Considering all that is going on in the world, it is easy for a small store with limited resources to either suspend their business, shorten their neighborhood reach, or worse, stop working altogether and close down, especially those businesses not considered "essential." Now whether or not you feel that stores selling beer and wine are deserving of such a label, these are places that at the very least allowing us to indulge in some adult beverages while we hunker down and wait this thing out. Some days I would say that these choices are essential, (the importance is directly proportional to the number of kids that you are trying to home-school from what I have read.) and there are still celebrations and birthdays and anniversaries that are not subject to Covid-19, even if they may be altered from what the original vision was. So on this #thankfulthursday, I wanted to recognize De Fles Winkel, a small and unassuming beer and wine shop in the Twin Hickory area, that continues to provide excellent customer service, a strong community visibility, and a willingness to get their product out quickly to those who are currently unable to get it themselves. Now of course some other places are delivering beer and wine, but The Wink, as it is affectionately named, has a very small staff and due to their size cannot be a volume buyer of these items, and in turn sell their product at a lower price without being hurt by this practice. Still, they keep their prices very (almost unbelievably) competitive and their helpfulness is at an all-time high in direct contrast to most of these stores. In fact, their response to the crisis has been nothing short of amazing, as they have delivered my items on the same day each time I have placed an order (not something easily found these days, even from the big-box stores). You want youor drinks delivered cold? Just ask them. So cheers to The Wink, and here's to all of the small neighborhood business, like them, who are showing strong resiliency and higher levels of strength in a time when we need it the most. I will remember this when we are on the other side of all of this madness, and will make sure they continue to receive my business. Looking forward to getting back inside for a nice long discussion about what's hot in the craft beer world. read more

First time in this store. Meet the owner. Very nice guy and helpful. Pretty good selection of a variety of beers. I tried the Sullivans Red and Psychic Horse. He also kept it in cold storage for me while i had dinner at the tavern next door. I plan to go back and find some new beers to try! read more

De Fles Winkel - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Glen Allen, Virginia

I stumbled in while getting some ice cream across the plaza. This is a really cool craft bottle shop with some hard-to-find brews. Hudson Valley, Trillium, Cycle, 450 North and many more. I work in the industry and its hard to find really good craft beer shops, but this place nails. Very cool. If I lived nearby I'd be back, but I'm on vacation. Peace and cheers- read more

De Fles Winkel "The Wink" is most certainly the premier bottle shop in the RVA area. Seriously, it's all-around fantastic. I've visited Richmond twice in the past few months, and my local beer friend raved about this place ahead of each trip. I figured I should probably stop in to see what all the fuss was about, so I drove about 20 minutes out of the way to check it out. Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by a super friendly guy. He asked what I was looking for and, before I knew it, I was carrying a box full of local Virginia sours, ciders, and other inventive-sounding bottles (sugarcane and pecan beer, for one) to my car. None of which I could have found in my home state. He also gave me a free etched glass *and* a koozie, which was so, so nice. Total damage? $110. For the amount I bought, trust me when I say that was actually not bad at all. The store itself is fairly unassuming, tucked into a suburban strip mall, but it is actually loaded with like 500 bottled beer options as well as some tap lines for growler fills. Current taps are available on their website. Hours are good, prices are fair, staff is awesome and extremely knowledgeable. If I lived in Richmond, it's safe to say I'd be a frequent flyer. read more

If you want to find the best Belgium and craft beer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, look no further. Added bonus, the Wink is a source for Disc golf frisbees that helped this elf with stocking stuffers... Dorey Park & Gillies Creek we will see you in the New Year!! Cheers y'all. read more

Warning: You may not actually be able to buy anything here! Theoretically, this is a great shop! I have been buying great local beer and mead from this place for over two years! But now I literally cannot shop there. I was refused service last night because the guy working didn't believe I was as old as stated on my VA driver's license. I am 38. This guy was SURE I'm under 21? Disturbing experience. Don't waste your time here, folks. read more

Came in for a new sour to try and the guys were extremely helpful. Advised a traditional Belgian sour and I am now hooked! Will be the go to anytime I am in the area. read more

Local brew store with friendly and knowledgeable staff. A gem for beer lovers in the Short Pump area, "the Wink" offers 12 beers on tap for growler fills and a large selection of bottled beer. Don't know what you want? They'll help you find a good new beer to try. This is the kind of place I've wanted to buy my beer from - friendly folks who love beer as much as me. read more

Great location! Knowledge staff who are all eager to educate you on beer or wine! Better than any chain by far!

I've been to every bottle shop in the Richmond area and The Wink is definitely the best. You find interesting stuff there that you don't find anywhere else. Their focus seems to be on local micro and nano type breweries as well as obscure and interesting imports that I've not seen anywhere else. In addition, the owner and staff are friendly and knowledge. I also like supporting small businesses, they are the opposite of those huge beer warehouse stores. Oh, and they have a small but good selection of wines, as well. Heavy on Napa Cabernets read more

These guys, might be as good as it gets for craft beer! Lou and his staff have created a gold mine in the heart of the west end. All the beer you could ask for and a knowledgeable staff to help if you aren't quite sure what you're looking for. It seems like every time I'm in there they have reps doing tastings and other cool events. The taps are always rotating so you never know what you're going to stumble upon for a growler fill. read more

My favorite bottle shop in RVA. Good selection, wish you could buy just a single beer out of a six pack, but the staff makes this store! They really take the time to know their customers. Not the closest to me, but always my go-to. read more

A great beer selection and really knowledgeable staff. Have been in a few times and staff are always eager to help. There is a great selection of local beers as well as crafts from around the world. The few kegs they do have on tap are very unique and a good seasonal selection. Great store! read more

I was visiting Richmond and my sister took me to this store because I have somewhat eclectic taste in beer. This store carried all my usual (and hard to find) beers, and for fun I asked the employee about any local beers I might like and told him what I usually drank. I have to say the employee had an encyclopedic knowledge of both local and broadly marketed beers. He asked a couple of clarifying questions and then made several suggestions, all of which were spot on. Plus, he was just fun to talk to, a very pleasant and personable young man. And to boot, I tried to buy a pint glass with the store insignia on it, because they were quite attractive, and he gave it to me for free "because it was my first time visiting." read more