A professional business. Heart of Cole Valley. Been there forever! Cold beer, really cold beer! Employees kind and very knowledgeable! read more

This is an average wine shop in Cole Valley. Tonight, I wanted ice cream, but it was closed on Tuesday, so I decided to have a lemon blintz from Crepes on Cole. Afterwards, I went to this wine spot to get a bag of chips. I looked around the wine shop and noticed the sake and vermouth offerings. It is not completely high end and not a typical city corner shop. Of course, it is in the cozy Cole Valley neighborhood, so it's gotta fit the surroundings. I asked the attendant some questions and eventually, he seemed bored and disinterested. When you are in Cole Valley SF, you would walk by this store. read more

Val De Cole Wines & Spirits - Irony - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Cozy and unpretentious little shop in Cole Valley, but my review will focus on the service, which was excellent. My fiancee and I fell in love with a cider we've only ever found at Val de Cole. We worked with the owners to put in a bulk order for our wedding and it went through perfectly. They warmly wished us congratulations on the upcoming marriage and threw in some Bailey's airplane bottles to help us celebrate. I've had a great experience at Val de Cole and would recommend that folks stop in. read more

Overcharged.....bought the same item two days apart and was overcharged by the owner. The price is clearly marked.

I have been buying from "Bruce" for nearly 30 years and I believe he is the quintessential hidden wine master in SF. If you want the best swill wine for 4 bucks he has it...if you want the best value for a great dinner wine he has that as well!! If you are ever unhappy with his recommendation, bring it back and tell him why. I was doing a small remodel up the hill when I stopped in for my first time in 1993 and he said try this...sadly it was underwhelming and I stopped and said so the next day when he gave me an outstanding hidden value from Paso Robles. Since then I have bought hundreds (bottles, cases, and cash haha) from Bruce and call him an honest business friend for life! If I could give him 6 stars I would. Tell him JC sent you in...certainly will bring to a smile as well as a roll of the eyes to his face! John Crawford (aka JC). read more

They have everything here. I got a lovely cigar for $20, I didn't even know what aquavit was, but they has it. Always a nice choice of wines at most budget points read more

Today's Bay to Breakers crowd was pretty crazy, but I ducked into this inviting shire, and the gentleman showed me the way with Angostura bitters.. really happy with the orange bitters I walked away with.. read more

Val De Cole Wines & Spirits - Angostura Organge bitters purchased today - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have very mixed feelings about this shop. They sometimes have great deals, however, the people who work there are so unwelcoming. They are either outside smoking and talking on their cell phones, or on the phone inside. They can be abrupt and down right rude. Yet they also sell some of the cheapest vodkas, and other terrible hard liquors that will kill you. Recently I got some great bottles that normally go for $25 a bottle for 3 bucks! You can understand why it's a love hate relationship. read more

Val De Cole Wines & Spirits - This is Val de Cole's sign for hours of operation? Come on people, try a little bit harder. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

I like this store. Not at all pretentious. They've got a good selection of quality wines at prices. You can still buy dinner after buying a bottle of wine here. read more

The wrong expectation is set with their name - *Wines & Spirits* makes it sound like they're a wine shop first. Calling it *Val De Cole Spirits & Some Dusty Bottles of Average Wine, Several Coolers of Beer and a Guy Sitting Behind the Counter with His Eyes Glued to Jerry Springer* would set the right expectation. Nothing wrong with that. If I drove over there because I was looking for a high end, small production bottle of wine suggested by the oenophile behind the counter, I'd be disapointed. If I walked in looking for a bottle of vodka, a couple cases of beer and a quick lesson on how best to pull the hair of my mother if she sleeps with my boyfriend, I'd be set and maybe even happy that I'd been able to do a little multi-tasking. read more

Let's make one thing clear: this is *not* a corner liquor/convenience store, it's a real wine store. However, the aura inside is more shabby than snooty, and they have by far the most dirt-cheap wines of any shop in the city (see the $2.99 close-out bins). I decided to keep it classy with a couple of $8.99 bottles of Cycles Gladiator, but still, I appreciated the fact that I could slum it, especially in Cole Valley of all places. But hey, that's the CV magic--where else would you see a grizzled old cigarette-smoking barfly-looking type show up to grab his booze...in a SmartCar? read more

