Friendly knowledgeable service. Handsome owner. Great selection of unique products. Just go and see for yourself

Nothing is better after a long day than stopping by Vinomania to lift your spirits (and buy them!) Not only is there an amazing selection of wine and liquor, but stepping into this place always feels like stepping into a neighborhood party. Gary is always cracking a joke while making a recommendation, or hosting various wine tasting events, mainly every Friday and Saturday. Vinomania is the best place to be in not kidding best find in Syracuse I'll never go anywhere else to get my wine. read more

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This place might just be my new favorite wine store in the world, and I don't say that lightly because I've been pretty smitten with Red Feet in Ithaca up until now (also excellent, though far from me now!) I came to check it out because I'd read good reviews on Yelp. I feel pretty confident saying I wouldn't have stumbled on this place in the wild, because though it's downtown it's a bit out of the way, and the surrounding area (before this street) gave me "abandoned alley" vibes. This shop has apparently been around for 20 years, which in itself is pretty cool. In anticipation of a virtual chocolate tasting I'd be attending, I decided to pick up a bottle of red. The owner Gary stopped mid conversation to greet me warmly. He asked if I needed help, and I immediately told him I wasn't normally a red drinker, but wanted a red to pair with chocolate. He immediately led me to a bottle of Sun Goddess merlot and shared some basic facts, like that it was an Italian and not full of tannins, which would make it more mellow. Also, it was only $10, so I was pleased that I wasn't upsold. Gary was so incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and I accepted his suggestion immediately. As he rang me up, he mentioned that they'd be doing a wine tasting the next day. I asked if he held them often and he said he had an email list to announce them and I could sign up on a sheet by the door. (And said they were a hoot, which I fully believe.) In an age of spam email, it should speak volumes that I willingly signed up to receive an email from a business, and by scribbling my e-address on a piece of paper under a paperweight no less. As for the wine itself, it was delightful. Rich and smooth, not dry, and the perfect compliment to my chocolate. I'll certainly be swinging by next time I need a bottle! read more

Vinomania - Outside - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Absolutely the best spot for wines and unique liquors - don't be fooled by what looks like a small store, the selection is amazing. With just a few descriptors, Gary can pick the perfect wine for whatever you need. I picked up a bottle to give as a gift for a dinner, and the host couldn't stop raving about it. Prices are super reasonable, parking is easy - what's not to like? read more

Vinomania should be your "Go-To" store for your Wine & spirits shopping. Gary will not steer you wrong. His selection is wide ranging and his prices are fantastic. We've been shopping at Vinomania for almost 20-years and NEVER had a bad purchase. Don't know what to get? Let Gary help. Tell him what you want and he won't let you down. The man knows his wines! Also, once he recommends a wine, make sure you purchase at least two bottles. You'll wish you had once you finish the first one. read more

So happy that I live close to this local wine shop! Gary, paused his conversation with his friend to help me with my quest for the perfect bottle of Riesling. He is very knowledgeable and descriptive in explaining the selections and he really took the time to understand my taste palette. Prices here range from 10-30+ They have monthly wine tastings/ member parties! Can't wait to come back! read more

Moved to Syracuse a few months ago and Vinomania was one of the first places we discovered. Great wine, great prices, great atmosphere. Gary's wine suggestions are always top notch and he remembers what I've liked in the past. Along with a terrific wine selection, it's a welcoming and fun place to visit. read more

I haven't posted here before because I assumed everyone knew how awesome Vinomania is! We found Gary quite by accident over 20 years ago and am so glad we Did! His prices are excellent and the wines are the best in the area. You won't find a lot of mass marketed brands. What you will find is absolutely outstanding wines and great prices. If Gary recommends it, buy it! Actually buy a few bottles because some of them you won't see again! read more

This is a small and friendly liquor store. Not a huge place but a very good selection of wine. there is also an interesting array of whiskey, flavored vodka, liquors and other libations. They are happy to order for you if you want something special like Uncle Nearest whiskey or fig vodka. They will also pack up an order and bring it to the car. I like to support family owned businesses and while I have nothing against the Wegman family that is not what I mean. read more

