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12th and Olive Wine Co
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
1125 E Olive St(between 12th Ave & 11th Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 329-2399
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
20 reviews for 12th and Olive Wine Co
Review Highlights
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"where Elemental Importers was introducing a new line of..." In 3 reviews -
"Totally a fan of this place - and totally a fan of Steven." In 6 reviews -
"They host wine tastings several times a week." In 8 reviews
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Dae Y.
2/27/2012
Steven is the man there. he knows a lot about wine. he knows a lot about life. he's a gentleman and a scholar.
he was the supplier of spirits and beverages to our wedding. he took care of the selections, he took care of delivery and generally took care of everything we needed. his shop did a great job!
he also has regular tastings, so you can almost stop by any time and there will be a tasting going on. -
Review from Katy H.
12/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
Props to any business that sells wine! Especially one that's so close to a WA state liquor store.
12th and Olive is located (on 12th) below a condo complex. All nestled in there nice and tight, they have a lovely selection of wines displayed for people to browse and buy. I found lots of local and international bottles and it was pretty easy to find my way around and navigate between regions. Staff was quick to offer help and prices were very fair. Nothing to 'wine' about here, HA! -
Review from Lisa K.
Seattle, WA
1/31/2011
Have you ever gone to a restaurant for dinner, tried a wine you enjoyed, then attempted to find a retail store that carried the product? This happened to me recently which is how I came across 12th and Olive Wine Company. And what a happy surprise it was.
After contacting the restaurant to find out the name of the wine consumed while on a date one Saturday night I began my search. I turned to Yelp to locate wine stores close to my home since I am new the the Seattle area. After reaching out to four different businesses I received three responses:
Store #1 Response (within one hour): 'I know it well, I've actually been a guest at the winery! I do not have any on the shelf but I can certainly get some for you. Possibly by this afternoon but more likely on Monday. How much would you like? I'll contact you shortly with a delivery status.'
Store #2 Response (after five hours): 'No, I haven't heard of it.'
Store #3 Response (after seven hours): 'Thanks for writing. We can get 2006 Rutini Malbec by middle of next week. It's $14, and we offer a 10% discount for six or more bottles. If you'd like to order some, please give us a call and we'll arrange the details.'
I note the response time frames since:
A. I am an impatient person.
B. I was hoping to impress the date from Saturday by serving a bottle with dinner at my apartment that evening.
In case you haven't guessed it Store #1 was the reply from 12th and Olive Wine Company. After telling Steven my situation he responded by promising to have the wine in the store by 5:00 pm. When the time to pick it up drew near, and I was considering calling the store before schlepping over to get it, Steven sent me a note simply stating 'It's here!' It's as if he read my mind.
Needless to say I was blown away by the customer service provided. And Steven is now my new BFF.
The date? He was impressed.;)Listed in: My Seattle
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Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2009
Nice wine shop on you guessed it, 12th & Olive.
Knowledgeable staff, great selection, and several nights a week, they have wine tastings. Friday night's wines were a series of great whites and reds that won't break the bank.
Lots of local and international bottles, each with their own section. It was very easy to find exactly what I was in search of here. They also carry a lot of my favorites from Washington, including O wines, Des Voigne, and Brian Carter to name a few.
Nice shop, good wines... I'll be back.Listed in: Wine-ding down in Seattle!, BottleShops, Washington Wines
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Review from Andre B.
12/7/2010
My favorite wine shop in Seattle. They have a friendly, knowledgeable staff and a good selection of domestic and foreign wines at a variety of price points. They introduced me to the wonder that is sparkling red wine!! I have had alot of good experiences with the wine recommended by 12 and Olive and have broadened my wine knowledge significantly from their willingness to engage with me about the wines that I am buying.
I believe that they have classes too, which are enticing, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. -
Review from Denice M.
Seattle, WA
7/31/2008
Being close to where I live (I try to position myself between as many wine sampling opportunities as possible), I have gone here a couple of times now and like what I see. They do thematic tastings on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons. I was a little hesitant at first that the owners would be "wine snobs," but in fact, quite the opposite. I asked about malbecs and what region he thought produced the best, and his answer was that there are certain regions that he likes but that may be different from what I like. So instead, he would describe the differences between them and I could decide what appealed to me. Hmm...choosing wine that appeals to me. I like that!
Try their tastings sometime. Usually 5 wines of various prices (and the tastings are free). You might find a little friend to take home. -
Review from Will L.
