There’s a reason small wine shops tend to get big support from their communities. They provide more personal service, more unique offerings (often from boutique wineries and distributors), more natural wines (which are all the rage right now), and a “less is more” approach to stocking shelves.
Here’s a “half-case” of small Southern wine shops worth a visit:
Ridgeland, South Carolina
Recently named “Best Wine Shop” in a USA TODAY 10 Best poll, ta·ca·rón sources a diverse array of budget-friendly wines from small producers around the world (especially outside the U.S.). Cuban-born owner Juan Carlos Jiménez captivates visitors with his stories and of course his wines, but the shop also offers Cuban-seed cigars from his factory in the Dominican Republic, plus his family’s private-label coffee, roasted in the traditional Cuban style.
Southern Pines, North Carolina
Wine-loving locals Manny Samson and Pat McKee opened their shop in downtown Southern Pines in 2023 because they wanted somewhere to stand around and talk all things wine with glasses in hand. “SRO” focuses its small-ish inventory on fifty or so labels you might not normally see on shelves, and they’ve put a premium on affordability, with free tastes, no corkage fees (if you like it, grab two glasses and drink it standing inside or at the bistro tables outside), and an ever-changing inventory.
Athens, Georgia
Owner/sommelier Krista Lark Slater has serious hospitality chops, including owning two Athens restaurants and a cocktail lounge with her husband, Jerry. “Lark” nods to her family name, but also hints at the spontaneity of grabbing a glass of wine with friends. The Lark is both a wine shop and a wine tasting bar, and discoveries might include wines from small producers who farm responsibly, like the special sips coming in from Le Fraghe Bardolino (trust us).
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The name of this diminutive shotgun storefront is fitting in more ways than one. From working with small producers making limited quantities of low-intervention natural wines to partnering with independent distributors and importers, owners Tim Graham and Tracy Pell are passionate about the tiniest details along the entire supply chain. Most of the wineries featured in the shop are made by family wineries that go back generations—or by young upstarts with a vision for making wine their own way.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Under the slogan “Your friendly and fearless neighborhood wine shop,” Faubourg opened its doors on St. Claude Avenue in 2012. The neighborly shop offers an eclectic and Euro-centric inventory from small, lesser-known producers. The in-house wine bar offers a rotating selection of affordable glass pours as well as convivial and educational Wednesday wine tastings, which has helped the business grow into a community hub.
Franklin, Tennessee
Middle Tennessee’s Saint Goose is all about community, and residents keep flocking to the shop for classes, wine club gatherings (including a Book and Bottle Club), and shopping trips. Customers will find organic and biodynamic wines at every price point (plus a great selection of whiskeys and other spirits) as well as a seriously fun focus on tastings and education.
