Hands down this is the best wine shop I've been to in New York City. There is a reason this place has so many five star reviews. Yes, the selection here is very small, and that might throw you off when you first enter. But they change the bottles that are stocked constantly rather than buying in bulk. MCF always offers a fantastic selection of wines at every price point (from very affordable to bottles that cost hundreds of dollars) and every occasion. The staff here definitely knows their stuff and they are always happy to talk to you about the wines and make recommendations. They are incredibly knowledgable here, more so than any other wine shop I've ever been in. I love this store so much that I signed up for their mailing list and actually read everything they send. This is definitely a shop I would check out every single time I'm in the area, and a store where I want to buy far more bottles than what I originally came in from. Everything here is outstanding and every wine is thoughtfully chosen. You can't go wrong with a wine from MCF Rare Wine. read more

MCF Rare Wine - Domaine de Villaine Burgundy - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - New York, New York

I stumbled upon this place today and it's just what our neighborhood needed, a wine store staffed by the owner who has flat out done the work on every single selection in the store (only 80 different selections total). Rare Wine has bottles priced from $10 to $210 and everything in between. After a little discussion we settled on 2 different bottles (a monastrell and a cab) and the grand total including tax was only $27.03. Once I've had a chance to drink the wine if it's as good as I hope it's likely I'll come back and upgrade this one to 4-stars! If you are in the neighborhood give this place a shot, I think it's a winner. read more

Just got to say that I got an email from MCF Wine that told me I had to try the Pineau d'Aunis Le Temps des Aunis of Courtault-Tardieux. I have been waiting a week but finally made it by. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and the wine couldn't be more delicious. A total home run at MCF and I am definitely going back for more. Great communication, great service, great wine. read more

I just left MCF and I cannot wait to try the wine suggestions. Being early to an appointment in the same block, I decided to check it out. I have walked past this place many times and it just looked too small. Since I am fairly new to wine, making choices is very difficult and I figured that this place would be too expensive. That was not the case. They had plenty in my price point - the $20-$30 range. To my surprise they were very inviting, helpful and patient. Thanks to them, tonight I will expand my palette with a gamay. Update: I have tried a bottle of the MCF recommendations and WOW this bourgogne really opens up. (2010 Domaine Rollin Pere er Fils) They told me that it tastes even better on the second day and they were so right. Day 1 was good as well. I only wish that I did not over indulge yesterday and I would have more to drink today. Updated to 5 stars. I will visit again soon. read more

Of all my various job experiences, I must admit, working for Matt Franco over a year ago was one of my favorite. While working part-time at this boutique and yet "working-man friendly" wineshop, I was provided the opportunity to discover wine in an artistic environment while never forgetting its original intent; drink-ability. I fell in love with so many wines here but especially the readily available and surprisingly affordable Barberas and the sensual and murky Etna reds. I can't wait to be back in the city to try more. read more

I stopped in here to pick up a red for a friend's dinner party. This is a great store. Great price range, which is to say you can get really fancy schmancy if you want, but you won't break the bank to get a decent bottle of wine. And tremendous variety of wine, wine regions, grape varietals. Matt has clearly done his homework, and likes doing it - you can just tell. I have to go back. read more

There are honest wines and dishonest wines. There are honest wine stores and dishonest wine stores. MCF Rare Wine is a wine store run by an honest guy who sells honest wine that he honestly likes. After working at various wine stores for nearly a year, I'm somewhat jaded by wine retail. As a salesperson, I become restless when I hear customers ask for a wine that goes well with Thai food or a dry, white wine that starts with Pinot and rhymes with the last name of former Houston Astros 1st baseman Craig Biggio. As a customer, I become more distressed when I hear a salesperson pitch me a blowsy California Chardonnay or sell me on a wine on the basis of Robert Parker or Wine Spectator ratings. Matt Franco's store is old-school, back-to-basics wine selling. He picks great wine, he knows how to talk about it, and can turn you on to producers and varietals that you haven't heard about. The selection is small (approximately 80 bottles), and focuses primarily on Old World. France, Italy, and Germany are well represented, but the store takes detours into some US wines (Arcadian, Belle Pente), but also more off-beaten Eastern European countries like Slovenia and Hungary. No Veuve Clicquot at this store: only Krug and small grower-producers line the shelves at this store. (NB: If you bring Veuve Clicquot NV to impress someone in the wine trade, you will be silently judged). This is not the wine store to buy wine if you are in a pinch for a dinner party. But if you take the time to mull the store's selections and talk with Matt, you will be greatly rewarded. Check out Matt's blog at shopkeepersdesk.wordpress.com. read more

