Wine Merchant

The Wine Merchant can be intimidating at first. The dimly lit store and tasting bar is reminiscent of a posh members-only lounge. Large mahogany display cases featuring collectable wines float over a huge hand-tufted persian carpet and linen covered tables pushed against padded benches own the wall. And let?s not forget the surrounding bottles of wine, many with price tags in the hundreds and even thousands. Most of the wines, including domestic and Italian varieties, are in the front of the store. French wines and rarities are in a separate back room. Luckily, the staff at the Wine Merchant is friendly and knowledgeable. We were on the hunt for a reasonable bottle of Mersault to give. The gentleman assisting us was more than willing to explain how the grape differed from year to year. Although knowledgeable, he was not overly fussy; he did not wax poetic about the complexity of the $150 bottle. In the end, we made out with a very good $37 bottle that he even offered to gift wrap. Whether you?re looking for a bottle of wine for dinner or a basket of wine to give, the Wine Merchant has you covered. Oh, and don?t forget to pick up a catalog and some Leonida?s chocolates on your way out. @thelagourmet more

My girlfriend and I were heading to Mastro's for dinner and knew we were going to have to wait a good 30 minutes or so. Walking up Canon we walked by a wine shop that had a few people sitting down drinking some wine.\r \r Being a wine lover, I walked in with my girlfriend and inquired. There were two guys and a woman who eagerly said hello. They told me they recently moved last May and have a quite little wine lounge on Thursday and Friday nights.\r \r We sat down and joined everyone there for a glass. We picked from an extensive wine by the glass list and had some great california pinot noir and and cabernet. Prices were pretty reasonable too which was really nice considering Beverly Hills.\r \r Great experience! Will be back with friends very soon! more

I passed by The Wine Merchant when I was in the area last week.\r \r I wanted a nice bottle of wine with dinner that night so I stopped in. As I entered I was greeted by a great staff. They were having a great sale and I was able to taste most of the sale wines. I sipped and talked with one of the gentlemen helping me. \r \r What started out as a single bottle for dinner turned into a mixed case for the next few weeks!\r \r A+ to The Wine Merchant! They surely know how to treat a customer! Thanks for the wine tastings! Pros: Staff, Wine Knowledge, Atmosphere, Location, Cons: Construction next door is kindof a bummer. more

I wondered into The Wine Merchant on Canon, and found this little and wonderful champagne/wine lounge, my friends and i had a great time, drank some great wines at great prices, if you compare them to restaraunt prices. The vibe is chill and very comfortable. We enjoyed a few bottles of wine and were freaked when the bill came, so cheap, if we went to any restaraunt anywhere, it would have been double...easy. We nibbled on some cheeses and an assortment of meats. Perfect. A great place to go after work, or before you go out for dinner, or to just relax and have a good time. Pros: prices are great Cons: none, really. more

The customer service at The Wine Merchant is excellent. Nowhere have I found such detail, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. They definately go out of their way to help you and if they cannot get what you looking for they will help you find it! #1 customer service oriented business! Pros: Helpful, knowledgeable, courteous more