Val De Cole Wines & Spirits - the outside of the store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love this place for daring to be a LIQUOR store, and not just another corner store. They have a great selection of beers including Carlsberg, Chimay & Lambic (eh, not anymore) and a great variety of wines. Hard liquor behind the counter. Perfect to stop by after I get off the N-Judah, or on my way up from Boulange de Cole or Alpha Market. The Cole Valley drag always makes me feel so grown up. I must come back and add another star for Val De Cole because it's become the only place I buy booze in the neighborhood. With Cala Foods gone (and their marked down liquor with it), there isn't really a place for Upper Haight/Cole Valley residents to buy booze without the outrageous corner store markup. So, I am forever thankful to have Val De Cole a brief walk from my place. They always have great sales on cheaper European beers, especially Carlsberg. They also always have 2.99 wines, usually from Argentina or Spain. They also carry the little tiny Sofia Coppola sparkling wine in a can, prosecco, a nice selection of chocolates at the front counter (Lindt & Ghirardelli) and a decent selection of non-alcoholic bevvys including Honest Tea & Newman's juices. A great asset to the neighborhood. read more

This shop is hugely underrated. To be fair, it doesn't look like much. I have this attitude about local wine shops: I assume they're either super-fancy (and out of my price range) or they're mediocre (and I'm probably better off at BevMo/TJs/Safeway anyhow). I would occasionally buy stuff here (what, I don't remember) but I basically regarded these purchases as a sort of "shop local" charity, did all my stocking-up at the big box stores, and otherwise ignored the place for the entire eight years I've been living in this neighborhood. Then one day I needed a bottle of wine on short notice and I didn't know what to get, so I asked the lady behind the counter to find me something nice for ten dollars with a screw top. She did. And it was FANTASTIC. It was easily better than any of the 'great wine scores' I'd found for the same price at the places I usually shopped. Everyone I shared it with loved it. (For the record, this was a Mercer Canyon Cabernet, and I'm only sharing that info because I kept buying until they sold out.) Apparently, there are a lot of great wines at good prices that you're only going to find at your local wine shop. The reason for this is that every wine you see on a shelf in a store got there by being evaluated and chosen out of a bunch of other possible wines by the store's buyer. This selection and procurement represents a certain amount of work. Big box stores only have a few people doing this work. Therefore, they have to choose wines that are produced in large enough quantities to stock all of the stores in that chain that the buyer is responsible for. This is a massive amount of wine, and there are many, many smaller wineries that produce good wine, but not enough of it to make it worth it to be chosen by a big box store. A wineshop, however, can afford to offer these smaller wineries, and (in a mom and pop shop) you're quite likely to get referred a wine that was chosen buy the actual person selling you the wine. It's also way, WAY more convenient not to have to stock up on wine (because there's a store two blocks away where you can get it any time) which involves using a car (and parking, and traffic, and more parking) and finding storage space for it when you get home (rent is about $5/mo per square foot now dontcha know). I have a totally different attitude about local shops now :) read more

Here's my conversation tonight: Me, walking by, idly curious: I'm just curious, are you guys able to order wine by the case, if you don't carry it? Owner, in the doorway: Maybe, what is the name of the wine? Me: Oh, I don't have it on me, I have a couple of wines written down at home I like and want to order. Him: You don't know what you want? Me: No, I do, it's just written down at home, I am just wondering if that's something you do. Him: You don't know... Me: No, it's at home, I live just... Him: That's bizarre, you don't even know what you want. Me: Um. read more

Three times I have purchased wine from this man. Three times I have told him what I was looking for--varietal or region and price. Three times he has sold me preposterously bad wine, which he talked up a great deal. He has the largest selection to be found within at least a dozen blocks but he, like a grocery store (and, notably, not like a reputable wine merchant) stores most of his bottles upright, thus allowing the corks to dry out. That would not be an issue if he turned them over quickly but some bottles have clearly been sitting there like that for quite some time. It's too soon for me to pass certain judgment on his store, but I certainly cannot recommend taking his advice. Perhaps he just thinks that people who seek input on wine selection are likely not to know the difference between a decent bottle of wine and trash. For reference, I've bought in the $15-25 range. Update! His upright-in-a-warm-room-for-months-on-end storage may not ruin scotch like it ruins wine, but he'll mislead you about what you're buying no matter what the drink! read more

If you want great wine, don't shop here. You will not recognize any of the wineries and, although the wine will be cheap, it will disappoint. I've been going here, not learning from my mistakes, for 7 years. I really want to like the wine because I like the owners and want to support them. But now I just go to Luke's nearby--it's well curated and affordable. This place gets one extra star because the beer and liquor selection is not bad. read more

+'s: Near N-judah stop. -'s: Smells like musky old balls. Good beer and wine selection. There's always some cheap wine on special. The guy who works there is inconsistent, sometimes friendly and sometimes cold. He occasionally cards me (22), but mostly doesn't. He should know me and my partner by now! We're there at least once a week. Maybe that's just hurting my feelings. There is some weird back room that I haven't visited and there is a big fugly stinky rug outside of the beer cooler. This place is a good neighborhood wine store but not worth traveling to from outside of Cole Valley/Haight. read more

