The Winery Opens On Frederick Douglass
Echoing what a commenter wrote on a previous post, I am a huge fan of Harlem Vintage, but I am always happy to see new retail opening up in the nabe. And so it is with this weekend's opening of The Winery on Frederick Douglass Blvd between 116th and 117th.
As you can see from the photo, the shop is cozy with a warm decor.
I was inside waiting to talk to whom I assumed was the owner as he finished up with the customers there before me, trying to get Cheryl to come inside. She was outside trying to tell me she had a headache and would wait for me until I was done. Somewhere along the way communication between us broke down, and we went home.
If anyone did not have the whole inside/ outside/ headache complication to work around and was able to speak to the owner, anything you picked up would be appreciated.
Comments
It's always nice to see a new retailer coming into Harlem, I just wish it was something we didn't have. Frankly, I'm already a solid customer with Harlem Vintage and I don't plan on leaving them (even with The Winery being slightly closer to me). I'm sure the Winery is a nice place, but Harlem Vintage has established itself and I don't need another wine store.
Great to have more money and higher end retail in the nabe, but would love something new!
Posted by: Joe | August 20, 2007 09:52 AM
I heard they had a big splash opening Friday night. I went in on Saturday, an American winemaker living in France was their pouring her bottled Pinot & Red blend. This place will take all Soha 118 wine sales from Harlem Vintage once Soha 118 is open, it's just across the street. Yes, walking 2 or 3 blocks is an extra unnecessary hassle for most New Yorkers when you don't have to. Those Soha 118 people will have no built in bias to Harlem Vintage. However HV will be fine, they're opening a wine bar next month, it is amazing though that 2 nice wine places are so close! This has gotta be very annoying to Harlem Vintage, how can it not be?
Posted by: Anonymous | August 20, 2007 10:07 AM
I say to hell with both these foofy establishments. Please bring Harlem a Trader Joe's & "$2 buck chuck" even if it cost $4 in Manhattan.
Funny how people that live in Million Dollar PLUS condos pay $10 at TJ's for wine while Harlem people pay $20+ at these wines shops, go figure.
Posted by: Mside | August 20, 2007 11:16 AM
Harlem Vintage gets by with a lot of support from the upscale Harlem community because they are relatively new and offering a valuable service that wasn't there before. But the truth is they are not a great wine shop, not really. Limited selection and somewhat pricey. Some competition will do them good. I bought wine from them a few times, even getting some cases delivered, but gradually went back to shopping at Brandts (sp?) at 145th and Broadway which is surprisingly good, or ordering cases delivered from Astor Wines downtown (free delivery over $100.)
I'm hoping Trader Joe's or Astor Wines open an uptown branch! I can dream, can't I?
Posted by: Sugar Hill Guy | August 21, 2007 09:46 PM
Harlem Vintage gets by with a lot of support from the upscale Harlem community because they are relatively new and offering a valuable service that wasn't there before. But the truth is they are not a great wine shop, not really. Limited selection and somewhat pricey. Some competition will do them good. I bought wine from them a few times, even getting some cases delivered, but gradually went back to shopping at Brandts (sp?) at 145th and Broadway which is surprisingly good, or ordering cases delivered from Astor Wines downtown (free delivery over $100.)
I'm hoping Trader Joe's or Astor Wines open an uptown branch! I can dream, can't I?
Posted by: Sugar Hill Guy | August 21, 2007 09:49 PM
Can you get moonshine or ripple there?
Posted by: joe | August 28, 2007 10:42 PM
The Winery may look nice and beautiful, but the people running the store don't know anything about wine. They can't even pronounce the wines correctly. Harlem Vintage is the real deal. The owners know their product and their clientele. I’m excited for them to open the new wine bar!
Posted by: TJ | September 22, 2007 03:11 PM
TJ means, but doesn't want to appear racist, but what he or she really wants to say is that because the owner is Japanese and has an accent he shouldn't be selling french wine if he can't roll his Rs. PLEEZE. if tj is going to shill for HV just be open about it.
Posted by: flip | September 24, 2007 01:27 PM
Flip: Unfortunately, TJ is right. I shop at the Winery and will continue to go there, but the staff's knowledge of the wine is not strong. The knowledge of the staff at Harlem Vintage is definitely better. Both have their strong points. If you want a friendly atmosphere, go to the Winery. If you want a more knwoledgeable staff, go to Harlem Vintage.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 30, 2007 07:03 AM
I love the Winery on 8th Avenue. The staff is extremely friendly and responsive. It's closer to my home and the prices are great. Frankly, I found that Harlem Vintage did not respond to my e-mails several times which turned me off to them. Also, they have higher prices.
It's great that we now have choices!!! The Winery is definitely my first choice!!!
doug
Posted by: Doug Robinson | October 16, 2007 05:00 PM
They definately have a better selection than HV. If you don't know too much about wine then I don't think that because they don't know much more will bother you. If you do know about wine then it's kind of amusing that every thing there has a "long finish" and that when you ask for a Nero Davola, you have to specify if you want the sicilian or italian one.... They definately are more chatty---
cheers-
Posted by: tempura | November 22, 2007 07:54 PM