Aurel Istrate

Not All Bottle Shops Are Created Equal: Chasing the Ones Worth the Journey

Sure, you can pick up a decent bottle of wine or spirits at just about any shop these days, but how many of those places are truly worth going out of your way for? Talking about the kind of spots where the shelves are curated with passion, the staff speak fluent grape, and every visit feels like a mini adventure. These are the hidden gems, the pilgrimage-worthy cellars, the bottle shops that make your GPS say, “Are you sure?” but your palate will thank you for the detour.


Prince Wine Store – Melbourne’s Must Visit Vino Destination

Nestled in the heart of South Melbourne, Prince Wine Store is no ordinary bottle shop, it’s a wine lover’s playground with a regal twist. Established in 1997 by the iconic sommelier Philip Rich and the esteemed Van Haandel family, this vino haven has earned its crown as one of Australia’s premier wine destinations.

Whether you’re hunting for a bold Barolo, a cult Californian Pinot, or a funky natural wine from the Adelaide Hills, Prince Wine Store’s shelves are brimming with treasures from all corners of the globe. Their curated selection caters to casual sippers and serious collectors alike.


Address: 177 Bank St, South Melbourne VIC 3205


Cave Rokin in the Heart of Amsterdam

Tucked away beneath the cobbled streets of central Amsterdam, Cave Rokin is the kind of wine shop that feels like stumbling into a secret. Located at Rokin 60 in a stunning 17th-century building, this underground gem has been charming wine lovers since it opened its cellar doors in 1987.

Don’t be surprised if you hesitate at the entrance, it’s not every day you are invited to walk downstairs into a wine cellar in the middle of the city. But once inside, you’ll find nearly 2,000 bottles lining the walls, ranging from everyday favourites to the rare and remarkable.

Cave Rokin has earned its stripes both nationally and internationally, with a devoted following of oenophiles who know this is where the good stuff lives. And if you venture to the very back of the shop, behind a quiet little gate, you’ll find a hidden cache of exclusive vintage bottles patiently waiting for just the right occasion to be uncorked.

Address: Rokin 60, 1012 KV Amsterdam, Netherlands


Lavinia – Madrid’s Wine Wonderland

Lavinia in Madrid is the kind of place that turns a casual visit into a full-blown wine experience.

Located in the elegant Barrio de Salamanca at Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 16, Lavinia may look modest from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover a treasure trove of wine delights stretching over two generous floors. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just discovering the joys of a good Tempranillo, this is your go-to spot when in Spain’s capital.

The magic here isn’t just in the bottles, though there are plenty of stellar ones, it’s also in the people as the expert sommeliers are passionate, approachable, and ready to guide you through an unforgettable wine journey.

Upstairs, tucked away at the back of the store, you’ll find a cozy restaurant that continues the wine story with elegant food pairings and a killer by-the-glass list. It’s the perfect spot to sit, sip, and soak up the Madrid vibe after a little bottle browsing.

Address: Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, 16, 28006 Madrid, Spain


Trimani – Rome’s Iconic Wine Landmark

In a city where history oozes from every cobblestone, Trimani stands tall as one of Rome’s oldest and most beloved wine destinations. This multi-generational gem has been keeping Romans well-stocked since 1821, and has been pouring the good stuff from its current corner spot near Via Goito since 1876.

Step inside and you’re greeted with a space that beautifully blends classic charm with modern flair, thanks to a 1990's renovation that introduced elegant arched interiors and a striking marble counter.

Trimani’s shelves are stacked with an enormous, thoughtfully curated selection, from local Italian heroes to international stunners, all at refreshingly fair prices. Whether you are seeking a humble table wine or a rare vintage, you simply can’t go wrong here. Every bottle has a story, and every glass delivers.

Often hailed as Rome’s most complete wine store, Trimani isn’t just a shop, it’s an experience.

Address: Via Cernaia, 37/b, 00185 Roma RM, Italy


Berry Bros. & Rudd – A Royal Wine Adventure in the Heart of London

Step into Berry Brothers & Rudd, and you are stepping into a slice of London history, where wine, royalty, and legend all swirl together in one unforgettable bottle.

Tucked away on Pall Mall since the 1690's, this iconic shop has been supplying wine to the British Royal Family since the days of King George III. Think of it as a grand old community corner shop, just one that happens to be run by the same family for over eight generations and stocked with millions of pounds worth of wine.

Inside, it’s part shop, part time machine. Twisting passageways lead through a maze of ancient cellars, with dusty bottles from vintages long past lining the walls like museum pieces. There is even a rumor that a now-blocked passage behind the wine racks once led directly to St. James’s Palace.

Whether you are here to pick up a special bottle, explore centuries of wine heritage, or just soak up the atmosphere, Berry Bros. & Rudd is a must for anyone with a taste for the finer things.

Address: 63 Pall Mall, St. James's, London SW1Y 5HZ


Hedonism Wines – London’s Luxe Playground for Wine Lovers

If you're passionate about wine, or just appreciate a truly unforgettable bottle shop, Hedonism Wines in London’s Mayfair is a must-visit destination that lives up to its name in every sense.

Opened in August 2012, Hedonism has quickly made a name for itself as London’s most talked-about wine and spirits boutique, and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why. Spread over two beautifully designed floors, this is no ordinary shop. It’s a modern wine temple where glass floors, floating wine glasses, and exposed brick walls set the stage for something truly special.

With a jaw-dropping collection of over 8,000 wines and spirits, from rare vintages to cult classics and under-the-radar gems, Hedonism caters to serious collectors and curious explorers alike. It’s a place where every shelf tells a story and every bottle feels like a discovery.

Whether you're hunting down a legendary Bordeaux, a rare Japanese whisky, or just soaking up the sleek, stylish atmosphere, Hedonism Wines is an experience, not just a shop.

Address: 3-7 Davies St, Mayfair, London W1K 3LD



''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''