Every so often I realize I haven't reviewed a place that I've been going to for ages... Jospeh George has a ton of rare and hard-to-find wines. They specialize in large format bottles -- ask them to show you a Double Magnum (4x a normal bottle) or a Jeroboam (6x). They've done custom labels for lots of fun events, especially for the Sharks. The owner, Bert, is a great guy -- always willing to help you select a special wine. And the rest of the staff is that way too. It's not just wine -- there's a decent selection of specialty food items. I've had olive oil, Marconi almonds, and high end chocolate. Joseph George might not be your everyday wine shop - but maybe it should be. As the saying goes, life's too short for bad wine. read more

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When it comes to wine knowledge nobody knows wine like Burt George, I have been doing business with Burt for lover 25 years, the selection of wine is the best ever, even though I don't live in the bay area any longer, I still do business with Burt,he ships my wine to my door next day delivery, Burt thank you for providing the great service and great wines, the Peter Michael was bottle was beyond words. Thx Pete Ravalin read more

Yikes. Your classic pretentious wine shop. I was heading to a company dinner in the neighborhood at my bosses place and decided to pop in as I saw it was open. I was hoping they had a nice light red wine to go with our holiday feast. I politely asked the man who walked out from the back if they had a nice barbera d'asti (which is a great all around Italian red). He literally said and I quote, "What's that? That sounds like a bear's ass. We only carry California wine here. " I'm sure he was attempting a joke and I just rolled with it. I told him I was looking for a solid all around red that would go well with a holiday meal. He proceeds on show me bottles ranging from $75 to beyond. Look, I like great wine but I'm not dropping Benny Franklin for 750ml of finely aged grape juice for my colleagues. I asked if he had something in the $35-$50 range and he basically ushered me out the door. Wow! This is the kind of nonsense that keeps people away from wine. I get the 1%ers need a place to grab their Silver Oak Cab and the like. But, pretending like there isn't a great bottle of California wine for $50 and below is legit mind boggling. I'd rather go to Enoteca Direct in Los Gatos. You literally say, "I'd love a great light red under $30." They won't judge you and will point you in the right direction. Places like JG are for the birds. Or should I say eagles, very very wealthy eagles... read more

Big fan of Joseph George Wines here. I love that this is a family owned business celebrating 80+ years in business! They have the best selection of fine and rare California wines. If you ever need to send an impressive gift for a client or friend, this is the place to get it. Your gift recipient will feel special and appreciated when they receive the beautiful boxes and fine wines they receive. Customer service is always excellent! If you live in San Jose, you should feel obligated to shop here. They are huge on philanthropy and are always giving back to our local community. Thank you Bert George and team. It is always a pleasure doing business (and playing at the store) with you! read more

Fantastic, family-owned shop. I've been in twice now and they've got a great selection of California wines. There's a little bit for everyone. The ambiance is great and they're very welcoming and helpful. read more

One of the best places I've been to for years Top spot for getting some of the top California Wine's around It's like having all the great wineries in your backyard read more

If you've got money to burn and a taste for vino, look no further than Joseph George. This 'aint Trader Joe's, folks, this is some serious, high quality stuff. Stuff that they're excited to talk about and let you sample. Very nice! Owner Bert is often in the shop, mingling with suppliers and customers. He's a low-key sort of fellow, there are a few things that make his eyes light up like a little kid on Christmas day: 1) San Jose Sharks (Oy! Keep that topic under wraps for now); 2) Helping out local charities; and 3) Good wine (DUH!). It's not surprising that Joseph George actually owns a wine trailer... Yes, that's right. Wine. Trailer. Similar to that of a food truck, but they serve wine tastings from the window instead. Heaven on Earth, I tell you! If you're at a loss for what to buy a foodie or wine snob this holiday season, just drive to Willow Glen and ask one of the folks at Joseph George to help. They've got your back! BevMo is great, but so is supporting a fantastic local business. read more

Joseph George - Storefront - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Jose, California

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I visited once just to check it out, and I'm sure the staff is delightful and knowledgeable about some CA wines. But not sure I have any use for a shop that's only open 1-6p Tue - Fri, has such an extremely limited selection and has no wines from outside California. Are they joking? read more

Came in to buy a gift for my godmother and found a champagne that I think she'd enjoy. The staff was very pleasant and attentive. I felt a little like royalty. Thank you for the great customer service. read more

I buy so many gifts here. The staff is over the top wonderful and helpful! They deliver as well! What more could you ask for!