3/20/2009
You'd think after throwing my back out completely enough times to leave me bedridden, I'd learn my lesson.
But oh no. Not me. Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment.
Well, that's ok, because I'm also apparently a glutton for wine.
An evening or three ago, I went to a wine tasting put on my Elemental Importers, who sell wines they've discovered around the world here at 12th and Olive. The tasting was held down the hill at the Capitol Club, and in the midst of trying these fantastic wines from Argentina (Finca Las Yeguas' organic Gozzo, Bodega Mi Terruño, and Domados), I realized that not only do I really like several of these wines immensely, but they were on sale at 12th and Olive for amazing prices, that night only. (Honestly, their regular price is so competitive that I'd buy these anyway -- especially Domados 'Torrontés' and Terruño's Reserve Malbec. OMFG.)
So I left the tasting event, and trudged up the hill for the 8 or so blocks, thinking that parking is so horrendous on the hill that I'd leave my car in its awesome spot, outside Bauhaus, down the hill from the Capitol Club a few blocks.
I got into 12th and Olive and Steve was hanging out, surfing away on his computer. He jumped up immediately, greeted me, and as soon as I mentioned Elemental Importers he brought me directly to the several cases of their wines sitting in front of his counter.
We discussed the wines a bit as I tried to calculate how many bottles to purchase. There was a special 5% off a case that night. "What the heck," I think to myself, and buy 12 bottles. That should keep me from running out any time soon.
We gabbed a bit about business, wines, and other nonsense, and then I headed back down the hill, carrying this case of wine on my shoulder.
Then on my other shoulder.
Then lugging it out in front of me.
I considered jumping on a bus that cruised by, but I had no change, no dollar bills.
By the time I got to my car outside of Bauhaus I was sweating corks, and there was a dull throb in my back signaling that I was going to need something a lot stronger than a case of wine to get through the next couple days of muscle agony.
Perhaps I can suggest offering customers a wagon to cart their wine out in? :P -
Review from Arry Y.
Totally a fan of this place - and totally a fan of Steven.
Staff completely passionate and knowledgeable about their wines. They host wine tastings several times a week. Steven hosts wine classes too (sometimes even paired with food).
Wine prices have generous range - Steven pokes around and researches new and interesting wineries, wines, etc.... Big fan of his huge selection of very affordable wines.
I love popping in there 20 minutes before I have to run to an engagement to grab whatever bottle he suggests. All I have to say is: "picky snooty party with snobby women" - what shall i bring? Or trying to impress new client and his wife... or need something low key for a big group of people that everyone will enjoy. Steven's got it. I've never been disappointed.
Cute how Steven's wife makes home-made wine bags and sells them at the counter. They even got some cool chocolates, wine gift bags, and olive oils. Good people. -
Review from Kayan L.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very knowledgeable and friendly. If they don't have what you're looking for, they will go out of their way to find it and bring it in for ya! Steve is awesome!! I'm in South Seattle where there are plenty of places, even outlets, to shop for wine but I fight the Cap Hill traffic/parking/congestion just to come here because it's well worth it!
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Review from Chad Y.
1/29/2009
Formerly known as Tarragona Wine and Food, this is a great place to check out for wine!
The shop offers a great selection and at varying price ranges. If you aren't sure what to get or are stumped, just let Steven know what you are in the mood for, your menu plan, or even just the group that you are with along with the price range and he is bound to have a great reccommendation that will wow your group over.
There are periodic wine tastins which are fantastic to check out. They tend to offer lesser known wines or tastes that you may not normally buy and I have yet to be disappointed and often become the wine's biggest fan!
I live in the area, but if I didn't I would go out of my way to stop by to find out what is the newest and latest find in store! -
Review from Jeanny M.
7/21/2009 1 Check-in Here
We started coming here because our friend lives a couple blocks away and they hold free tastings (2 or 3 wines) during the weekend. I discovered that I love love love "Romano Dogliotti La Caudrina Mostacto D'Asti"....it really blows my mind. And the label is super cute. I want it all the time. If you can find it somewhere, buy me some and I will pay you back! Seriously.....
They hold classes here for ~$40pp, and you get sloshed drunk...if that's your goal. We attended a red wine class and learned tons! He used a rose to cleanse your palate between tastes and well, I ended up liking the rose! ("Besame" yellow label with red lips) We were there just over an hour and tried about a dozen wines. After 'class' lets out he leaves the bottles out so you can have another taste or several.
