Greg, bob, and Tyson three extremely genuine gentleman that cater what wine your specifically looking for. Whether it's your very first wine, to a customer specific request, they will help you find the bottle of wine you're looking for. These three gentleman do not push you to purchase anything, they're easy going and friendly. They host wine sampling nights on Friday evenings. Update: 7/30/2018 Even after moving out of center square, I still travel down here from Saratoga Springs to purchase my wine. This store is a hidden gem, it may not be as big as empire wine or all star wine and liquors in Latham, but it has all the hard to acquire, high quality selections that nether store offers. For example, I can not obtain the 2014 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir anywhere else but Capital wines. Other stores sell the more expensive, the same vineyard Pinot noir but from the Santa Barbara location. This year marks their ten year anniversary in business, and they provide such a inspirational selection of high-quality wines, it's my personal favorite wine store when I'm buying wine for someone special, cheers :) read more

Awesome neighborhood wine shop! Small selection, but lovingly cultivated with some lovely higher end choices as well. Staff is also warm and welcoming. Can't recommend it enough! read more

One of the best wine stores I have been to. They always have the friendliest staff and their prices are great! Wonderful selection, super friendly people, and best of all.... around the corner from my house. read more

We were in the area looking for a place to buy a bottle of wine...I was on Yelp and found this spot (they were also offering 16% discount on Yelp) -So glad we did!!! Such a great little wine store! Not super big but they have great quality packed into the store. We happened to come when they were having a wine tasting which was super cool. Greg told us all about the wines as we sipped away and I learned some new things. One of them was on the dryer side and I enjoyed it! Greg was super friendly and personable and not judgemental of my lack of wine knowledge. This is a good little spot to check out. I could tell from those coming and going that they had regulars they knew by name that would grab their specific wine and go (that's a good sign). If we lived in the area we would be regular customers for sure ! read more

I love this wine store! First of all it's super cute inside and they always add more season decorations with every holiday. They have a good selection of wines and liquor. The employees are always super friendly and helpful with making recommendations. Every time you check in you can get a discount through yelp. Lastly, every Friday they have free tastings! I'm so glad this gem is walking distance from me. read more

Capital Wine & Spirits Albany - the outside of the building - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Albany, New York

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Hell hath no fury like a yelper scorned. Really, I need to learn to let stuff go. But here's what happened: I saw that CW&S was moving, and having a moving sale. There was a sign, "everything 20% off". So, I asked the clerk, and he confirmed everything was 20% off. There are few things I love more than wine & spirits bargains. So I decided that before they closed, I would drop the kiddo off at nursery school and spend the morning shopping. When I got to the store, I confirmed with the clerk, "everything is 20% off?" "yep, everything is 20% off" So I grabbed myself a box, and worked on filling it up. I ended up with about 10 bottles of wine and one big jug of booze. At the cash register, the clerk told me that 4 of the bottles were actually not on sale (I ended up putting one of them back). Still, when I got home, the total seemed a bit more than it should have been. When I looked closer at my receipt, the booze was only discounted 2%! So, I called up the store, thinking there had been a mistake. "No mistake" I was told. They don't discount their spirits. So much for "EVERYTHING 20% off". Now that the store has relocated, they will not be seeing any of my business. I'll go to All Star or Exit 9, thank you very much. read more

5 stars. Great wine and spirits store tucked near Washington Park in downtown Albany - awesome wine selection, good prices and outstanding service. Everything you would need. Ren is a rock star ! read more

Avoid this merchant strenuously. I've made several purchases on line, happened to be in town, and dropped in at the store. I was intending to purchase a bottle of one of their most expensive wines (Peter Michael Pavots '08) at retail price, when I noticed the front and back labels were stained and chewed up. I asked for a discount (which is reasonable for any connoisseur to request), but he not only said "no," but laughed. Not a great way to do business or propagate a loyal clientele. I won't be bringing my business ever again to them- nor should you. read more

This is fantastic little wine shop and I go here several times a week (don't judge me. Or do. Idc). The store is small, but they have a great selection of Spanish and Italian wines. I do wish they had more Californian whites but I can usually make due. They also have a great selection of spirits behind the counter. The customer service here is always so great! The guys behind the counter are so friendly you almost forget that you're in New York state. AND you can bring your dog in and they will give him or her a treat. read more

