Vinomania Wine Shop

Local Gems of Syracuse is a series of posts designed to highlight the unsung heroes of our culinary life.  Each of them, in their own way, elevates the food scene of Syracuse.

When it comes to buying wine it helps to have a friend in the wine business.  Here in Syracuse we have exactly that in Gary Decker and his shop, Vinomania.  This is the kind of place where you can come to browse and buy, browse and chat, learn, taste, and discover first hand the wonderful world of wine.

If you enter Vinomania in the late afternoon through the evening you are likely to find a handful of folks gathered near the front, talking and tasting wine.  You're also likely to find Gary Decker walking a customer around pointing out what's new and special--and always at a variety of price points.  Gary brings years of experience in the restaurant world to the table and a great love and passion for helping others enjoy wine. 

Vinomania carries a broad selection of wine--lots of organic wines, Finger Lakes Wines and bottles from just about every major wine growing region in the world.  It is a small shop when compared to some of the others around but it is intensively stocked--great selections, always new shipments, and Gary can pretty much get you anything that is not in the shop.

On a regular basis Vinomania hosts wine tastings on Saturday afternoons.  They vary by theme--organic wine was a recent one.  And these tastings are never just wine--these are opportunities to have some good food along with the wine.  Did I mention these are free?

If you have some cash to spend, though, check out the four-part wine tasting course that Vinomania will host in January.  For four Tuesdays, beginning January 10, 2006 you can learn about a variety of wines, tasting about 5 per session, eating great food, and learning it all from Gary, the "wine professor" himself--all for just $100. 

What I have come to love about this shop is the sense that as soon as you enter, you are among friends.  There are no dumb questions.  The advice is free flowing.  And if you time it right and Gary's wife is in a baking mood--you'll get a bit of something yummy to eat while you browse--she makes a mean sweet potatoe pie!

Vinomania is open Monday from 4 - 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 - 7pm and is closed on Sundays.  It is located in Nettleton Commons near the ramp to 81 North at the corner of Willow and Pearl.

Vinomania, 313 Willow Street, Syracuse, NY, 13203, 315-422-8466.

Comments

[richelle]

I WAS AMAZED AT THE XTRA EFFORT GARY PUTS TWORDS HIS CUSTOMERS I STOPPED IN FOR A WINE RACK, REALIZED HE DOESNT SELL THEM THERE, SAW A FEW HE HAD ON DISPLAY HIS PERSONAL ONES, AND MADE REFFERENCE TO HOW GREAT THEY WERE, WE CHATTED BRIEFLY, AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT I WAS WALKING OUT WITH THE BEST GIFT EVER THANK YOU FOR THE PERSONAL TOUCH

[Jennifer]

Richelle, I'm glad you've discovered what makes Vinomania so special. I plan to head over tomorrow for our holiday shopping because I know we'll be able to find something wonderful.

[nancy blake]

I finally got a chance to stop in. I love the place! It is all about the wine and the people. No liquors to get in the way.

[Bob Williams]

Love the store and the personal attention received at their tasting party on Saturday

[Buy_Viagra]

Have you been turned down by other lenders?

[Antivirus_man]

The new year is already knocking at the door, let it will bring only happiness and joy.

[JOBS_frend]

You write well will be waiting for your new publications.

[school_dubl]

Hi Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, a cool site I like

[windshield repair]

Holidays are just the best season of the year.

[Auto Glass Phoenix]

Wow...thanks for the info. Im so excited to drop by on saturday with my friends for the wine tasting. Nice article.

[quail hill homes]

You're also likely to find Gary Decker walking a customer around pointing out what's new and special--and always at a variety of price points.