Anytime, I need to pick up wine or beers, this is my place to stop. They have reasonable prices and a decent selection of wines and beers to choose from. The store clerk at night is friendly and likes to watch TV. My only suggestion would be no min charge for credit cards and open late at night. read more

Val de Cole could be many things. For awhile I used to think it was a bar and the owner frequently butted heads with his counterpart at Kezar for dominance of the block. I put my mafioso delusions aside and discovered its almost something better; a pretty awesome liquor store. We could go on and on about what it doesn't have but let's focus on the real reason this place is here: sweet delicious booze. At first, I used to think this place sucked. I think I came in for something like a red bull and a gatorade and found they were out of both. I came back to purchase some beer and found myself spending about 15 minutes in the process, trying to decide what to buy. I love beer. Not (always) in a "hey, let's get tanked right now!" sort of way but more like a "wow I've never tried this, it might be good" sort of way. Val De Cole has many varieties of Rogue, Speakeasy and New Belgium 6 packs and that's only like one of the cases. The rest are filled with other delicious european beers or other brews that should appeal to all tastes. They do have a good area of 22oz bottles including bottles of one of my favorite "up and coming" varieties, St. Peter's. Add this to the fact that the guy who's usually working the front is a pretty helpful guy and you've got a winner. I agree he probably looks a little creepy but if you strike up a conversation, he's nothing but nice and humorous. If you need something not available at Val de Cole, he's pretty helpful in directing you where to get it (this answer is usually Alpha Market). I'm not saying you need to go out of your way to get here, but if you need a place to find some good booze in Cole Valley, I can't really think of anywhere better than Val De Cole. read more

Plusses: They have some good, cheap wine and good, expensive wine. Prices are comparable to listed prices--sometimes higher and sometimes lower than online. Decent beer selection as well and I like the musty dusty european ship's hold atmosphere. Minuses: The woman who we asked to show us some selections of Burgundy around $40 a bottle didn't seem to know anything about wine. She showed us a bottle or two of burgundy and several other French and non-French reds which weren't even similar to burgundy--basically anything expensive she had and some over $60. Moral: If you're going to shop here, know your wine. Know what you like. Don't expect advice and you'll do fine. read more

The place has an ok selection and is super convenient for people in the neighborhood. I used to go there often, had no problems with the service, used to frequently buy Portuguese wine. But one evening the Ukrainian woman was INCREDIBLY rude for no good reason, in a way I very rarely see in SF. She'd joked with me in previous visits, helped me select wine, etc. Not my fault you're having a bad day, don't take it out on customers. I'll start buying my drinks at Luke's from now on. read more

A decent selection of cheap wine. Next time I'm in the neighborhood (and flush) I'll definitely be stopping here, if only to chat with the owner/cashier. "Women in Eastern Europe, they are much friendlier than here. One bottle of wine and Pizza Hut and they go home with you!" Also, they sell honest-to-goodness Milka!!! My prayers to the German chocolate gods have been answered. Es sehr gut. read more

I like a place that has flowers outside for sale. This place is the type of place to have flowers and booze. That is a good combination. Also the dude who I bought flowers from told me to get more expensive ones...so I did. Why would I want to argue? They also have some pretty decent scotch, if that's your thing. It's mine. read more

Amazing local wine shop, I also like perusing the Facebook page for interesting views of odds and ends that can show up there. Old school, and I dig it. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Val-De-Cole-Wines-Spirits/140531142648645 read more

Yeah okay, li'l on the dusty side but you can find some decent wines here that don't break the bank. Just found a winner, River Road Pinot for about 15 bucks. Fruit forward on the lighter side with low tannins and oh, so easy to drink! The owner recommended it. Just bc they sell less expensive wines doesn't mean that they don't know their stuff. Oh yeah, you can buy tons of beer boozey in the back. read more

I really dont know anything about wine. and i didnt even look at the spirits, so i might not have an accurate review of the "wine & spirits" portion of the store. i was drawn to the beer fridge. with it's good selection of Avery, Lagunitas, Affligem, Anchor and many many more. i settled on my favorite fallback: Avery Salvation. prices seemed standard. like 7-12 bucks for a 750ml of some belgian ale. read more

Great if you need to run in and get a last minute bottle, but their selection of $10 - $20 California wines is limited. They do have many foreign wines and "specials", but they are typically not as good. There beer selection is above par. They've got a great 22 oz bottle assortment that is great for a Saturday couch potato session. read more