I don't know a thing about wine. I just walk up to the man who conducts the wine tastings every Friday, and I put my ass in his hands (not literally, obviously). Every bottle he sent me out the door with has become a new favorite. I swear, this place is the sole reason why I am still somewhat sane after my first winter in Albany. read more

I don't know much about wine, but after a few discussions with the incredibly knowledgeable staff I started to develop a stronger appreciation for it. Answering questions, responding to special requests, and making general chit chat in the store are among Capital Wine's specialities. You won't find a more friendly, fun, or knowledgeable place in the entire state of NY! If you are ever in the area or have a specific wine I suggest making a stop at Capital Wine! Their exceptional gift wrapping abilities on Christmas Eve make the lines small and the patrons happy. LOVE THIS PLACE!! read more

The gentleman who assisted with wine suggestions was very knowledgable. He was conducting a wine tasting at the time. The gentleman at the register was nice but was rather slow. read more

Don't get me wrong. They have a nice selection of wines from the affordable to the pricey. They had the Clos du Bois, which is a solid standby for me. But when my boyfriend and I (a chef and a former bartender/server, respectively) asked for some decent suggestions to pair with a number of cheeses and charcuterie (specific descriptions given), I don't want to get a blank stair and empty questions. I don't know who helped us, but it wasn't the owner, I suspect. Perhaps a manager? But his descriptions of the wines were decidedly poor with a bit of feeble effort at best. I don't just want to hear, "it's nice, it's really great, it's a good wine." Those aren't words to describe a bottle. I want to know the characteristics about how a wine tastes, the body, the aroma, the finish, the tannins, the complexity. I want someone to sell me passion when they sell me wine. I want to hear emotions! In the end, we ended up going with the Clos du Bois because we really couldn't trust this guy. I was just hoping for more. But sadly, there isn't more to what meets the eye at Capital. read more

Great little shop. First I found a Travelers kit of Bitters, then I went back for a couple of bottles of wine. The staff are enthusiastic & knowledgeable. I'll be back. read more

Capital Wine & Spirits Albany - Travelers Kit of Bitters - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Albany, New York

One of the Highlights of my New Neighborhood! I recently moved to Albany from Rochester and was pleased to discover that I live walking distance from one of the nicest/most awesome wine & liquor stores I have ever patronized. I say this because of three reasons: 1) selection 2) knowledgeable/friendly staff, and 3) reasonable prices Keep up the great work! read more

Hooray! Capital Wine and Spirits is BAAACCKK! After the previous owners' departure for bigger and better pastures (aka the Northway Mall's Empire Wines,) this adorable shop sat dormant for a long time. Apparently the state Liquor Authority is notorious for taking for-ever to approve liquor licenses. You know, all the fun nonsense. Anyway, finally, this place has re-opened, with a new owner who's savvy enough to realize the old formula worked well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! The decor is still the same, the workers are still very friendly and the selection is still diverse. Right now some of the shelves are still a little bare as they literally just opened a couple of weeks ago, but I suspect that will change soon. Right now, I'm just pleased as punch that Center Square now has it's wine shop back. Last night, my mother and I sat outside and had gelato at Crisan, purchased some pastries and then walked to the wine shop. It made us feel so urban chic in a way Albany usually lacks. And yes, in my mind, that's a very good thing. read more

The location is useful if you live on Lark St. because it is within walking distance. But the service is not great and they are overpriced. Every time I visit the location the staff are upset or just rude. They barely acknowledge you or look at you plus they always forget to check id's or just don't care. I am over 21 so it doesn't matter but its kinda funny how often they never check id's. I only go here if I forget something or need a bottle last minute for a party but there are cheaper stores with friendlier staff out there. read more

I stopped in today to pick up a bottle of wine to take to a friend's for dinner. I definitely was impressed by the store, I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Nice selection of wines, pretty reasonable prices for the area and really nice staff. I usually buy wine closer to home but if I'm ever in a pinch again it will be my go to place. read more

