Nothing against beer.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”  Ben Franklin

But this post is about wine.

“Good wine is a necessity of life for me”  Thomas Jefferson

We believe our founding Fathers were right on both counts. Lucky for us, Charlotte has plenty of both. We’ve written about beer before. Now it’s time for wine to get its due.

We polled some 5 Points Realty staffers to get their fave wine spots, just in case you need to find a little time to un-wine in the haze of the Holiday hustle.

Wine Vault/University City/Ian Leonard broker/realtor

The Wine Vault has been a University area favorite for over 30 years. Over 10 restaurants are within walking distance of this community gathering spot. Live music and wine tastings are part of the scene.

5 Points Agent/Broker Cassee Cunningham hails from a wine background after managing a wine store and bar in Asheville North Carolina.  When she moved to Charlotte she was on the hunt for the best wine spots and continues to monitor the wine scene.   She had lots of recommendations.

“There is the perfect wine for every occasion, every season, and every mood you just have to taste and talk about it, a lot. ” Cassee Cunningham

The Fig Tree Restaurant  The Fig Tree has arguably the best wine cellar in Charlotte.   Located in Elizabeth on 7th St.  This gorgeous restaurant is the place for a great wine experience.  They also have very knowledgeable staff that love and know wine.  On their website you find wine events, their extensive wine list, and you can purchase mixed wine cases.  

Bond Street wines.  Located in Eastover on Providence Rd. and next to the  Manor theatre is this fantastic place.  Pop in, take your time perusing the shelves of beautiful wine, ask questions of the laid back sommelier, take a taste, or hang out and drink your wine there.  This is a quintessential wine experience!

Petit Philippe Located on Selwyn Ave. in Myers Park this little wine store/bar has the added bonus of house made chocolates.  

The Bohemian This is a fun casual wine bar spot in a great location in Plaza Midwood that has great prices on good wine.  

Foxcroft This is a chain but a really good one.  Our favorite spot is the Dilworth location on East Blvd.  Really good small bites too.  

Town Brewing/ Erica Vasile/Office Manager

Wait a minute, we told you this was a wine post right? Well, read what Erica had to say and you’ll understand why we included it.

“I think I could write something about being the jerk that goes to breweries, but doesn’t drink beer. Due to a stuffy nose immediately after having a sip of beer, I stick to my beloved wine, if possible. I hate ending up at a spot that has those awful mini bottles of cheap California wine and will always recommend meeting at places like Town Brewing that has a small, but delicious wine list!  I love being able to order that while everyone else has their favorite beers. ” Erica Vasile

We can’t do a blog about wine without a shout out to Winestore.It is mostly just retail wine sales, but so well curated and such knowledgeable staff.  Great place to buy the right wine.  

You don’t just buy and sell good wine.  Wine is a culture. Wine is ancient and sacred.  You talk about it, you smell it, you taste it. There is no rush. The best places to buy and enjoy wine know and honor the craft of drinking wine. We’d love to hear your favorite!