When visitors arrive in New Orleans, one of the first things
that they notice is how many spirits there are all around us. Yes, those could
be ghosts, but drinkable spirits like liquor, wine, and beer flow freely in such
a manner that many people have never seen before. Spirits are offered in more
stores than in some parts of the country, which can be thrilling for those who
aren't used to it.
These stores, some even selling New Orleans-brand alcoholic beverages are the
favorite shops for locals, but those who are just in town for a while will love
the large selections and excellent prices.
The Best Wine/Liquor Stores in New Orleans
1. Rouses Market
Multiple Locations
rouses.com
If you've lived in South Louisiana for any amount of time, there's a good chance you've shopped at a Rouses. These grocery stores have become a staple in South Louisiana but they do more than just sell groceries. Rouses have a premier wine department with wine experts to answer questions. They also promote new wine specials every week, occasional free tastings, and accept special orders. Along with wine, Rouses offers a variety of local and imported beers.
One of the most unique things about Rouses' liquor offerings is their Bourbon Society. Joining this group gives you first access to new releases from Master Distillers as well as updates from Rouses' own tasting panel. Rouses is a great option if you're looking to grocery shop but still want the expertise of specialists on hand.
2. Total Wine & More
3780 Veterans Memorial Blvd., (504) 267-8866
totalwine.com
With four locations in Louisiana alone and over 240 stores nationwide, Total Wine is a liquor store powerhouse. Focused on an expansive selection, this store holds familiar favorites, new collaborations, seasonal items, and more. When visiting, get ready to see drinks you've never heard of and maybe even find a new staple.
The benefits of chain stores shine through with the options Total Wine and More offers. Customers can use in-store or curbside pickup or even get their order delivered.
3. Martin's Wine & Spirits
Multiple Locations
martinwine.com
Martin's Wine & Spirits is a store that lives up to its tagline "so much more than wine." Along with a wide variety of wine, spirits, and beer, Martin's also has a popular deli restaurant in the back that serves a variety of food and is also available for catering. Martin's has two locations in the Greater New Orleans area: one on 714 Elmeer Ave. in Metairie and the other on 3827 Baronne St. in New Orleans.
Martin's offers national delivery, competitive pricing, and frequent events at both locations. Check their website for upcoming tastings or dinners hosted at the store. Whether you're looking to buy a bottle or a gift card, Martin's store and website are both friendly and easy to navigate.
4. Prytania Wine & Spirits
1300 Arabella St., (504) 891-0448
langensteins.com/prytania-wine-spirits
Prytania Wine & Spirits is owned by Langenstein's, one of the most popular locally-owned grocery stores. This local wine store is actually housed inside the first Langenstein's Grocery Store location before it moved nearby to a larger location.
Every Friday, Prytania Wine opens up a few bottles between 4 and 6 p.m. to introduce you to new varietals and help make the decision-making process a little easier (and more fun). Occasionally, those Friday tastings will include high-end spirits like bourbon and vodka. Follow the store's social media for updates on what's being sampled this week.
5. Elio's Wine Warehouse
6205 S. Miro St., (504) 866-1852
elioswinewarehouse.com
Elio's Wine Warehouse in the Broadmoor neighborhood is a great spot to stop in for a bottle or two before your big weekend. You may even stumble upon a sampling of something delicious if you come at the right time. This store has an incredible selection, with even an impressive number of non-alcoholic options.
Elio's also provides services so that your event will go off without a hitch. You can purchase full-size or smaller kegs, you can inquire about bulk purchases and get party planning recommendations, and you can have your products hand-delivered to your door through Uber Eats. Now that's customer service!
6. Next to Nothing Wines
3928 Euphrosine St., (504) 777-7626
facebook.com/n2nwines
This tiny wine shop may be hard to find at first. The shop sits inside another building which sits near the Broad Avenue overpass and Earhart Boulevard. Once inside, you are treated to a contemporary store with a small bar for getting a drink before you shop for what you'll be taking home.
While the small size of the shop doesn't
allow for an endless inventory, it does allow for an interesting one. Specifically,
the wines here are chosen for their quality, their value, and their uniqueness.
Next to Nothing regularly hosts tastings on Fridays so that you can get to know
their stock better.
7. Market on Magazine
4237 Magazine St., (504) 899-8579
facebook.com/marketonmagazine
If you need a quick bottle to bring to your friend's house, Market on Magazine is a great place to quickly go through the well-organized racks and find what you need. You can certainly ask the knowledgeable staff about what they recommend, but the convenience of this store is what makes it special.
If you have a hankering for more than
spirits, Market on Magazine serves your favorite corner store foods hot and
ready. From breakfast plates to chicken tender and fried seafood platters with
fried rice, you will be the hit of the party showing up with great booze and
some fried food.
8. Dorignac's Food Center
710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 834-8216
dorignacs.com
The first Dorignac's Food Center was opened in 1947 in the Lower Garden District and remained there until 1963 when the store moved to Metairie. Since the move, Dorignac's has become a familiar favorite and even recognized as the largest grossing grocery store per square foot in the entire country. While the customers come here for great prices on their groceries, the wine and spirits section is vast and contains the most popular brands and little-known exquisite brands.
The store boasts more than 8,000 items that come from the world over; 6,500 of that stock is wine. The Liquor Manager would love to chat with you about what you're looking for or turn you on to some new red or white wine.
9. Vieux Carré Wine and Spirits
422 Chartres St., (504) 568-9463
Family-owned since 1986, Vieux Carré Wine and Spirits oozes French Quarter charm and convenience. With both imported and domestic wines and spirits, this shop aims to please anyone and everyone. Most of the workers have a direct connection to the owner of the store, Biagio "Blaise" Todaro, who prides himself on still working at the shop firsthand.
With reasonable prices and friendly staff, this store is great for those who need assistance or those looking to support locally owned businesses. Vieux Carré also carries seasonal specials so make sure to check them out next Mardi Gras.
10. Keife & Co.
801 Howard Ave., (504) 523-7272
keifeandco.com
Keife and Co. is a gorgeous wine and spirits shop on the corner of Howard and Carondelet, so it's the perfect Warehouse District spot to stop in after work. Don't expect to find any old wine or liquor here. The collection is curated to include "products of integrity and limited availability." Liquor is regularly rotated to include up-and-coming new distilleries.
In addition to hard-to-find wines, you can peruse the selection of wonderful olive oils, condiments, chocolates, crackers, and caviar. Keife & Co. would be happy to compose a charcuterie board for your large or small event according to your budget and taste preferences.
Keife & Co. will be temporarily closed September 1-26, 2024 but will reopen with normal operating hours on September 27.
Where to Buy The Best Wine and Liquor in New Orleans
It is always advisable to enjoy your spirits responsibly. If
you're getting drinks to enjoy at home, stay at home once you start partying.
If the event needs some more drinks, the shops on this list with delivery are
ready to bring the fun (and wine) straight to you almost anywhere in New Orleans.
Did we forget your favorite wine store in New Orleans? Let us
know what it is!
