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WINE STORES

AZ Wine Company
AZ Wine Co. pours oenological dynamite at its weekly tastings. You can count on General Manager Robert Lindeman for a top-notch education on six generous pours, and the store carries more than 350 bottles, including some “tasting room only” specialties. 2515 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-423-9305
azwineco.com
Tastings: Every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., $15

AZ Wine Merchants

AZ Wine Merchants
AZ Wine Merchants is a showroom for Arizona wines, but it feels more like a cozy attic that happens to be stocked by local winemakers. The shop features 30 different labels, each accompanied by a brief description inscribed nearby on the chalkboard wall. 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, 480-588-7489
fnbrestaurant.com
Tastings: Periodic tastings are elaborate affairs. Featured vintners pour their wines and chat with patrons before everyone adjourns to neighboring restaurant Baratin for a multi-course dinner.


Magnum’s Cigars-Wine-Spirits
A few years ago, this tobacconist and wine purveyor added a lounge where customers can relax in baroque Old World luxury while sipping one of 300 wines, 300 bottled beers, 250 Scotches, 170 tequilas, 90 vodkas and more. Since we’re talking numbers, the walk-in humidor offers more than 1,100 cigars. 731 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, 602-493-8977
magnumscigarwineliquor.com
Tastings: Held every 2-3 months; price varies.


The Reserve Room
Located adjacent to DownUnder Wine Bar and Bistro, this boutique wine shop stocks more than 30 wines for tasting by the glass, and also offers flights (whites, pinot noir, reds, and Bordeaux blends). The sommelier has more than 40 years’ experience and will happily suggest pairings. 1422 W. Warner Rd., Gilbert, 480-582-6868
reserveroomaz.com
Tastings: Daily flights (four wines, 3-ounce pours), $16-$24.


Village Wine Center
The friendly and experienced proprietors of this Gainey Village vino retailer zealously keep the thermostat at a cellar-like 64 degrees to preserve the integrity of their stash. They specialize in high-end wines but do offer a pocketbook-friendly special: Buy one featured wine at a Friday tasting, and the second bottle costs $1. 8877 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-556-8989
vwcaz.com
Tastings: Every F from 1 to 7 p.m., free.


Vino 100
This bright, modern boutique carries more than 100 wines, most of which will set you back less than $25 a bottle. Offerings rotate frequently, but owner Laura McCormack regularly stocks two favorites: an Italo Cescon pinot grigio and Silver Palm’s Sonoma cabernet sauvignon, a robust red with an oaky vanilla finish. To ease the wine-choosing experience, bottles are arranged by flavor and body style rather than grape or appellation, so you can pick a vino based on your taste preference.  30835 N. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-502-8466
vino100phoenix.com
Tastings: Daily flights highlighting 3-4 wines ($15-18).

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