My partner is more of a drinker than me, so he's the one who found this gem. But we couldn't be more in love with the space and the selection. Don't miss this spot read more

We found this place by sheer chance. One day I was sitting around on Facebook and I stumbled upon their page because they had a sponsored ad with a White Merlot tasting. Intrigued, I dug further and found out they are local in New London, and offer free beer and wine tastings every Friday night! Excited, I put it on our calendars, and counted down the days. Located in the heart of downtown new london, walking distance from the amtrak station and the city center, Thames is the only craft liquor store for many miles. Parking on the street has never been a problem for me, but may become so if their popularity increases. The store itself is well organized, with an entry area with a deli feel, stocked with craft cheeses and meats. This area is also where they taste their beers, and provide wonderful food pairings. Behind the food area is a boutique area with a case of chocolates and gifts surrounding it, along with cigars and a cold case of rosés. Alongside this area is another long room with the spirits, beers and wines. This is where the wine tasting is located, and features vintages from all over the world. I have been very pleased with the suggestions from staff on our purchases, and have yet to leave with a bottle of something that I dislike. They do have some amazing items we return for repeatedly, like the Tonic syrup to make custom gin and tonics, and many not-to-miss California reds. Downsides are price, which seems high comparatively across the board, and sometimes selection, which rotates constantly. If you're trying for something specific, they may be out and offer something similar which I think is fun but may be annoying to some. read more

This is the coolest wine store ever!! They sell more than wine though--they carry a limited selection of high-end beers, liquor and hard-to-find scotch. In fact, I buy a bottle of scotch here every year for a discerning scotch drinker in my family and it's always a big big hit. The first floor has the scotch and some featured wines. The Pièce de résistance is the wine cellar though, it's very deep--2 floors--down in a basement built of giant stones. Here you can walk around and explore all the wines. The basement alone is worth the trip. They send out a weekly email newsletter detailing events and new wines; it's very informative and well written. I usually make a list from this and buy in bulk every few months...then I drink. Other stuff: they own a great little restaurant and cheese shop next door and you can buy a bottle and bring it over to drink with your meal. If you've never been, New London is a beautiful, quirky little city right on the water with beaches close by. read more

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A simple search for a place to buy bourbon in New London led me to this fantastic spot. Nestled in a row of shops heading down toward the train station and the waterfront, this amalgamation of awesome features a liquor and wine shop, coffee, a lunch counter with soups, sandwiches and salads, chocolates and gift shop. The staff was wonderful. This beautiful shop is definitely a labor of love. I came in for the bourbon but ended up staying for lunch and a coffee. Please, please, please go visit this great spot and keep it, and others like it, open for all of us to keep enjoying! read more

A true case of Serendipity...and a cool place to shop. I was there by chance after seeing a jeroboam of Ommegang's Three Philosophers in the window. After passing it by on my way to Caruso's guitar store, I returned on a tip I received at Caruso's that Thames River Wine & Spirits might also have magazines too. What I found was a myriad of treasurers with two stores adjoining each other: one with wine, beer, and spirits and the other with cheese, magazines, and other housing gifts. I made my way into the wine and beer section immediately, while discarding the idea of magazines, to see what I could find. The existing beer section was small in the cooler, but I could pick out various brands I was familiar with, such as Sierra Nevada and Sam Adams, as well as some I had no idea about. I also came into contact with a gentleman I gathered to be the owner and we engaged in an interesting discussion about the variety I was looking at. As I made my way through the store, I found his knowledge to very enlightening as I would pick up items and relate my experiences to them. I was very pleased he had the time to tell me about the various whiskey selections, particularly the Japanese one. It must have been inspiring magic, so I started assembling a nice collection of artisan tonic, single malt Scotch, local brewed beer, and some wine. My stellar rating is really a reflection of my first experience in the store itself, which is an oasis in the heart of New London, near the train station and ferry docks. While there may be other venues with more beer/wine/etc., I find the meeting of people who are enthusiastic about their products to be invaluable along the trail and Thames River Wine & Spirits certainly is in my top tier. read more

Fantastic selection and knowledgeable recommendation. Really a full range of price points to fit the occasion/budget, but thoughtfully selected and great producers. Highly recommend!! read more

Most darling little store with great service, gifts, prosecco large and small, chocolates. Wish new london will grow more stores like this. They've been around for 40 years. read more

This is such a great wine store. I love the selection and the owner is always so eager to recommend wines. My favorite wine shop!

Great experience, one size fits all, the best I saw in the area, friendly people, something for everyone.