Wine Sense has a prime spot, you can pick up a bottle with some fancy olive oils and vinegars, and then grab delicious breads or desserts at Baker St. right next door. Wine Sense’s prices are a little higher than Schuber’s down the street, but they do respect your price range. The store has a small section of bargain bottles up front, but they have more of an upscale feel to them. The wines are displayed and organized by region and type. They frequently have tastings, and they also offer classes. You can also hold private tastings with Wine Sense, and you an request gift baskets to be made for an event or a special someone.
Colleen K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Rochester, NY
So glad to have Wine Sense in the neighborhood! They have a huge range of wines for the space, organized by region and type. Don’t be shy about asking for help or stating your price range — the staff seems really unpretentious and willing to help you either discover something new or find an old favorite. They have a great selection of affordable beaujolais and South American reds. The stock of white wines isn’t as extensive, but you can still find a great quality bottle for $ 10-$ 15. Keep in mind that this is not your typical bulk wine/liquor store! They close at 8pm most nights(not 9pm). Also, the parking lot in the back does enforce towing if you’re not inside the building. So get in, get out, and enjoy your vino :)
Chad F.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Rochester, NY
They have a lot of different types of wine. I have had mixed results when going in to pick something up. I know very little about wine, so I almost always need someone to listen to what I am looking for and pick it out for me. I have bought wine here several times, about half the time I get great service where they listen and pick out something that fits what I need, but the other half of the time I left having no idea if what I got was going to work for what I needed due to the staff member not really explaining to me why they were giving me what they picked out. Its conveniently located and has great hours.
Allison C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New York, NY
Simply put, I needed a bottle of wine, and the woman in the store helped me find a good Italian red in my price range. She proved knowledgeable and gave me her best suggestions. She knew it was a present and wrapped it with gorgeous silver wrap and cream and pink raffia string free of charge. It did the trick! They had a robust enough selection of wines to please everyone, surely, and a few small bottles of liquor. There were also a few bottles of wine open for complimentary tasting. I was pleased to find this place!
Claire A.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Rochester, NY
I was really disappointed the last time I went into Wine Sense with my boyfriend. The staff was rude, and insulting. I love to shop & support local but sadly, this is no longer my first choice.
Jean K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Raleigh, NC
Wonderful local wine store. Extremely knowledgeable staff and they will make excellent recommendations. The owner tastes and hand selects every wine in the store and you can find some very unique labels. It’s not a warehouse wine store but you can still find very reasonably priced wines with personalized service that you won’t find in any warehouse. I highly recommend Wine Sense if you’re planning a large dinner for a great variety of tastes. You’ll find something for everyone and have some expert help choosing.
Rachel G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Rochester, NY
I quite like this little shop a lot. We stopped by on a recent visit to the Park Ave area and they were having a tasting. It is rather a smallish shop on physical size, but prices here are quite reasonable and the selection unique. We picked a very yummy sparkling wine which was one if the tasting offerings, and enjoyed it very much a few weeks later at home… It was even better that I remembered at the shop… Love it when that happens! The young lady working at the shop on the day we went was helpful without being overbearing, and assisted us in making some selections which have been very good so far.
Brian M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Pittsford, NY
Caught Frank’s H. review and couldn’t agree more. We do need to distinguish between genuine reviews and those that are inspired by what is currently being advertised on the site or supported by an event aimed at Unilocalers. Let’s be honest here. Nice staff but a limited selection because it’s a small store. If you shop in the Park Ave. area, then it’s great. It’s not bad being small. But when it comes to wine with all of the thousands of wineries out there, and certainly in respect to price, I have to tip my hat to the big guys even though the Wegman family in one way or another corners the market with the big liquor stores. At the very least, the deJong’s are so much nicer and customer oriented than the previous staff. I hope they continue that trend.
Breanna B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Rochester, NY
Not your average wine shop! It’s local and has some really unique wines I haven’t seen elsewhere. The owner hand picks and tries all the wines in his shop. What’s nice about the selection is that they have something for every price point. You tell Mike what you’re willing to spend, what you normally like to drink, and he’ll find something to wow you. It’s very cozy in there too, not overwhelming like the big box stores. There’s even a couch if you find yourself exhausted from searching for the perfect bottle. ;) I popped in to pick up something for a friend’s birthday. I opted for one I haven’t had before and asked Mike’s opinion in the dry red category. He suggested the High Note Malbec(~$ 12). He said it’s one of his best sellers and a fab wine for the price. They host free wine tastings too! On Fridays, 5−7pm and Saturdays 1−4pm.
Artzy A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Rochester, NY
Amazing selection of wine that is quite affordable. I see college kids purchase gifts for their parents and they can afford to buy 1 – 3 bottles of wine here. The owner knows everything you would like to know about the selection of wine in the store. He also knows a lot of information about wine in general. There’s a great atmosphere in the shop too. It’s worth a visit! They also have FREE Wine TASTINGS, EVERYFRIDAY from 5pm-8pm!