A shop that truly inspires. As a "The Beer Bible" thumping drinker of ale, I patronized this little business for a couple of months, cataloged my purchases in my little spreadsheet as usual, and then decided to move on to a wine club (I get homesick often so went with a golden state club.....and when I ask for a Shiraz or Syrah while showing my little varietal wishlist, I'd rather not have a dessert wine blend suggested without explaining why to me, like, while our faces are opposite and within a few feet of each other.). I even got some career ideas by being around all the bottles. ;) No regrets in giving this place a try at all. Thanks, Capital Wine Albany! read more

Lovely shop with a pleasant atmosphere, a good selection of liquor and wine for a reasonable range of prices. Our neighborhood go-to shop that has never let us down! And the staff are always so friendly and genuine. read more

This place has a great look, is in a great location and has tons of potential. I had high hopes when I moved in a couple blocks away. I was highly disappointed when my husband and I made our first trip into the store and started picking out wines. We were stocking up for the month and were spending a lot of time picking out about 10 bottles. Not once did the owner offer to help us. When we went to pay for the wines, we told him we had just moved to Albany and asked him about the shop and whether they had tastings. He wasn't rude, but he made no effort at all to talk to us and was obviously really disinterested. My idea of a great wine store involves an owner/manager that really loves wine and wants to help you choose great bottles and introduce you to new wines. We buy a lot of wines, and would rather spend our money supporting someone who knows a lot about wine and who gets us excited to keep drinking and learning. read more

A great city wine store. It doesn't have the selection of a warehouse, but as some who buys a bottle of wine every two weeks or so, it's perfect. Their selection of liquor has steadily expanded as well which is nice to see. They even have Albany Distillery products! The staff is very helpful if you have any questions as well. I love the place is what I'm getting at. read more

Lark street is great and Capital Wine contributes tot he atmosphere of the entire street. I'm an out of towner and picked up wine at Capital for dinner with friends near by. Walked in on a tasting. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable in helping me make a sensible selection. Too bad I don't live in Albany. read more

Trudy is an angle from above. Such a sweet lady. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Was a breath of fresh air the day I stopped in.

I am a casual drinker who buys wine or spirits about once a month. That said, I have a few staples I always go for and this place has them. Occasionally I want something special for myself or as a gift and the staff are really helpful. The selection is great considering the size of the store and they also have regular specials advertised. You don't feel weird buying sale stuff here or walking in with no idea what you want, the staff are nice and don't give you the stink eye. I'm 27, so I'm used to not getting carded as much as I used to but they are pretty good at asking - so bring ID. They also will wrap your drinks, pretty standard, but nice to have the option for gifts. Prices are on par with other places around Albany and I can always find something tasty in my range. Since it is the only place on Lark I can go to get liquor or wine, and near to my house it has little competition, but either way, a nice place to shop - and local so you are supporting a local business. read more

This little gem in the Center of Albany NY. It is like the hope diamond.. The people are friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. Mark Brogna, the proprietor, owns this oasis in the desert. We are all truly devoted to this wonderful small business. Just love the entire staff, and Mark is a consummate professional, and extraordinary. He contributes a lot to various charities. That's why it is so important to support the small businesses in our area. Just want to pay it forward and reinforce the fact that supporting the little guy is very important, because there is so much competition. But at the end of the day loyalty is very important, to such a wonderful person, who puts his heart and soul into Capital Wine and Spirits read more

This place is super cute and has some great stuff, but what is up with the owner? He is extremely unfriendly and makes me feel like I'm unwanted in the store. It's odd, because he is incredibly talkative with certain patrons, but cold and rude to others. read more

this isn't a review, just news -- there will be another wine store opening in this location shortly, under different ownership & management....so don't take Daniel B's (justifiably) negative review as a review of the new place soon to be at this location :) read more

Capital Wine is an excellent store. Good selection. Most of the employees are knowledgable. Great corporate citizen.

Great local business! If you buy by the case (or even half case) they'll give you a discount. Always charming, helpful and have beautifully decorated windows. read more

I love Capital Wine and Liquor! Every time I go in there the person working is so friendly and very helpful. The staff is really knowledgeable about their products and I always learn a little something with each purchase. Going in there is always a good experience and it's nice to be supporting a local business. They've definitely been a huge contribution towards many special parties and events I've had. I can't imagine having a bad experience shopping in their store. read more