The Wine Stop

4.0 star rating
21 reviews Rating Details

Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits  [Edit]

1809 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 946-3707
Hours:

Mon-Thu 10 am - 9 pm

Fri-Sat 10 am - 10 pm

Sun 11 am - 7 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Review Highlights   

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"...power to 1) support local business and 2) to encourage..." (in 3 reviews)
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"...by The Wine Stop on my way home sometimes just to see what..." (in 3 reviews)
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"...suited for fall, and picked up the Riesling for myself." (in 3 reviews)
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21 reviews in English

  • Review from Jerome B.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 130 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    11/20/2011

    Just came from their Carrot Mob promotion promoting sustainable energy.  From my understanding the carrot mob uses their purchasing power to 1) support local business and 2) to encourage owners to make positive change.  This time around, the Wine Shop will be using a majority of the day's proceeds for possibly solar panels or more sustainable energy practices.  Pretty neat concept!

    Anyways, I like the quaint look of this place!  Not only does it look like a small and interesting cottage, it is filled with tasty alcohol.  A very nice looking man cave? They had wine tasting with a variety of wines from California, Austria, New Zealand and Australia, with very informative staff and highlighting wines using sustainable practices (bonus points for that).  We came in with an agenda to get a Moscato, Red, and a Vouvray. Unfortunately they didn't have a vouvray, but directed us to a German gewerstemeiner which should allow us to have a very tasty Thanksgiving in 2011!  

    So a good collection of wine, enthusiastic and informative staff, and supporters of sustainable practices, looks like I've found a nice place to frequent to get my wine fix!

  • Review from Kit W.

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This little wine shop is awesome!  After hours of hesitation and frustration trying to decide on a great wine to bring to a wine tasting party on my own, I decided to hit up The Wine Stop.  

    There was only one sommelier working there yesterday and I am sorry I didn't get his name, but he was super helpful!  I told him I was looking for a nice white for a wine party, that Riesling's usually my white of choice, but that I was open to trying something new.  He descriptively recommended an excellent Riesling, a true French Chardonnay, and a Pinot Blanc.  I decided to pick up the Pinot Blanc for the party, as he promised it would be a crowd-pleaser and nicely suited for fall, and picked up the Riesling for myself.  I swear I hear that French Chardonnay singing my name though so I might have to go back and grab it sometime...

    The Pinot Blanc (2009 Wolfberger) ended up being very well received at the wine party! =D  Pinot Blanc is less well-known than other white wines such as the Chardonnay and the Riesling, but if you are looking for a wine with fruity aromas--often of apple and citrus--and floral characteristics, then Pinot Blanc is your wine.  This particular Pinot Blanc is from Alsace, a French region known for its white wines.  As you drink this wine, you experience delicate peach and apple aromas with a hint of almonds.  It is medium-bodied, goes down smooth, and has a clean finish.  

    I am so glad I stopped by The Wine Stop and look forward to trying out more of their fantastic wines!

  • Review from Christie K.

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I thought this place would be like Silverlake Wine in LA. But it comes no where near it, not even in the same category. Their beers are not that special because I see them at Gelson's, Whole Food's, or even the local liquor store. I guess it's special because they charge so much for their stuff.. lol.
    I suggest they carry more stuff.

  • Review from Sara S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 60 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    6/26/2011

    On our way home from Zippy's, we stopped at the Wine Stop out of curiosity.  

    Talked a while with Matt, who worked there.  He was incredibly friendly, and enjoyed telling us about the wines and funny stories.

    We bought a Pinot Noir for $9.99 and thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Will be back for more wine (and the free wine tastings on Saturdays!).

  • Review from Lauren H.

    •  
    • 81 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    2/23/2011 6 Check-ins Here

    This is me and my bf's fave place to purchase wine. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and they always have the best recommendations. Perfect place to grab a chilled wine or beer and 12th Ave Grill's famous ahi spread to go with it. Great place also to pick up gifts (they have gift bags and cards!) and wine glasses.

    You can also purchase beer subscriptions (I bought this for my beer-loving dad and he loved it!) and wine subscriptions. We've recently signed up for the red+white wine 6-month subscription (there's a red+red available as well) and picked up our first bottles this month. The wines are great and they're typically wines that I probably wouldn't just go out and buy otherwise.

    Wine Stop also hosts complimentary wine tastings and they have seminars that you can pay to attend.

