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Fremont Wine Warehouse

4.5 star rating
based on 24 reviews

Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Fremont
3601 Fremont Ave N
Ste 212

(between 36th St & 38th St)
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 632-1110
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Hours:

Tue-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Garage
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

24 reviews for Fremont Wine Warehouse

Review Highlights   

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"They have a great selection of wine for under $25 bones." (in 9 reviews)
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"Nice selection of wines and Michael was very helpful." (in 18 reviews)
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"It is a great little place to grab a quick bottle for your dinner." (in 10 reviews)
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?

Photo of Katie S.

Elite '09

1644

806

Katie S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 10/12/2009 1 photo

Over the last 6 months, Michael and I have become tight.

I roll in there about once a week, in search of dark cherry cabs or reasonable Carmeneres. Not once have I ever been let down. In fact, every bottle that I've ever bought from "the Man" has been fantastic... and under $25, nevertheless.

On more than one occasion, he's opened bottles and I've sampled wines when he's not even hosting a tasting. If you are in for a tasting, it's a real treat. His picks are fabulous and he's not stingy with the pours.

He's a great story teller and he's a riot. I can always count on him to make me laugh if I'm having a tough day.

As far as I'm concerned, he's about as close to Superman as it gets.

Recently, he's decided to start carrying a few wines that are over $25 for those days when you just NEED that bottle that costs a few bones more. Good stuff.

My only issue: that my liver can't afford to be in here everyday.

Otherwise, this is the only place where I buy wine now in Seattle. If you know what's good for you and your pocketbook, you should really do the same.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    3/20/2009

    Wow.

    Not a bottle over $25... and from what I saw, most are under $15.

    And you know what? The… Read more »

Photo of Inna B.

Elite '09

156

439

Inna B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 9/15/2009

I love stopping by the Fremont Wine Warehouse on my way to (or after hanging out at) the Fremont Sunday Market.

Michael frequently has some kind of good (and usually free) tasting going on (weekends), and we've bought bottles from that selection on several occasions.

The last tasting I went to was one where he had us compare wines (mostly from Chile) that were Classic to ones that were Reserve (from the same winery, same type, etc). He, as always, had plenty of knowledge to impart and it was great to listen while also experiencing the difference with my nose and taste buds. The main intent of this tasting was for us to decide whether we think paying a bit more for the Reserve is worth it (or if we prefer the Classic).

In any case, go to the Wine Warehouse for
+ Great wine that is affordable (every bottle is $25 or less!).
+ Great wine tastings (most of which are free).
+ Someone who's down to talk wine and/or give you suggestions based on what you're looking for (and/or have previously enjoyed).

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    4/23/2009

    I was there for the "Yelper's Imbibe" Wine Tasting so I can't speak for some things..... but here is… Read more »

Photo of Mark O.

 

7

14

Mark O.

Bellingham, WA

5 star rating
8/11/2009

What a wonderful find...  The Fremont Wine Warehouse is tucked away on Fremont Avenue (at 36th St) on the ground floor of a modern office building.  Only steps from the Fremont Bridge, this establishment offers a wide array of affordable wines from many of the world's finest  wine-growing regions.  The proprietor, who spent much of his career in the hospitality industry as a food and beverage executive is friendly, knowledgeable and loves sharing great wines with his customers who quickly bond and become friends.

We were fortunate enough to trip across this wonderful shop late last Friday afternoon just in time for a tasting that included five or six very inexpensive ($6-$14) wines and ended with a modest purchase of two of them plus another we had noted on the shelf.

Michael is not just a merchant, he's become my personal sommelier.

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Photo of Ben S.

 

5

70

Ben S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/29/2009

We kept passing this place and I was intrigued every time I read the signs...all bottles under 25?  Sounds like a great concept!

Finally, it was open when we walked by and we stopped in...the owner/manager - Michael - immediately greeted us and welcomed us over for a free wine tasting.  It was incredible and at every step, he had another delightful story for us.  We ended up purchasing 6 bottles of wine that day and I am very happy with all of them.

I think I'm gonna head back in about 20 minutes for this weekend's tasting.  If you're looking for a place to buy quality, inexpensive wines that you'll enjoy drinking - go here.  Fantastic selection, great service and you know you the prices are reasonable.  Plus, there are FREE tastings every week - how can you beat that?!

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Photo of Valentina V.

Elite '09

237

232

Valentina V.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/4/2009

Stellar.  Fabulous.  

Michael, the wine savvy owner, is a gentleman with shining armor included.   The first time I visited was for a special wine tasting for Yelp.   We were treated with a "world launch event" by being poured Place de Marché Blanc and Rouge wines, both specially made for Seattle!

