Acker, Merrall & Condit Wine Merchants

Profile

Founded in 1820, this handsome UWS store asserts a claim to being the oldest wine shop in America and features Italian marble floors, arched ceilings, and most important, a dynamic stock of premium wines—at least 2,000 labels. Run by the Kapon family for generations, the narrow space emphasizes old-world wines in its international collection; aficionados browsing the oak shelves or barrel displays can also get the staff to check the warehouse (with thousands of additional bottles) or with their worldwide producers to access a rarer vintage not in view. Monthly auctions in New York (often at Cru restaurant), California, and online are geared toward experienced oenophiles; educational workshops, not to mention nearly 75 bottles for $12 or less, are geared toward new fans of the grape. And Scotch connoisseurs will find Acker, Merrall & Condit’s liquor selection solid, too. — Alexis Korman

The store holds a monthly sale on wine or liquor. Merchandise varies.