  • Review from Michael C.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Orlando, FL

    3.0 star rating
    2/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Went here with my brother to shop for a wine we had at a restaurant the night before at the instruction of the sommelier. While they did not have that bottle at the moment, they were able to help us find a similar wine that would be equally pleasing. At this point while he was talking to the owner, I decided to peruse.

    The first thing that should be mentioned is that there is a lot of stuff crammed into a very small space. They have some amazing wines from around the world, as well as a very nice selection of micro brews. In addition, they also have a stock of liquor, but don't expect to find anything cheap or bottom shelf. They have some delicious aged whiskey and bourbon, as well as single malt scotches and rare tequilas. Whoever does the stocking and ordering for this place really does know their stuff.

    They have some cute odds and ends laying around, like wine stoppers and glasses, but what really got my attention were the picnic baskets. There were many to choose from and each one could hold wine, forks, knives, cutting boards, napkins, blankets, bottles of wine, and anything else a romantic encounter would need.

    My only real gripe was the parking. There seems to be only 2 spaces, and they are up at an odd inclined angle so certain cars are going to get some dings going in and out.

  • Review from Tamra P.

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    11/7/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I am bummed I moved so far away from The Wine Stop because I used to love stopping in on my way home from work or the gym to pick up some unfamiliar treat recommended by their knowledgeable staff.  It's a cozy little boutique store that looks like a little house, and I love that the people there aren't snotty wine snobs.  They give you time and space to peruse around, but are quite helpful and will do their best to find something that suits your taste preferences and budget.  

    This past New Year's Eve I popped in looking for some goodies to bring to a party and happened upon a champagne tasting.  $20 for a ittle pre-party buzz, and it helped me discover a couple new champagnes I might not otherwise have purchased.  

    If I lived closer I'd totally check out the monthly wine club.  For the beer lovers, they offer a beer club too.

  • Review from Jiro A.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    10/3/2010 19 Check-ins Here

    I attended one of their wine seminars, Tasting Methodology 101.  It was held in the backroom of the shop.  The class was conducted by Liane, certified sommelier, and she was successful in making the class intimate, non-intimidating and very educational.  We received helpful handouts and got to have a "hands-on" tasting experience.  A nice selection of five wines to taste, and we were invited to have seconds and thirds of the wines we liked after the class.  How generous of them!

    I visited The Wine Stop for the first time during the last holiday season when I wanted to get a bottle of white for a friend. I usually don't drink white wines, and the staff person who helped me gave me great recommendations based on my friend's taste and my price range.  I have been a fan of this place since then.

    You may find some of the wines they carry at other retail outlets (such as CostCo) at a slightly lower price.  But I would say it is totally worth it to get wines at The Wine Stop because of their expertise and proper storage (flavors/aromas can be lost in, say, CostCo wines because they may not necessarily store their wines at optimal temperatures), and you get to support a local business!

  • Review from Gina B.

    •  
    • 70 friends
    • 90 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    4/25/2010

    I ordered 60 bottles of wine for a recent event that I planned. Lianne, one of the owners, helped with the selection based on the food we were serving that evening. She also suggested I tell my bartenders to open the bottles as needed so that nothing is wasted. I really appreciated their delivery service (free delivery in the town area for purchases of $50 or more).

    Great staff, prices and selection. And their storefront - a brightly painted converted house - is adorable.

  • Review from Ki H.

    •  
    • 39 friends
    • 46 reviews

    East Hampton, NY

    4.0 star rating
    12/19/2010 9 Check-ins Here

    Ah the Wine Stop. My quick and easy go to place for wines!

    I love the wine stop because they are always so helpful when it comes to choosing a wine. They frequently have new bottles so it helps to have someone there!

    You can rest easy though, they personally select each and every wine that they carry so can be sure that no matter the price, it meets their quality standards!

    They also track your purchases and by simply looking at what you've been buying they can recommend new wines that you will enjoy!

    This is the service you can expect when you have two sommeliers as owners!

  • Review from Paul T.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Castro Valley, CA

    1.0 star rating
    1/31/2010

    I've been to Wine Stop three times...the third is the last.

    I bought an old vintage bottle of red wine (2001). Unfortunately the cork was in terrible shape and just crumbled when we attempted to uncork the bottle. After great effort (including other implements) I was unable to get anything other than corks shreds.

    I called the store to ask if they could exchange, but they said they would NOT even exchange the bottle because it was "closeout" and they wouldn't be able to get money back from distributor. Hold on -- who cares if they can recoup cost? They sold me a bad bottle of wine, they should own up and at *least* provide an exchange. (A respectable establishment would be happy to provide even a refund.) Pathetic.