Good selection of wines, can do better with liquor. Dang it, when I want Jaigrmeister or Goldshlager shots off the back of a Castro lady-boy prostitude, I want it now!!! Decent prices too. read more

They have consistently good wine for the price. The very picky might want something higher end, but dollar for quality, this is the best wine in the city. You can more or less pick at random and get good bottles. In fact, I've never had a bad bottle here. I've stopped buying wine anywhere else. For other liquor, I wouldn't shop here. Their beer and spirits are overpriced. Go here for the wine. read more

Neighborhood gem and essential resource. A comprehensive cavern of interesting and eclectic drinks, a little dusty but an amazing range of spirits and wines, with a big wall of beer filled fridges. Friendly local service- always helpful and with good knowledge. Interested in a Negroni? Five types of red vermouth available with a thoughtful recommendation. Makes me feel guilty for buying booze at Trader Joe's. Apple Pay for ease. Good social distancing. Wear a mask. Buy a bottle or three. read more

Ask Behrooz about what's good and he will steer your towards a fantastic bottle for somewhere around ten bucks! A SF gem!

I love this place for a quick bottle of wine. Owner is very nice, I've been coming for about four years. Unfortunately they have hired some grad student asshole who has no business working in there, knows absolutely nothing about wine and INCREDIBLY RUDE. I make sure to never come in when he's working. read more

yay! my neighborhood booze provider! They've always got a go-to bin for cheap (10 and under) wine and offer just about every liquor under the sun. The mixers leave a bit to be desired; however, they always seem to have jumbo redbulls which for me is just fine n dandy. in addition to the wines, val de cole also sells some great beer that's hard to find in other places. The guy behind the counter is always super nice and funny read more

I am a big wine lover. This place is my local wine shop and I couldn't ask for anything more. The guy that owns the place always has a great opinion of great red wine. I have never had a bad bottle of wine actually! You can also get beers and liquor (liquor is a bit overpriced). I have had some great bottles of wine for under $10. read more

I am a huge wine lover. I would not consider myself a wine snob but I can definitely recognize and appreciate the good stuff. I love it all - red/white/rose. I probably have purchased 2 or more bottles a week from Val De Cole for almost 2-3 years and it is by far my favorite place to buy wine. They never stock based on brand name or brand recognition, purely by taste. If the same bottle sold off the shelves last year and they taste this years and decide its not up to the same par-they don't re-buy it, and I really respect that. The guy who runs it is also always very helpful. Give him what you are looking for-and he'll immediately chase down the right bottle for your taste and your price range. I never ever feel a snooty vibe in here (which is rare for a wine shop) and he is always open to what I'm asking....whether I want sweet wine or dry wine, whether I can spend less than $10 or above $15 I always get the same quality of assistance and can be sure I am getting a quality bottle. I have found some real gemms in here that I would never find in a big retail store. I used to buy most of my wine at TJs to save a few bux, but now I hit up Val de Cole instead-its worth it! Vive le Val De Cole! read more

Unique little wine shop that looks like it's been here for years. There are a bunch of great wines in cool little wooden crates for you to choose from. The variety is pretty good considering the size, and they have a lot of their whites that are sitting out refrigerated as well. The sparkling wine and beer selection is stocked nicely, too. I was in here last night and the guy behind the counter (who may have been the owner) was helping this woman pick the perfect bottle. It was great to listen to someone so knowledgable be so friendly and helpful. read more

A decent neighborhood wine shop that often has fantastic values on very good wines. On the down side, they also carry a lot of wines that will make you wince. read more

Nice place with a large selection of wines. The staff is friendly but they always seem to be talking on the phone as they wait on customers, which I find a little rude! However, when approached, they have enough sense to end their conversation and help someone! Really, though, the one star off is just for that recurrent staff on cell phone thing...otherwise, it's my favorite place to pick up a bottle of wine or liquor. read more

The selection here is pretty top notch for the area. The closest, bigger selection is a mile or so away at the BevMo on Geary. I have found the staff to be unfriendly at times, but their selection is why I go... I know what I went well before I go in typically. They have a decent selection of Belgian and a few northwest beers which satisfies my urge to be back in Seattle. It's one shop away from the corner where the N stops so if you are going somewhere on the N and need some beer, this is a good option. read more

Great place. My friend owns the place (or used to rather, he sold his majority share to his friend), so I'm a bit biased. But in all honesty, they have lots of wines that you will not find anywhere else. The guy running it now (Veruz) is extremely knowledgeable. He will help you pick out the best wine for your particular taste. Cute store too. read more