Needless to say, Michael was extremely pleased to be serving us these special libations!  

The selection he had to entertain our fine group of Yelpers' palates was excellent.  All the wines were fantastic, and even surprising.  Some of the reds--the Place du Marché mentioned, and the Holly's Hill, offered as the "special event wine"--offered a fruitiness that, at least to my tongue, was a bit unusual.  

When saying this, I'm saying it with a smile on my face.  I liked both wines so much I got a bottle of each.  I also got a bottle of the exquisite Apagualta Carménère Michael had in the row.  This is my favorite grape, no doubt about that.  The Apagualta was woody and had a hint of pepper...once I had it in my hands,  I felt tempted to open it as soon as I got home to enjoy with candlelight.

Getting three bottles of excellent wine for less than $35 was a steal.  We had a coupon given to us with the purchase of the tasting (just $5) to get a $5 discount for any purchase over $30.  I got mine!  The reasons to smile and smile kept coming up!

What about the funny, sweet notes on the wall?  There was a case where the "last bottle" of this and that wine where asking people (literally) to "take me home!".  That was clever and playful.  Other notes had very useful descriptions of the wines, and suggestions to give them the optimal gastronomic use.

Pours were generous, the ambiance was delightful, and there was live music and nibbles for us to enjoy.  I can see myself going back frequently.  Buying wines that I will be proud to serve--spending a reasonable amount of money--while a charming owner who knows helps you with your selection, are reasons enough to me to keep patronizing this lovely place.

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Photo of izzy w.

Elite '09

73

68

izzy w.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/25/2009

In high school and college, cheap wine meant, well, crappy wine.  Ripple, anyone?

Fremont Wine Warehouse means inexpensive, but really good wine.  And I mean unbelievably good wine at a very affordable price.  And with our thin wallets lately, this is great.

The owner is a sweetie.  Really very wine-savvy, seems to enjoy assisting customers, and quite the friendly sort.  

Next time I'm in need of a bottle or two of vino, I'm bringing my wine-ignorant butt in here.

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Photo of Carly L.

Elite '09

266

528

Carly L.

Kirkland, WA

4 star rating
3/4/2009

Gem! Jem! Truly outrageous. (remember that show?) Anyways, the wine warehouse of Fremont is a gem. Michael was working, and introduced himself, poured me a glass of a newly released Tacoma Cab Sav. Yes, Tacoma... (grapes being from the other side of the state of course)

They have a great selection of wine for under $25 bones. I found some that I really like and wanted to and seriously could have spent a lot of money. But alas, I stuck with two bottles.. one from Portugal and one from Spain.

If you want a really good quality selection of wines that you won't see everywhere, I suggest going. Michael will definitely set you straight on some good wine.

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Photo of Ian S.

Elite '09

145

1050

Ian S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
3/10/2009

I don't buy wine anywhere else anymore.  I come and talk to Michael and buy what he tells me.

He keeps a record of everything I've purchased and asks me what I thought of when I visit.  I think he has some kind of Ian-centric internal Yelp style list and curves his recommendations based on what I've liked in the past.

Win!

There are free tastings and coolness here on a weekly basis.  There is a pal arrangement with Asteroid next door so that you can drink your wine that your purchase here (with receipt evidence) with your meal without corkage fee (a $20 value)

All of this, and every bottle of tasty vino in the place is under $25 and unavailable at the larger grocery stores.

What's not to like?  These guys are cool!

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Photo of Kelsey F.

Elite '09

43

153

Kelsey F.

Bothell, WA

4 star rating
6/1/2009

Great place with affordable wine from many different areas.  The gentleman working the counter when we were there (I'll assume it was Michael) was friendly, knowledgable, and excited about wine which is a fantastic quality to have when you're in the business.  (Really, it seems like common sense but I do think there are many people out there who don't truly love what they do - finding one is like finding a gem in a haystack.)  They do a number of events, so keep your eyes out for that - I haven't had the chance to get to one yet (too busy these days) but I look forward to giving one a whirl down the road.

But really, a fantastic place to snag a good, well-priced bottle of wine that will allow you to expand your own wine knowledge.  Also found a few bottles of a hard to find merlot that I adore, so now I know that when the convienent places don't sell it anymore, I can always check here for it!

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Photo of Hannah L.