    Never again will I go to the Wine Stop. I'll be sticking to Tamura's and Long's in the future.

  • Review from Sara C.

    •  
    • 29 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Montour Falls, NY

    4.0 star rating
    1/13/2010

    I swing by The Wine Stop on my way home sometimes just to see what cool new stuff they have.  Blair is the man who works on Sundays and he is super familiar with pretty much everything in the store and will give you a great suggestion (or 3) for something you'll probably dig.

    What is in the store, you ask? Plenty of different wines and boutique beers, and some food.  It's a small store and the selection reflects that: it's no Tamura's but the staff is so helpful and on hand when you have questions that it's a better shopping experience.  I'm pretty sure they do tastings during the week but I've only been there on Sundays.  There are very good Belgian beers by the bottle and I picked up some Rauchsbier for Roommate's Christmas present (it's known as bacon beer because it's smoky).

    Give The Wine Stop a whirl if you're on King Street headed somewhere byob and you won't be disappointed.

  • Review from Allison Y.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    12/19/2010 1 Check-in Here

    My hubby and I frequent this place quite a bit. And it's usually around the holidays that we're there ALOT. Every time we've been there, there's always been someone to help us choose a good wine. The selection is always changing, the prices are very reasonable, and numerous wines come in small batches. So if you see something you like, grab it! It may not be there the next time you come.  As gifts, our friends have enjoyed our choices-even though the picking was done by the store! And as for ourselves, never had a bad wine yet! I haven't had a chance to do their tasting..but am hoping to someday soon. It is my go-to shop for great vino!!

  • Review from Will C.

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    2/26/2010

    Kim and Leanne are the dog's bollocks!

    great wine shop all around, informative and friendly staff.
    rocking selection of specialty beers and get on their mailing list, they will start inviting you to special tastings and promos.

    check money

  • Review from sita l.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 151 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2009

    I love this shop. I wish I drank more wine so I had an excuse to go there monthly. Whenever I do go there, the ladies are so friendly and helpful. If they don't have the wine I look for they have managed to get it for me. It is a real representation of local business. Local people with Aloha. I don't know what some of the comments where about parking since whenever I have been there, there was plenty. So again, everyone has their own opinion. Mine is positive and a place I would suggest.

  • Review from Angel L.

    •  
    • 540 friends
    • 168 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/20/2008

    Wine stop is a great place for wine tasting on saturdays.  You must check their schedule online for it!  They also have a lot of california and some french and italian wines.  Everybody should shop here!

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Liane F. of The Wine Stop 1/5/2010   
    Still hosting tastings every Saturday from 1-5pm plus Pau… More »
  • Review from Toni M.

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    8/15/2010

    New to the Honolulu wine scene, I'm always on the lookout for great finds even though my wine rack is currently full to bursting!!  I tried the Wine Stop on the recommendation of a friend.  Their wine selection comes from mostly small production vineyards but the selection is impressive for such limited space.  The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.  They also carry some fine spirits and beer.  The tastings are worth the trip.  There are other offerings including courses, group dinners and wine storage.  Finally, their prices are a few buck less than the competition.  If you enjoy wine and haven't has the chance to visit wine stop, put it on your list.  Definitely recommended.

  • Review from Y C.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 82 reviews

    Honolulu, HI

    3.0 star rating
    5/12/2008

    The Wine Stop is a cute little wine store very conveniently located on King St. Their selection is okay but I find that the wines are a bit on the pricey side. Parking is also very limited (if you find street parking, grab it).

  • Review from Charlie D.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 305 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/5/2005

    This is one of the best wine stores on the island (how could they not be with a name like the wine stop?). Huge selection of imported and local wines, very helpful staff to help you with selection.

  • Review from David S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    Aiea, HI

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2009

    Why give positive comments and only give 3 stars?  This is one of the best places on Oahu to buy wine, spirits, or beer.  They are fairly priced and cheaper than most places.  They are also the friendliest and most informative shop by far.  I can't put into words how great this place is and I shocked to see 3 1/2 stars next to it's name.  Try it out and help bring it's stars back up to where it belongs.

  • Review from vanny j.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    HI

    4.0 star rating
    1/10/2008

    Good location, great ambiance and organization, and incredibly helpful staff.  My mom and I have gone there on several occasions and asked for recommendations based on complementing food and price range and we've never gotten something we didn't like.  It is on the smaller side, so the selection may not be as good as other wine stores but I think the staff makes up for it.

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