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Candid snapshots of winemakers among their vines grace the walls of both Greene Grapes; each owned by one half of the same couple. The photos embody the two owners’ tastes for independent vintners and family run estates. Both outposts are low on decorative frills and favor bottles for $20 or less. Though not regionally deep, the selection often turns up unusual varietals, like Asprinio d’Aversa. You’ll also spot the names of up-and-coming producers like Portugal’s Lavradores de Feitoria. Stock adapts to each location: Manhattan’s Grape stores pricier bottles for Wall Street buyers; Fort Greene brings in extra finds from New York State for the locally minded. The latter also keeps a special shelf behind the sales counter, loaded with bottles of whiskey, rye, Armagnac, and more. If you ask nicely, they’ll pour you a sip to taste. — Jennifer Paull

The Greene Grapes helm the New York Cork Club, which sends each member two hard-to-find New York State wines per month.

Tastings
Tastings are held biweekly at both locations. Annual signature events include “Mom-Made Wines,” a tasting of six wines made by mothers held on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, and “Bubbles that Don’t Blow,” a tasting of all the sparkling wines in the stores, held a few days before New Year’s Eve.

Cases (mixed or full, still or sparkling wines) are discounted 15 percent. Purchases of five cases or more are discounted 20 percent.