Like most big liquor sellers, the bulk of 1st Choice's floor space is taken up with wine. I don't…read moreknow my Reisling from my Reichstag, so I'm not exactly qualified to assess it on that. But they've got a beer section, and it's a good one. There's beers there that I've never heard of, and beers that I've never seen bottled before. (Here's a hint, try the Kriek - it's a sour cherry beer, and it's delicious). Scotchwise, though, they're maybe a little light. There's the usual suspects, your Johnnie Walker and Teachers and the like, but they seem to carry only a couple of the more unusual indie brands. They still had brands I haven't tried, but it'd warm my heart if they got rid of some of the wine racks and added in more Scotch.

Repeatedly charged full price on discounted products. Sell…read moreexpired alcohol, e.g. beer (several months) at full price. Dodgy. On plus side the range is OK.

It's so handy having this Vintage Cellars nearby in ChinaTown. You can swing past on your way to…read moreone of the many BYO places in ChinaTown and pick up a bottle of wine or beers from here. The store has Chinese translations for most signage in and outside the store (It is in ChinaTown after all), but most of all provides a great range of beers, ciders, wines and spirits. The beverages in here are quite cheap, they always have a range that are stocked up in the aisle and presented with a great price. You can find a bottle of red or white for around %10, and usually have spirits 2 for $60. The staff are outstanding here, all very friendly and happy to help with any recommendations. Quite frequently there's a chipper young blonde behind the counter who has a laugh or two in her.

This place is run by a husband and wife team who care about their business, and it shows. Friendly…read moreservice, always ready to point you towards an interesting new brew or wine brand. During lemon season they'll have a basket or two on the counter to give away. Excellent range of Australian reds and whites, and very good beer selection as well. Parking is a bit of a problem - don't make the mistake of sitting in the No Standing zone as the inspectors are right on it.

Want a better selection of wine and beer than the chain bottleos? Decanters By The Bay is worth…read morechecking out. The locally run business has friendly and knowledgeable staff on hand and they offer services like helping you cater for the family xmas booze selection.

Awful service. Buying multiple bottles and they don't have shopping bags, not even paid for…read morereusable tote bags or similar. And the attitude of the salesperson just awful. Went and spent my $400 next door.

Truth: I haven't picked up a newspaper here in Melbourne for any reason but the weekly Wednesday…read morealcohol deals. Dan Murphy's usually has a good deal or two per week which works well for me since I love beer and can't afford to pay for 40 dollar slabs. Though I used to be a regular, I've stopped going to Dan Murphy's recently. The reason is due to their inconsistency. As an exchange student, I rarely need to have my passport on me but too many times have I come to Dan's and had issues. I'll be in on a Monday and not even get id'd but come Tuesday, I come in with my mates and none of us can buy alcohol because I don't have a proper Id on me. This is the most ridiculous situation to be put in when shopping for grog so I've just stopped giving them my business. They've got a pretty fabulous selection though and even free tastings sometimes. Just be sure to bring your passport with you if you're an international to ensure no hassles.

The owner of Casa De Vinos name is Jose...but it may as well be Norm ('coz everybooody knows his…read morena-ame). Except in the community of Port Melbourne, everyone knows him because he owns an excellent bottle shop and loves sharing his passion with everyone that enters his store. With a background in both winemaking and distilleries, he knows everything about everything. It would be a waste to simply walk in and buy a bottle without picking his brain about what suits your tastes or discovering something interesting to try. Set up as part wine store/part grocery store, one wall is lined with interesting ingredients, particularly hot sauces. They also import and sell Tequila Clase Azul. I was lucky enough to have a taste of this tequila range and it was hands down the best I've ever had. So easy to drink and even if you don't think tequila is your thing, there's a good chance you would like this one. Crazy good. A great family-owned business worth supporting.

This little shop arrived around the time that Jose and his partner had their first child. Years on…read morethey have managed to hang in there as a niche provedore and wine store. Mostly stocking from small/boutique producers, the items are very special. You'll find beer, wine, spirits and handmade knives from the Laguiole part of France. There is gourmet produce and a cheese room. Jose is a great teacher too, so visit for wine education or help on your selection. Port Melbourne has the biggest spread of demographics from the poorest to wealthy affluent elder members of society. It is well serviced by a large Coles, Brewsters, IGA, Thomas Dux, and several liquor outlets, so it is a credit to him that they have managed to not only remain a part of the scene but to be voted as the strip's favourite in a local poll.

Whilst appearing to be a small premium wine bottle shop, Seddon Wine Store is best experienced as a…read morecasual 'wine by the glass' meeting point. The venue, with seating at high tables of 4, is quiet and intimate which is refreshing after noisy restaurants and bars - conversation flows easily whilst your eyes wander over the wall of fine wine imagining all the possibilities. The knowledgeable advice is also a highlight as staff here really do know their product whether it's Presecco or Piedmont they're quick to offer valuable advice to help you with your selection. A delicious selection of cold tasting plates are also on offer. Cheeses, olives, pates, cold meats and white anchovies are presented skillfully to complement the wine. Give it a try!

It probably says something about the area, but the strip that Seddon Wine Store is located on…read morecontains 4 bottle shops. The others are those chain store everything-but-nothing kind of places with cask wine, a lot of beer and premade shooters. Seddon Wine Store is to alcohol what a gallery is to art. Basically, it's small but thoughtful. They cover a range of price points, but they don't have mainstream over-advertised hangovers in a bottle. The owner, Simon, is often in the store and knows his stuff. He's always available for a chat and to dish some advice but isn't a vino snob. Most pleasantly of all, Seddon Wine Store now has an itty bitty wine bar located inside. Just a few tables, but goodness knows they have a great wine list to choose from, and some fabulous little things to munch on (think wagyu salami and nuts and whatnot). The biggest problem I can think of in fact, is that Seddon Wine Store is located directly between my house and the newsagent.

So it's not a brewery, but it's a MASSIVE bottle-o smack bang in the middle of the city... and you…read moreall know these are like gold to come by. Apparently they also sell food, like a small inner city IGA or Coles, but I've obviously been too drunk on the late night's I've ventured in here for a refill to notice. I believe they possibly stock the greatest range of alcoholic beverages in Melbourne CBD, and at the most competitive prices (most bottle-o's city central believe they have the right to rob you blind). Beware the many late night revelers and backpackers that random on in here due to the proximity of late night bars, clubs and hostels; but in saying that I've only ever met cool, fun people out to have a good time. All the booze you could want, at the best prices in the city, open at convenient times. Enough said?