I just found my new favourite wine shop. Arth Wines is a haven for dipsomaniacs, offering a…read morespectacular range of wines, champagnes, cider and beer (even Yankee brews like Sam Adams are sold here, much to my delight). I spent nearly 20 minutes chatting to owner Richard and hearing the refurbishment plans for his shop, which is conveniently positioned just outside the Penarth Railway station. I even got the grand tour, sidestepping the boxes and dust to get a peek at the back room which will soon house the extensive red wine selection. The prices are really reasonable, especially for a specialty wine shop. Richard explained he cuts out the middleman by buying directly from the vineyards, which allows him to keep his prices down. Don't let the minor state of disarray put you off - Arth Wines is undergoing a transformation, which includes extending the back wall, adding a series of doors to the front of the shop, as well as adding extra cooling sections for the wines and champagnes. In the New Year, Arth Wines will boast several taster machines, which will enable customers to stop in and sample a range of 30 or so wines at any time, a try-before-you buy idea that he says is "the exact opposite to the supermarkets". These dispensing machines keep opened bottles fresh by replacing the air with inert gas nitrogen (keeping the wines away from oxygen prevents oxidation and eventual spoilage). He feels people shouldn't have to spend £100 to try 10 types of wine, many of which may not be suited to their tastes. I want to bring a few bottles of wine back for family and friends in the States, so I'm definitely going to stop by when I have my car. I can tell it's going to be a worthwhile, if expensive, excursion, judging from the spectacular ranges to be had here.

a return to the old fashioned off licence, with staff that know what they are talking about. a huge…read moreselection of beers from around the world. some great deals on well known and yet to be discovered wines. nice clean store, friendly knowledgable owner. and a carpark right outside the front door to load the boot! what more do you need!

Good selection of wines, great delivery service and outstanding customer service. Highly…read morerecommended.

Friendly staff, know most of them quite well now (not just for booze) handy as open later than co-opread more

Ballantynes Wine Merchants is a quality family business. It started its life about thirty five…read moreyears ago in the salubrious market town of Cowbridge, (and although it doesn't sound like it, Cowbridge is reputed to be the wealthiest town in South Wales... it's clearly come a long way since very humble beginnings!), but is now located in Pontcanna, the posh end of Cardiff. Having been around for long enough, the second generation of Ballantynes have joined the business. Perhaps this is why they now have an online store as well as the physical outlet? It is often the case when fresh blood comes into the frame, that progressive changes ensue. Not only do they usually possess the technical abilities to achieve this kind of development, but they also have the ambition and drive to want to put their stamp on the business. Ballantynes is the kind of shop that attracts exclusive business. Working with small vintners and supplying the trade with specialty wines, its got exclusivity written all over it. But, as well as catering for the wholesale trade, they wouldn't turn your retail business away... but I'm sure that even their retail clients are apt to buy their wine by the crate!

For lovers of wine, this is a really excellent outlet in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff. They stock…read morea real range of cheaper and top end wines, though you know that you'll always be getting the best within each price range. Ballantynes are quite renowned for their stocking of good French wine, and seemingly specialise in red, but they also sell from many, many other countries, having recently brought over a number of great New Zealand wines. Ranging from a £5.99 bottle of Chardonnay, to a more enticing bottles that will cost you hundreds of pounds each, this is a store that really will have anything for any wine lover. They are also great a giving advice to those people (like me) who like to think that they know more than they really do.

New Forest Wines is an Independent Merchant offering a fantastic selection of top quality wines,…read morespeciality spirits and locally produced beer and cider. Only wines that meet the strictest criteria get a listing no global corporate mass-produced overly-branded wine are allowed in here. Passionate about sourcing from smaller, quality driven boutique producers. All wines have been personally chosen, tasted and rated to ensure the best quality and value for money at all price levels. You will fine a selection of interesting and unusual wines overflowing with character, balanced by a comprehensive range of Classics.