This place is amazing. They have interesting Varietals, and the store ambience is almost as warm as the owner is welcoming. Today he invited my canine companion in with me while I shopped so she didn't have to stay in the car. She was quite happy with that invitation. Especially when it came to include some delicious, I'm sure, cheese from Thanos. As a result, after purchasing some charming reds at super reasonable price points, I ran over to Thanos for the first time fir a bit of table cheese and to have a look around. I'm so glad I finally made it in and will certainly drive 3 extra miles for this rewarding vino shopping experience. read more

Vinomania is a distinctive selection of wines, purveyed by a knowledgable staff. This weekend, my family and I stopped by Vinomania to get a special bottle of wine to pair with our holiday dinner. Its located in an old store front in the North Side neighborhood. Inside, the wooden rafters are exposed and the original brick walls are adorned with classic decór, giving the store its vintage appeal. Gary was on hand to help us make our selection. We told him our plans to have beef brisket, and he immediately recommended a particular California cabaret sauvingon. He offered some interesting insight into the recommendation, and how to best serve it. We had the wine with dinner last night, and it was fantastic. Since we typically buy regional wines (with the Finger Lakes being famous for its whites), it was a rare treat to enjoy a truly distinguished red. Though Vinomania has some more premium selections available, there's also unique options that won't bust the budget. So, when you're looking to pick up a unique bottle of wine, I recommend stopping by Vinomania! read more

Vinomania - rows of wine bottles in a store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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I love this place! Gary the owner is beyond friendly and knowledgeable. He's happy to pair you with the best bottle (wine or liquor) for your needs and tastes. You'll also find many bottles that you won't see any where else. This feels like a real neighborhood joint where you can walk in, have a conversation, buy a bottle of wine and hang out. You won't find the choices and the friends at any other liquor store around- not to me to mention the decor. Stop in, enjoy and you'll feel it too! read more

Great find during weekend visit, owner was very friendly and knowledgeable . He has many off brand niche wines which is awesome. Gave many local recommendations for food as well. Would recommend to anyone .. right at highway entrance, easy to locate downtown. Wld come back no questions read more

Don't bother shopping anywhere else. I have been here a half dozen times and Gary never disappoints. This place is every bit as good and interesting as the finest specialty shops in the Big Apple. Gary knows his stuff and at the same time is gracious beyond all get out. And able to deal with all comers - even me who thinks he knows more than he does. I learn from him each time - it could be bourbon one week, Spanish wines the next and grappa the third. There cast of characters that come into the place is amazing - I swear that the place could be a great venue for a sitcom. I have not mentioned the artwork - check out the Flaming Carrot covers. So not only do you get some of the best wines and speciality liquors in town but a show too! Remember to buy by the case - and not pay retail. read more

I know wine - live in California wine country and this guy is legit! He is kind, smart, and honest. Can highly recommend! Looking for a value bottle or a special one - this is the place! Great restaurant recommendations as well. read more

I live in New York City and wanted to send a gift of wine to someone in East Syracuse. Gary and Vinomania had excellent reviews and so I called to place my order with them. Gary could not have been any nicer and was so accommodating. He took care of my order, added the gift note I requested and made the delivery when he told me he would. I highly recommend Vinomania and wish Gary the best of luck with his new store! read more

I was there in early October. The guy who ran the shop is super friendly! Very knowledgable about wine and liqour. We showed up minutes before close and he greeted us with open arms. He had a few buddies there for a drink and even offered us to join, which we unfortunately had to decline. He had some great advice on bourbon and vodka for quality and value. I would definitely recommend it! read more

