Manhattan

[Hal]

I live downtown near Union Square. Here's my take on the wine shops I visit.

Franks's Liquor on the east side of Union Square bet 16 & 17 sts. They aren't very helpful, but they have good discounts on popular wines and some interesting variations. e.g. Bear Boat Russian River Pinot Noir 2000 is $14; elsewhere it's 18 bucks.

Union Square Wines. They have an eager, knowledgable staff and four tastings every week, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat. Choice and variety is good and prices are good but may be higher on some bottles.

Crossroads: 14 st bet 5 & 6 aves. This store is packed to the gills with a terrific variety of wines you are not likely to find in your local liquor store. They know what they've got and are helpful. Good discounts availalable weekly, though they have many higher priced wines. A great place to browse and chat.

Broadway Warehouse: B'way & Astor. Big store, lots of inexpensive wines, the staff is variably knowledgable and helpful, but these guys are not super sophisticated. Many good bargains. Sort of a supermarket.

Astor Wines. Astor Pl. & Lafayette. Big store, reasonably knowledgable staff, bargains are available but not widespread. Weekly tastings.

Is-Wine: E.5st bet 2nd ave & Bowery. This is the only wine store I know that has chairs. Modest, almost spartan by wine shop standards, the staff are true wine lovers and know every bottle. Very few bottles over $15. The boss is a writer, raconteur, former winemaker and opinionated anti-snob. Weekly tastings, seminars.