They also carry Elemental Importers stock, the Mi Terrumo Malbec and Domados Rosillo Torrontes are a MUST try and buy! (bottles of these are around $12ea, come on).
Otherwise, super cute shop with really nice couple running it. A great place to meet up with our friend or any friends! They are usually tasting something too. :) Afterwards you can chill at the park or head over to Caphill for some food. -
Review from Johnny W.
11/9/2010
I haven't been to their retail store yet, but I went to one of their tastings at Barca several months ago (I know, I know, but I haven't finished what I bought last time yet!), where Elemental Importers was introducing a new line of port (Quinta de eufemia) that they started carrying. I'm a fan based on the selection of good value (under $15) red and white ports alone. Though, that said, I myself ended up picking up two bottles of their priciest ($25) that night.
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Review from Carly L.
6/17/2008
Steven Brown, the owner of this store, is a friend of mine, and honestly he knows A LOT about wine. He is my wine idol! I went to go see his shop yesterday and it's wonderful. Prices are good, selection amazing, and Steven's palette is impeccable. The store itself is beautiful with lots of natural light and high ceilings. I can't wait to come back again and again and talk to Steven about new wines. Seriously, to those in the area, go to his shop. You won't regret it!
Listed in: The west side is the best side
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Review from angie s.
Bothell, WA
6/23/2009
I could have been a potential customer for this place, but after the brief phone conversation I had I am not sure why anybody would come here. The guy who answered the phone was so rude! I didn't get more than a minute into a conversation with him, and didn't need anymore. There are PLENTY of wine shops with a great selection of wines, and a staff that understands that first impressions and great customer service is key in this economy to stay successful.
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Review from Charles D.
Seattle, WA
10/9/2008
This is a great neighborhood wine shop. Steven always has lots of interesting bottles to choose from, great advice and reasonable prices. With wine tastings every Friday night and Saturday afternoon they are a welcome addition to Capitol Hill.
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Review from Joe O.
7/31/2008
Met the owner of this place, chatted with a few folks, overall a cool vibe. A decent selection of French wines for Seattle but nothing special. The ambiance is good, the music could be better (please, PLEASE NO EAGLES or Jimmy Buffet) and the layout is nice and clean. The shop could be kept cooler but it was a nice day and the doors were open so I understand. The fact that the wines were kept away from direct light (store faces east) and the store lighting was not right on top made me feel OK about buying a really nice bottle here someday. Got a decent '04 Chateauneuf De Pape for under $40 which is rare in NY. Anyway, since this place is the closest decent wine shop within walking distance, I presume we'll be going here a lot.
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Review from Jonathan H.
Seattle, WA
7/11/2011
I'm really impressed with the staff and selection at this shop. Despite the product, there is no air of wine snobbery or condescension with a relative novice/younger person such as myself. They were informative, interesting and helpful. It's obvious that they really care about bringing quality and variety into the shop without sacrificing affordability. In fact, I'm confident they could provide a better quality alternative to any comparable wine sold at the local grocery stores. If you haven't already... CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!
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Review from Star D.
Seattle, WA
6/16/2008
This is a great little wine shop with an impressive variety of wines from all over the world. They have wine tastings on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons, which just happen to be two of my favorite times to drink wine. Stephen, the owner, is really fun and before you know it, you'll have spent an hour in there talking to him about traveling, wine and food. He teaches classes at the shop as well. I haven't taken one yet, but I want to--once the weather turns rainy again so I won't feel guilty about drinking indoors. They have an email list you can sign up for too that tell you about fun events happening there. Although, in the spirit of full disclosure, I must say that one of my favorite things about this place is that it's walking distance from my house.
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Review from Mister F.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2008
There are many wine shops in Seattle, but Steven's shop is special and worth going out of your way. The reason I love this place is that Steven can help you make excellent wine choices regardless of your level of expertise (or budget). Give him a dinner scenario, a description of your dinner companions, and a price, and he's bound to have an enthusiastic recommendation. Not only that, he's got a wit and affability that make you feel at ease and trust his advice. And did I mention his wine tastings are a blast?
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Review from Molly J.
Seattle, WA
8/17/2009
This shop is so wonderful! I used to live across the street but now go out of my way to buy there. The owner's use of adjectives and ability to pair wines to prospective menus is well worth the trip.