Elite '09

73

164

Hannah L.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
3/9/2009

Those who know me, know I'm not just Elite but an elitist. Which really means that they're jealous of my good taste and vast stores of knowledge...with respect to food and drink, at least. Lest you resent me, remember that being a wine elitist is challenging. I have an excruciatingly difficult time when I go to a restaurant, gaze at the wine list, and think "Holy S**t, you want me to pay WHAT for THAT?!" Not always just think, either....

In preparation for a dinner at El Gaucho with my lovely, charming man, I wanted to avoid any such scenario, calculating even with a $30 corkage fee we could still have a fantastic bottle of wine for less than $50. So at the end of a long Saturday run in the snow, I stopped into Fremont Wine Warehouse. And is there a better way to end a long run than by doing a wine tasting? And by talking with Michael about varietals, micro-climates and merits and subtleties of various Eastern Washington vineyards? And by buying four bottles of phenomenal wine for less than $80 you then excitedly carry home, nestled in your arms, through the snow in anticipation of a night full of decadence?

No, there is not, and I plan a reprise very soon. Since any dinner, including leftover cold mac & cheese, is an excuse for decadence in my elitist kitchen....

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Photo of Julian H.

Elite '09

23

455

Julian H.

Newcastle, WA

4 star rating
5/25/2009

Nice selection, great education, great prices!

This shop is really all about the proprietor Michael and his mission to find and sell you good wine at an affordable price.  Michael was extremely warm and engaging; he came out from behind the counter to greet us, which "had me at hello."  For us the wines being tasted were hit and miss, but it's all good, because the tastings are free.  

Michael clearly has a passion for what he's doing, and what we call in our house "the gift of gab."   In between hearing all about the wine, we learned about Michael, about France, about the building, and about the shop's history.

For Michael this is obviously not just a business, but a very personal adventure.  That level of involvement and enthusiasm is wonderful to have on display, although we left a bit overwhelmed with all the information.

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Photo of Alan F.

Elite '09

46

111

Alan F.

Mission District, CA

5 star rating
5/24/2009

Serendipitously arrived right in time for a wine tasting, which weighed heavily in my (positive) impressions!

This may reveal my rudimentary-at-best wine knowledge: a label is the primary influence for my wine selections, so a blindfolded monkey (prior to the events of Planet of the Apes of course) is my equal in terms of selecting an appropriate and winning wine.

Here, the guesswork is removed with enthusiastic staff guidance and expertise, not to mention the tastings which remarkably allow for trying wine before I buy it, thereby ensuring I take home something endorsed by my very own woefully un-developed palette.

The bottles are cheap too (some of it at cost, apparently), which is great, since we are in a recession, and Herfy, my damn, dirty, adorable pet ape, refuses to drink anything else alongside his all-caviar diet.

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Photo of Angela T.

 

1

19

Angela T.

Auburn, WA

5 star rating
4/28/2009

Love this place!  I happened to end up here for the first time with a wine tasting group I sometimes join.  Great location and Michael is amazing.  He is knowledgeable and friendly but he doesn't make you feel like you don't belong in his shop if you are not a wine aficionado.  

All bottles are under $25 and you can purchase your wines under your own customer name.  That way Michael can keep track of your purchases and what you liked or didn't like and make recommendations based on that.  Genius!  

I have had a number of fantastic (and inexpensive) bottles from Fremont Wine Warehouse.  If you are a wine snob or new to enjoying a glass of wine every once in a while, stop by here!

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Photo of JJ C.

 

36

9

JJ C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
2/20/2009

I've been wanting to write about this place for a while now. It's a real gem for the neighborhood and I'm so happy it opened.

Michael, the owner, is truly a wine genius. He is very personable and will take the time to make sure you're getting the bottle that's right for you. Me being a bourbon drinker and far from an aficionado of  wine, Michael really steps it up to help me pick the best bottle. Not to mention they keep your purchase history on file so they can help make more recommendations or find a bottle you've purchased in the past. :)

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Photo of Roxanne B.

Elite '09

31

136

Roxanne B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
1/25/2009

This store is not only filled with unique, affordable wines, but it feels like school, in a good way. There's no homework to be done, and you don't need to ask for a hall pass, but you can absolutely receive an education here.

Michael, the owner, is a very smart guy, and is willing to help you find the right wine no matter what your request.

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Photo of Amie S.

Elite '09

53

185

Amie S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/10/2008

I am more than thrilled to have a cute, inexpensive little wine shop in Fremont.

We stopped in this weekend to check it out, and I loved it. The manager, Michael, is friendly and funny - and has tons of stories about all the wines. He definitely knows his stuff!