I asked my gay/organic butcher on 9th avenue-another amazing place--which wine store he liked. We both mentioned Appellation, on 10th and 19th--and it's good. But it's almost too...perfect. Not a challenge, not quite the little neighborhood joint type place that this place is...This is where I go and feel like I'm in France..Appellation, as nice as it is, feels a bit more like Santa Monica, CA. Like, look, look, we're so bright and organized and natural. Give me a TV with soccer playing, weird hours, and a crowded store on a charming block in the West Village...This place is that place... read more

This store harkens back to the old school stores that really focus on wine on a personal level. The store is small, but is large enough to fulfill your wine needs. The owner, Matt, personally tastes every wine that he sells and uses his years of experience in the wine industry to carefully choose his bottles. There is a wide range of mostly old world wines from small producers that excel in the product they are creating. Matt can recommend the perfect wine for any occasion and any price point, from a $10 every day drinker to a $500 Giacosa. This is my new go to wine shop. Stop in and chat with Matt and you won't be disappointed. read more

This is one of the best wine stores in the city. While it is a small store, Matt (the owner) has put together a really cool group of wines with a focus on the best small growers. He has wines at every price point. Clearly, a lot of thought has been put into every bottle that he offers...I would venture to say that there isn't a bad bottle in the store. I find Matt to be tremendously helpful, knowledgeable and generous with his time. The prices are every bit as good as the big stores. A place to check out. read more

There are quite a few places to buy booze within a couple blocks of my apartment, but this is by far my favorite and my default destination for wine. My only real complaint about this store is that it's not open later on weekdays, when I often don't make it home before 9pm. When that happens, I get sad. Nice people, cute store, great wine. Strongly recommend. read more

Matt is our go-to guy for wine. He's introduced us to a handful of wines that we absolutely love and now buy regularly. Also, you'll find much of his pricing competitive to a lot of other wine stores. read more

Top notch! This place is tiny but has a really well curated selection of wines from around the world. I picked up a bottle of Jura Trousseau. A bottle I never expect to see at even some of my favorite shops. Furthermore, the guys in there were friendly, helpful and, best of all, straightforward. I didn't have time to stay and chat, but would have loved to do so. I will certainly be back. read more

Great selection at all price ranges. Rare is also an important word here. I found wines in this store from Spain that I had never seen in my home country, Spain. And yes, the owner is super cute! read more

Great service, fantastic boutique selection at all price points! Great place to find a special bottle!

MCF is a great wine and spirit shop in New York's Village Area. Nice selection, friendly and helpful clerks make getting just the right wine so easy. Spirits and beer are also available at a reasonable price. read more

This place is great. Less is more with hand picked wines organized by price range (very practical) in a small space; helpful owner points out 'what's new' as the selection changes frequently. They have also replaced a funky bottle for a different one, which was appreciated. Room for improvement in their hours-I believe they are closed Mondays. read more

This is a very atypical wine shop with an amazing selection of unique and terrific wines. I have been there several times and Matt (the owner) has never steered me wrong. Whether you are looking for a nice moderately priced bottle, or a serious occasion wine, MCF has you covered. There are wines in this shop, that you just won't find anywhere in the city. Matt really does his homework and his passion for wine is clearly evident. He loves talking shop with everyone from novice to pro. This store is a real winner and a must for all oenophiles! read more