I just had a great experience at Joseph George. Man, they have some great California wines. This is definitely a high end wine shop, so don't think you'll find the next two-buck Chuck here. I can't tell you how nice it is to describe a characteristic that you're looking for and have someone who's knowledgeable guide you to the ideal bottle. Great customer service, and it seemed like the salesman actually tasted all of the wine...amazing! Not like when you go to grocery stores and have to take a shot in the dark. Although that is sometimes fun, it's hard when you really want to pay for a good bottle. If I really want the perfect wine to compliment my dinner, or to buy a nice gift for someone, I'm coming here again and again. read more

The best place to purchase hard to find California Wines. Great Pinot and Cabernet selections! I would encourage you to utilize the great staff to help you with your selections. Enjoy!!!! read more

We adore Joseph George Wine Shop. Not only are all the employees knowledgeable and extremely helpful, but they take pride in remembering all their customers (even if you have only visited once!) Bert (the owner) does a ton for the community. Such a great example of the way a family business should be run. And the wine is stellar. read more

Excellent wine selection, this is a perfect place to get someone a special gift especially if they are a wine enthusiast. I get a lot of client gifts here, the prices are slightly higher than other places but the service is amazing and you basically pay for access. Joseph George has a lot of rare and hard to find wines, especially in large format or sports themed (check out the Sharks wine!) If you ever splurge on a wine purchase for you or your friends and family, this is a must visit. read more

Amazing wine, amazing people, amazing service. If you need a great wine, but not sure what to buy - go here. If you need a great gift basket full of goodies and great wine - go here. If you want an engraved bottle for a special person or occasion - go here!! I have needed all of this in the past and was super happy with everything they provided. I have become a member of their wine club as well. The best wine club I have ever been in, since I have received nothing but excellent wine in each shipment - all different, but delish, and I love that I get the opportunity to try wine that I may have never known about otherwise. It is perfect. Thanks Joseph George Wine Shop! Thank you Bert, Cyndie, Mary and Ruben! read more

Nice selection and great people. Prices are a little high. I'm usually there at a fundraiser, and they do throw a great party. I LOVE that they carry Duckhorn...my fav! read more

If you are looking for the best of california wines then this place is the ultimate one stop shop. One of my favorite things about this store is the great variety of Duckhorn wines they have. My only request is for more flexible opening hours as I would love to get there more often on the fly v's planning a trip. read more

Joseph George Fine Wines 1559 Meridian Avenue San Jose, CA 95125-5316 (408) 95125-5316 www.josephgeorge.com Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Tuesday through Friday) February 2, 2011 I went into Joseph George Fine Wines looking for wine stoppers that would actually seal the wine bottle when the bottle is on its side. I have a small portable Wine "Cellar" that requires wine bottle be stored on their sides. All other stoppers I have tried have leaked. The gentleman, Christian Camarillo, I think, at the counter gave me two-fashioned piston wine stopper at no charge. He was not only very accommodating, but very nice and unpretentious. Since the stoppers were at no charge, I decided to buy a bottle of 2009 Neiomi Pinot Noir. This one I will be saved for a special occasion. The shop is very well lighted and display is done beautifully. The wine selection is wonderful. This is, definitely, a high-end wine merchant! Sincerely, Gary Jonas, Santa Clara, CA read more

Love this place! Great selection of California wines, very friendly and knowledgeable staff, and they let you taste while your shopping. Immediately signed up for their wine club. read more

It was my BFF's birthday coming up and I couldn't think of a good present to get her so I kept texting my boy back and forth on ideas of what to get her - I didn't want to do a gift certificate because that seems to be the theme every year. As I was finishing my text about maybe some clothes or something - I looked up and noticed the wine store (Yes - I was driving and texting - So dangerous I know). I quickly pulled over and with kid in tow (I was babysitting) walked inside and was a bit petrified that they would be rude to me since I had a 2 year around all the bottles and I was a bit disheveled from chasing after a baby for 5 hours - Ugh exhausting! The owner came right over with a great big smile and asked how he could help. I was so grateful I didn't get the evil eye! I explained what she liked and he took me over to look at some great Zin's and what would be the best option for me. He was so sweet and accommodating! I finally picked out my wine and got some wine charms as well and finished my business - And when my friend opened up her gift - She loved it! Yea! This is definitely my new place to do my wine shopping at - Very friendly and very knowledgeable staff! read more

Weird that a wine store is only open when I am at the office. Only cater to the self-employed?

Bert is Joseph's grandson and this family is so connected in the CA wine industry its ridiculous. Consistently has wines that are not supposed to be available outside the winery. INCREDIBLY knowledgeable about wine and can make recommendations based on knowing what you like. Yes, its pricey, but he always has high-end stuff. PERFECT to find that special gift to impress someone who is a wine enthusiast (guarantee Bert will give you something they never heard of that blows them away!) read more

This is one of the valley's premier wine shops, you won't find inexpensive wines here but they have a wonderful selection. The staff is very professional and friendly. Also, Joseph George is a great supporter of non profits and community organizations. I love to support businesses that give back. read more

Great wine selection for either that special bottle for an occassion or to stock up on the wine cellar. It is not cheap, but I am strong believer in you get what you pay for. Bert is awesome and has many loyal customers. read more