All wines are under $25, and there's a good selection of wines from $10-$15, so it's a great place to stop and get a variety at a great price. They also offer case discounts - and there's a tasting counter, winery guests, and the most adorable thing: Michael will enter your name into the computer and keep track of all your wine purchases, so if you forget what you bought on your next visit and are craving the same wine - he can look it up for you. Talk about service!

The only downside: dragging our ass back up the hills of Fremont Ave carrying 7 bottles. :)

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Photo of Drew D.

 

3

19

Drew D.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
12/31/2008

The wine warehouse is a little hard to see from the street so we always ended up passing by for the first few months it was open. It is differently worth the trip and I wish we made it earlier and by-passed the craziness of PCC.

Michael has a broad selection of wines and is very helpful and more then willing to share his knowledge to find the right bottle for you. There may not be all the common brands you are used to looking for there, but everything is a great value and all are under $25. Michael prides himself in telling you that if you are getting a $10 bottle there it would likely be $20 or more at most stores.

He also usually has a few wines available for tasting.

It is a great little place to grab a quick bottle for your dinner. Since it's only a few blocks away from home for me that makes it all the better...

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Photo of Leigh S.

 

0

9

Leigh S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
10/23/2008

this little place is brand spanking new, so I had it all to myself when I went in.  
It's all wine.
All the wines are under $25 and chosen for value, not just cheapness
There are different wines every day available for tasting.
The manager gave me a ton of recommendations
There are plenty of wines to choose from, but the selection is not overwhelming, which is nice.  Faced with a long wine list, I often get frustrated.
I will be back again and again.  Great location too, right at 36th & Fremont Ave.

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Photo of Kat F.

Elite '09

119

252

Kat F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
Updated - 4/23/2009

Yeah so I don't know crap about wine and on my return trips to this wonderful place I've found that it's totally fine - I just tell Michael what I'm feeling and he picks out a bottle and I go home happy.  I have yet to be disappointed and if I ever am, I'd feel comfortable telling him on my return visit.  He'd look up the bottle in his handy customer purchase database to see what it was if I couldn't remember and we'd go with something else!  This place is truly fantastic.  If you haven't gone, go right now!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    3/9/2009

    So I stroll in here on my way home from the gym to see what's up.  Michael greets me, introduces… Read more »

Photo of Megan R.

Elite '09

43

113

Megan R.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
2/20/2009

I stopped in here after my workout next door - looking for a great pino grigio for my roommate to celebrate becoming fully employed! WHOO HOO. I will admit, that I usually just buy my wine at Trader Joes and don't know much about what I'm picking out (and usually just buy the cheapest).
I must say, the sign on the door "all wine's under $25" really drew me in. There was no one in the store aside from the owner, Michael, and another sales associate. I walked in and immediately felt comfortable. This is NOT a pretencions wine shop by any means (I think the name helps as well).
Michael immediately asked me if there was anything he could help me with - I explained what I was looking for and also confessed my trader Joe's wine addiction - all he said was "we'll set you right" and smiled. He showed me his selection of pino grigios and selected his favorite for me. (it was only 9 bucks!). I cannot wait to try it.
He added me to his database so I know which wines I have purchased and put me on his list for wine tasting info - which apparently they do every Saturday from 3-7? don't quote me on that.
The shop is warm, inviting and just a nice space to learn about wines. I will be back to try other varieties, I have a feeling you can't go wrong with Michael's suggestions.

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Photo of Lisa W.

Elite '09

24

98

Lisa W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
4/4/2009

I actually wanted to come to Fremont Wine Warehouse because of the reviews that I read on Yelp.  (Good job, yelpers!)  I also saw that the next wine-tasting was featuring Chandler Reach Winery which we visited in Benton City a couple of months ago.  By the way, the wine-tasting is free!  And it was so nice to talk to someone who is so enthusiastic about informing anyone and everyone about good wine...at good deals.  I'm pretty hard to convince unless I experience it for myself.  I bought 2 bottles of the Chandler Reach wines...the 36 Red (a very, very lovely red blend) and the Viognier (anticipating summer sunshine).  If I taste something I like, I'll be back.  Two thumbs up!

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Photo of Shawna S.

 

1

3

Shawna S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
1/29/2009

Great Little Wine Shop, the owner/manager is really helpful and knowledgeable about wines, great prices for good wine, i'll definetly be back!

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Photo of Russell L.

Elite '09

42

132

Russell L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
12/3/2008

Nice selection of wines and Michael was very helpful.  The prices seemed very reasonable. Woot!

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Photo of Doug F.

 

0

4

Doug F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
12/12/2008

This place is amazing.  The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly.  The wine selection is carefully crafted and fun to browse.

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