wine. Some amazing, high-end wines are now screw tops because of this. So please, don't associate a screw top with being cheap or poor quality. read more

Easily the best place to purchase wine. Regular wine tastings, even classes to introduce wine to the novice and curious. The vast selection available can be a bit overwhelming but I've never had a problem finding a knowledgeable staff member to help me. OH and they deliver! read more

fantastic little place. there are wine tastings, and everyone is so friendly. great extensive selection! the prices are a bit higher than the asian place a few blocks down, but the staff is so nice, so we enjoy coming to support them. they also give my puppy treats! they have a membership system as well. read more

Wow, I've read the last couple of reviews and I'm confused. Ive never had a bad experience at this store. Every time I come in, I'm given excellent customer service. I'm sorry to say i don't know the gentleman's name, but he's there every time and always offers great suggestions. I'll agree that I don't understand the layout of the store, but I don't mind. I enjoy wandering around looking at the different bottles. I would also get bored out of my gizzards if I drank yellow tail all the time, so I enjoy that they have an assorted mix of labels to choose from. Overall, I always have a pleasant and successful experience shopping here. They will also order something for you if they don't carry it, but be prepared to order a whole case. read more

I love when I call and they know what I ordered previously. They give amazing recommendations ! I get to have it delivered to my home which is so convenient for me. A glass of wine on a great or even bad day is always great to have and they have amazing selections. read more

Best wine shop in Washington/Hudson Heights by far. Vast inventory, late hours and knowledgeable employees. Decent prices and regular rotating sales give another reason to stop by. read more

What a lovely find for Washington Heights! Walking by, the place feels like a comfy nook by the sidewalk. I was struck by their assortment of wines and liqueurs - quite varied. It's easy to walk around and browse, and you can always find something new to try. The staff is knowledgeable too, so feel free to ask questions. Definitely the place to go for wine if you live in the area. read more

Great selection and knowledgeable staff Conveniently located near A train but also not far from 1 train read more

This is the best wine and liquor store in the neighborhood. It has the most extensive collection, by far, and often has wine tastings and promotions. Recently, I picked up an interesting product called "Chocovine," made in Belgium. After some light-hearted banter with a few of the employees about whether red wine and belgian chocolate would really make a tasty combination, I purchased it and promised to report back. Surprisingly, it was quite tasty--almost like a higher-end, milkier Kahlua. If you're looking for something specific or just something new, don't hesitate to ask the friendly staff for a recommendation. They've never led me astray. read more

It's hard to find what you're looking for in this store, especially with the wines. They seem to be scattered all over the store with no rhyme or reason. For instance, the same wine brands but different size bottles are not next to each other, which doesn't mean all one size bottles are together either... Or wines from a certain region are grouped or red, rose or white are grouped... OH NO... everything is just anywhere and everywhere. Worse, none of the bottles are priced so it's anyone's guess how much you'll wind up paying for any given bottle on any given day. I really want to like this place because it's convenient and very clean but the headache I get from just looking for a simple bottle of Yellow Tail is just frustrating. Just finding a section with Yellow Tail in it does not mean you'll find the type or size you're looking for. It may be down the stair, around the bend and on the top shelf... or not. You need to be a sleuth to find it! And the salespeople seem as confused as the customers but not nearly as friendly. And the prices are higher than most liquor stores in the city as well. How they stay afloat... I have no idea. read more

An impressive selection of spirits (Bourbon and Gin are what I tend to look for) as well as wines. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Frequent tastings of all kinds. And a very community-minded owner! We live closer to that other wine store in the 'hood, but always prefer walking the extra distance to Cabrini! read more

The staff is remarkably friendly, knowledgeable and service-oriented. I told them last week that my favorite distillery has other spirits than the one they carried. They researched it and placed an order! I was delighted to see the spirits on the shelf today. read more

I've never bothered to write a review before today. I cannot believe how quickly Cabrini Wines just fulfilled my order. Their service, staff, selection, and prices are also just downright awesome. read more

Probably the best wine shop in Washington Heights! A great selection of wines from around the world (some local too) with a variety of price points. The shop is bigger than others in the neighborhood, which makes shopping easier. They have a super friendly staff and offer occasional free wine tastings, which are a major plus in my book! read more

Great place and well stocked - but the service is what makes it really stand out . I asked them if they stocked a specific brand of pear liquor - and they didn't - BUT the owner went out of her way to order it for me and called when it was in. That is service. I drifted away at one point when the stock was low but enjoy having a neighborhood place where I'm known when I come in. Thanks guys!! read more

I've lived in this neighborhood for four years now, and Cabrini wines has been a staple. Two+ years ago I would have given this place four or even five stars. I don't know if they've changed ownership (probably since I keep seeing new faces in there every time I go in - which is frequent) or management, but it's not what it used to be. 1) Sorry, I just have to say it: SNOOTY people working there. I wouldn't normally care - I mean, hey, it's just a wine store. But I literally go in 3-5 times a week and there is only one person who is ever even remotely friendly and I'm guessing he's the owner or manager. (Just for the record, I would go to PJ's in Inwood in a second if it were more convenient.) In 2006 we bought all of our wedding wine from Cabrini Wines, which was a great choice...I just can't imagine choosing to do that now. 2) Wines are VERY poorly marked re. price. I have no idea how or why this is, but it's a major drag. Many wines have no price at all. 3) Prices have gotten higher. I don't know if it's the economy or what, but the pickins are really, really slim if you're trying to stay under, say, $17 a bottle. Alas, they do have some lovely wines and the store itself is beautiful and pleasant. I miss the people who used to work there. Sorry, guys. read more

Run as fast as you can from this company! The absolute bottom of the barrel. They take your money then disappear. Go to Wine.com instead! I ordered a case of wine for a Christmas gift. There was plenty of time for delivery. I even wrote on the order big and clearly that this is a gift and please send it before Christmas. I even paid extra for fast shipping. When I tracked the order I saw that it would not be delivered until after Christmas! I called them but you could not speak to a real person. They never returned my call or answered any of my several emails. Horrible customer service. These people are the worst. STAY AWAY! read more

I am tired of going into this store and never being able to a) find what I'm looking for or b) find the same thing twice. They do not have predictable inventory, and as someone mentioned earlier, their focus is on expensive wines. It would be nice to have a decent selection of standby, inexpensive house wines (e.g. Yellow Tail) that were always there, in the same place. When I first moved to the neighborhood 10 months ago I was so excited to live close to large, handsome-looking store. But it just continues to disappoint, and I'm about to give up on them. I'm going to do most of my wine shopping back in my old neighborhood, where I can always count on my favorites being there. read more

A good selection of wine and spirits, plus friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a bit of a trek up the hill, but if you need a good selection of wine in the neighborhood, this is a much better place to go than the (overpriced) junk you can pick it up on a run from a bodega. read more