Where to buy the best bottles at any price point

There’s a cheeky bumper sticker seen around town that is from the popular “Doyle & Debbie” send-up of country music that plays weekly at the venerable Station Inn. The sticker reads “Whine, Whine, Twang, Twang,” but it might make even more sense if it were spelled “Wine, Wine,” because this city is serious about wine. From multiple restaurants with acclaimed wine lists to the Nashville Wine Auction that is the oldest wine-based charity in the country, Music City definitely knows its sauv blanc from its chard.

Fortunately, Nashville is blessed with an abundance of great wine shops and expert operators happy to assist in support our demand for great grapes at just about any price level. No matter what part of town you live in, you’re probably not too far from a well-stocked store with a helpful and informed sales staff. Here are some of our favorites.

Where to Buy Wine

If you’re in West Nashville or Belle Meade

Grand Cru

For more than 15 years, Grand Cru has been the go-to wine store for residents of the rapidly growing Sylvan Park neighborhood and surrounding areas. Their free in-store tasting events are both educational and entertaining, and their capable staff members know the questions to ask to help you find a new favorite bottle. 3433 Murphy Rd; (615) 627-3900.

The Wine Chap

Conveniently located near the Belle Meade shopping triangle of Publix, Kroger and Trader Joe’s/Target, The Wine Chap is an easy stop to pick up a bottle (or three) to go with all those groceries. Focusing on affordable wines that you might not find just anywhere, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not familiar with a particular producer or varietal. They’re happy to help. 4322 Harding Pike; (615) 386-0133.

If you’re in Midtown

Corkdorks Midtown
The only complaint about Corkdorks Midtown is that sometimes they have so many different wines stacked so high in their large store that it can be difficult to navigate your cart up and down the aisles as you fill it with bottles. Their inventory ranges from inexpensive sippers stored in refrigerators so they’re ready to drink right away to rare vintages that would be appropriate to keep in your cellar for years. They also offer in-store pickup if you already know what you’re looking for and want to order ahead. 1610 Church St; (615) 327-3874.

If you’re in the Gulch or Downtown

Frugal MacDoogal
Once you get past the party wagons waiting in the parking lot while Nashville visitors stock up on supplies for their rollicking trips around downtown, you’ll discover why Frugal’s (as locals call it) has been a favorite stop for wine, beer and spirits since Richard Nixon was still president. With more than 100,000 selections in their voluminous store, they’re certain to have what you need or at least a suggestion of a substitute that might surprise you. They are also very helpful with party planning and would be happy to assist you as you figure out how much of what to buy for your next big event. 701 Division St; (615) 242-3863.

12th & Pine
This cozy little store next to The Turnip Truck in the Gulch doesn’t have room to stock nearly as much as other superstores, so they are very conscious in their picks. With a special acumen for selecting amazing bargains from Spain and Portugal, their inventory is focused and impressive without breaking the bank. 315 12th Ave S; (615) 678-6300.

If you’re in Green Hills, 12 South or Belmont

The Wine Shoppe at Green Hills
We’ll forgive them the extra “pe” in the name of their shop, because they’re just so darned helpful whenever you’re looking for something new to put on the table. The Wine Shoppe staff is happy to assist with special orders if they don’t already stock something in particular, and they even deliver if you just can’t bring yourself to fight Green Hills traffic. That’s the sort of service that earns long-term loyalty! 2109 Abbott Martin Rd; (615) 297-5220.

Village Wines, Spirits and Beer
A visit to this cozy little store tucked behind Hillsboro Village is like being invited to open bottles in your best friend’s cellar. Wine tasting events at Village are extremely casual, often just small group conversations with winemakers who are in town to share their wines and vino philosophies. Whether you’re an expert oenophile or just a casual fan of wine, you’re always welcome to learn more. 2006 Belcourt Ave B.; (615) 499-4173.

If you’re in Brentwood

Maryland Farms Wine & Spirits
Maryland Farms Wine & Spirits is a destination wine shop. The store has a clean and modern vibe plus a wide variety of wines, both domestic and Old World. Beer lovers can fill up a growler from one of their 16 taps and cigar fans can grab a stick from their humidor to accompany with a lovely glass of leathery, tannic Barolo or a bold California cabernet. The shop is conveniently divided by grape varietal and region of origin, so it’s easy to take a tour of wine country without leaving town. 101 Creekside Crossing #800; (615) 376-9945.

If you’re in Franklin

Bottle Shop at McEwen
It’s a good thing that the Bottle Shop offers case discounts, because it’s easy to get carried away while browsing through shelf after shelf of carefully curated wines from around the globe. Their tasting bar hosts free events on Fridays and Saturdays to introduce you new favorites at whatever price level you’re looking to pay. They’re big fans of “Try Before You Buy” at the Bottle Shop, so maybe you’d better take an Uber to and from the store. 1556 W McEwen Dr #102; (615) 807-1656.

Cool Springs Wine & Spirits
The thoughtful staff at Cool Springs Wine & Spirits take as much delight in helping customers find a bargain as they do selling someone a hundred-dollar bottle. As large as their inventory is, it’s tough for everyone working the floor to be an expert on everything, but they’ll happily walk you over to the Alsatian ace, the Mendoza master or the Portuguese pro. They all have their favorites and are happy to share them with customers to please any palate or price point. 1935 Mallory Ln; (615) 771-7436.