Tough to find if you are using GPS, as it will put on the wrong side of the building. Friendly staff with a bohemian type atmosphere. You won't find the usual selection of wines here. There are open crates of wine on the floor, which adds nicely to the decor. Definitely recommend for the wine drinker. read more

unfortunately, i know very little about wine, but this place seemed to have a pretty decent selection of california, new york state, and international wines. very friendly staff here and i was told they have a (free) wine tasting with about 20 different wines, with cheese/crackers, and discussions and info for beginners on saturdays from 2 to 5pm. the location is pretty cool (pearl street entrance in the old nettleton shoe factory building) and the prices were pretty reasonable as well. i can't really see myself going anywhere else in the immediate area for wine, so i would highly recommend this place. read more

Many of the reviews here are spot on: Gary is knowledgable, friendly, and enthusiastic, the space is fun and gorgeous, and there is a carefully curated but wide selection of wine and spirits. While Gary can help you pick something specific that you want, I've found my favorite visits have been when I'm up for anything, or something vaguely seasonal. Last summer he recommended a delicious amaro to mix in with pilsners (or into Manhattans). This fall he turned me on to an inexpensive but complex Canadian spiced whiskey that is great as a standalone sipper or mixed in with some hot cider. Prices are absolutely fair, though I do wish there was more whiskey in the $20-35 range, so I occasionally pick up Bulleit or Knob Creek bottles elsewhere. read more

New to the Syracuse area and looking for somewhere to explore new wines. I found my place on the first stop. Gary, the owner, was very welcoming and knowledgeable. I got to taste a few wines before purchasing so we could narrow down what I would like to try. I can't wait to drink what I bought tonight so I can go back for more! read more

This wine and spirit store is the best in CNY for off beat, not your run of the mill selections. Today I picked up a vino verde for just a few bucks. Gary, the owner is a great help, picks out all the selections personally. He can remember what I like and points me to new wines a lot. He hasn't missed yet. Gary has a few cool limited run scotches , rums and vodkas. I grabbed a cool Polish "wodka" today as a gift. All the kitschy decorations just add to the vibe. read more

I have been here twice now. Each time they have been extremely helpful and the have a great selection.

Hands down the best wine shop in Syracuse. There's absolutely no reason to go anywhere else. Gary will exceed any expectation you might dream of having. A must if you are in Syracuse. read more

Well, Gary really gets the short end of the yelp stick with there being only 5 stars. We had the pleasure of - oh dear, needing a few bottles of something special for a friend's 25th! Really, I could not think of a better place to have a great experience with someone who really knows his vino. This is obviously after the fact and the wine was every bit as good as Gary had suggested. read more

This might be the best wine store I have found in my life and I've been to many. The wines are all off the beaten path, wonderfully delicious and priced perfectly to create a wonderful drinking experience. Thank you I will stop back often. read more

Buying wine here is almost as much fun as it would be to work here. A small wine business with tremendous variety, taste, and character. The guys who own the place will give you samples, tell you about the wine, and help you with anything you need. Prices range from very accessible ($6) to sophisticated. They have some of the best selections and knowledge about wine that you can't find at any beverage stores around! This place is laid-back but serious about great wine. read more

Gary is a great guy, knows his wines - can put together a case of whatever price range you would like and you won't be disappointed. My son and his wife are real oenophiles and Gary always pleases them. His bourbon selections are outstanding as well. Customer service? His middle name. read more

On my infrequent trips back to Syracuse it's always a delight to go to Vinomania for good conversation and a case of good wine. A delight not to be missed! read more

So went here looking for crown royal Apple and I found Gary and his knowledge of fine liqueurs. He suggested sold me a apple whiskey that was sooooo much better and cheaper. read more

Great selection, very knowledgeable and there are wine tastings you can attend and find something new without the commitment of a bottle. I appreciate the decor and the owners evident love of wines. read more

Love this shop! The owner, Gary Decker, was previously a restaurateur and recommended some excellent pairings for an out-of-town reunion dinner we were planning. Vinomania has a wonderful selection of old world wines and has a great feel to it. On the Saturday we stopped in, they had a mini-tasting session with 7 wines. Fabulous. Afterwards, Gary pointed us down the street for some fresh bread and sandwich meats; Columbus Bakery and Thanos Imported Grocery. Come and enjoy everything Vinomania has to offer! read more