Just attended Bert's wine extravaganza at Villa Montalvo. From the food to the incredible selection of wine, everything was superb. In my opinion, O'Shanessey was the best cab but super surprised to see Spottwood, Far Niente, Ridge Montebello, Foley, Pride to just name a few. This is one of the best wine events ever. Special Thanks to Mary, Ruben and of course Bert! read more

This is the best place to go (even better than K&L or Beltramos) in Bay Area when you are looking for hard to find wines from California. Bert George (owner-operator) has property in Napa and through the years there and in family business has become well networked in the industry. He can find pretty much anything "un-findable" such as Colgin IX Estate, Schrader, Marcassin, Screaming Eagle. & he's such a nice guy too! He'll enjoy meeting you and is sincerely interested in what you prefer about different wines. We hired Bert for several company wine tasting events with customers. He was so friendly and approachable with the customers many of them contacted me for his information & have remained loyal fans over the years. He and his wife also give back to the community through various volunteer organizations (Rotary Club etc). Very caring business person for SJ community. Sure, wines in his store are pricey (although much less so than on auction sites) but you get deep knowledge from his staff and a lack of snootiness and pretension which frankly can be a breath of fresh air in the "cult wine" world. He's official wine guy to NHL and often is traveling to NHL events (or to Sharks locker room). Never know who you are going to run into in his shop... read more

The wine selection is probably the best in the valley. The store layout and selection are both enjoyable and extensive. The special events, i.e. tastings, dinners and meet the winemakers are no question the absolute best in the valley. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and have always taken their time to show you around and educate and assist. The proprietor, Bert and his assistants Reuben , Gene and Mary go out of their way to make you and your purchase feel special. Cyndie and Laurie create the most unusual gift baskets and boxes. No question....the best wine shop in the Santa Clara Valley. Their longtime business history is a testament to integrity, ethics and pride of service. They are involved in the community and assist so many local schools, organizations and charities. read more

With three hours notice, Cindy put together a head-turning, palette-pleasing gift basket that was so well received it had to be locked up before it grew legs! Tremendous selection, incredible folks ... I'll for sure be back!! read more

Had a great experience at Joseph George choosing a few bottles as a wedding gift for a friend who is very wine-savvy. The prices were higher than I was expecting, but I really appreciated the wonderful service they provided. They worked with me to match my friend's tastes and also were very flexible in helping me to stay within my budget. I will definitely be back, particularly if I need to choose another bottle or two for a gift. read more

My husband is on a business trip, staying in San Jose for the week and its his birthday. I called and spoke to Ruben (who was the nicest person) and explained this to him. He immediately suggested something that he thought my hubby would enjoy and sent the bottle of wine over to my husbands hotel, card attached. He was so sweet and easy to deal with. read more

Amazing selection of wine and wine accessories. Perfect place to find gifts for family and friends. Friendly staff, wonderful gift boxes and no hassle shipping make this the perfect place for those of us who hate to "shop". read more

This is the most fun you will have buying wine. The shop is beautiful and laid out like a boutique. Bert and his staff are more than helpful. You feel like you are a guest in their home when you shop with them. Each time I have shopped with them they have given the most wonderful recommendations based on my descriptions of wine needs. Oh, did I mention, they have the most amazing collection of wines. This is a an experience not to be missed. read more

Bert's the man to go to for fine California wine. He knows many people in the industry and is very knowledgeable. Great suggestions and a lot of fun to deal with. I would highly suggest checking out his shop. He is a great guy and really loves his job. I can't say enough good things about him. read more

Love this place, love the staff! They make you feel soooooo comfortable!!!

I hate to break the 5 star streak but he has a great wine selection but only california. Either way he has some real jems that you can't get anywhere else. read more

I was at this place looking for some bottles of wine for my anniversary, when I was inside looking for some one to help me I ask a old grouchy men. Maybe he was having a bad day but the service that I got was terrible. this is a very expensive place at least you should get a great customer service read more

Great store and customer service. Every time I have been in Bert and his staff are always friendly - just don't be afraid to ask for help. They carry mostly Californian wines in the $20-150 range. I was happy to find many great wines that I had enjoyed and purchase during trips to Napa and Sonoma. I appreciate that rather than my having to transport and cellar these great wines - I can just stop by Joseph George to pick them up at a reasonable price- without a crazy markup. They also host a great wine event in the summer in Saratoga that includes many small Napa wineries. I get their emails and will often buy their specials. In fact just today I was near the store and decided to stop by even though it was Saturday and I knew they would be closed. Turns out Bert was there getting his rig ready for a charity event and was happy to help me. I was able to pick up the wine I bought from one of their Fall sales. Bert helped make a substitution and even helped carry the wine to my car. It is this kind of service that make small local businesses great! read more