Stepping into Ithaca Wines & Spirits is like finding a hidden gem right in the heart of Ithaca. The location is super convenient for grabbing your favorite liquors, and the prices are fair. During my last visit, I came with a friend and the staff member behind the counter was not only friendly but also had a great sense of humor. I couldn't find my ID (it was hiding behind my phone, classic me), and the staff cracked a joke that had us both laughing. I can't really comment on how helpful the staff are with giving suggestions since we knew what we wanted, but their friendliness definitely made a positive impression. We picked up a whole bunch of wine and some soju, and there was still so much more to explore. The selection here is pretty extensive as they have some local options. Cheers! read more

See all

Best liquor store in collegetown and it's not even close. The selection of wine is more than decent, the recommended wines are legit, prices are fair, and the liquor selection, while limited, has some decent options. They also have a good array of sake at the back. Wide price range from $8 bottles of crap to $60 bottles of excellent wines from legit names. They also have decent hours: I believe they're open every day and stay open fairly late (although the hours on Google were incorrect today, it said until 10 and they closed at 8 so I was glad I called). Their main downside is the staff working. It's a slew of very very nice, young college age women who are as sweet as can be but know nothing about wine. This is not meant as judgmental, I also knew nothing about wine at their age, but you simply cannot establish yourself as a serious wine shop without employees who can answer basic questions about what's in stock. Again, they have all been extremely nice. I don't blame the employees for this but just a note to the owners that some training would be extremely beneficial. Overall will absolutely go back. No competition in collegetown. read more

See all

Love this place! George is the best, even making suggestions about where I could find the best salami to pair with the wines I purchased. Did I mention they were also reasonably priced? You can tell they've worked hard to craft a more personal experience at their liquor store; I will most certainly be back! read more

Awesome place in collegetown -- it's my go-to liquor store at this point. Prices are comparable to other shops in the area, the store is spacious and well laid-out, and the owners are welcoming and friendly. I mainly like it because it's in a really convenient location, it doesn't have a run-down feel like some other shops in the Ithaca area, and they do make an effort to remember you if you stop by a lot. Great selection, too. read more

Excellent store, conveniently located next to Fontanas at the top of East Hill in Collegetown. It's been my favorite wine store for months now. Every time I go there I get at least one wine I've never tried before, and every one of them has been first rate. The owners are kind and friendly as well as knowledgeable. The store itself is very attractive, the atmosphere welcoming. It doesn't get any better than this. read more

So occasionally, this place has a dog in the store, now that's already 4 stars right there. Thankfully Ithaca Wine and Spirits goes the extra mile to earn that fifth star by having a gorgeous interior, fair prices, and incredibly helpful and friendly staff. I've yet to leave this store unsatisfied with my experience there or my purchase. Though it might not be the largest wine and liquor store in Ithaca, it's the only one I go to..... Mostly because of the dog. TL;DR: 4 stars for the friendly dog, +1 for the friendly owners and wonderful store of theirs. read more

I happened to walk by this place on the way to a friends house. I was welcomed by an adorable puppy at the door! It felt very warm, cozy, and welcoming. The wine selections that they had was great. They had a many different California wines which made me very happy as I am from Cali. The owners were very helpful and sweet and the prices are very reasonable. read more

This is the best liquor store in town. I am very excited and George couldn't have been more helpful.

When I first heard about this place opening up I thought it would be one of the same old liquor stores. Upon my first visit couple of weeks ago and getting to know George (the owner), I was quickly proven wrong. The place looks great and it shows how there's been a good deal of care that went into making the place happen. Details in the decoration are abound and the wine selection is at the right price point with extra precision on quality. Don't miss out on the interesting French biodynamic wines that they are offering. Last but not least our experience was so much elevated by George's guidance and stewardship in getting the best wine without the hypocrisy of highfalutin products that most places carry. read more

Finally, a place with amazing wines at a good price. Since I am a student, I am money-conscious and I am always on the look for good quality wines that fit into my budget. Their staff is the most helpful and knowledgeable. I was quite impressed in how good they matched the bottle that I purchased with my preferences. Last but not least, the decoration is just phenomenal and unlike anything I have seen in Ithaca. read more

As a former resident of Ithaca and Ithaca College student, I've had my fair share of wine & liquor store experiences. None have compared to Ithaca Wine and Spirits since they opened on Eddy St - a perfect location, wide selection of beverages, genuine staff, and a real home feel to it. You can tell George and staff have placed an emphasis on customer service. Highly recommend this place! read more

Coming from France, I know a lot about high quality wines! And let me tell you that here you can find the most amazing wines at a low price! You can't beat that combination! Definitely my place to go! read more

I've come to this little wine store a few times now because it's in a convenient location on my walk home. Each time I selected just one wine. Reasonable prices for wines and I appreciate how they separated their store based on price: they know they're marketing to college students. They don't offer to help you pick out wines like most other stores in the neighborhood, but that's alright since I then didn't feel rushed. Just this alone -- would warrant it probably 4 stars. Nothing spectacular, nothing horrible, and a fairly standard selection of wines. But a minor complaint is that they should have better bags or containers when multiple bottles are being bought. Maybe customers don't normally buy more than one or two bottles from here at a given time, but this time I was buying three bottles. They attempted to bag all of the bottles in one small bag. They were placing a cardboard separator (a ripped up piece of cardboard) in it when the edge of the cardboard ripped the bag. They take a bottle out, place it in a separate bag, then hand me the ripped bag as is. I ask them to double-bag the ripped one and they finally replace the bag for me. Of course I come home to find the replaced bag ripped, too, so I'm just relieved it didn't rip all the way. read more

Had a great work trip in Ithaca and walked next door from the coffee shop. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, wines are funky and interesting. They have a great organic selection and they do a lot of delicious value driven wines. read more

The best place for wine and liquor for collegetown (and all of Ithaca). Really great selection and a super friendly staff. Prices are very fair. read more

Amazing! The set up is so clean and organized, it's very easy to find what your looking for. Best part about Ithaca wine and spirits is not only the liquor but the hands on ownership that George and Mily provide. Aside from their amazing customer service by making suggestions that enhance your night out, they also come off as genuinely nice people. If your in Ithaca this is the only option that makes sense for your party needs!! read more

When I heard this was opening I was thrilled. The place is spacious and the workers are extremely helpful when selecting what to get based on my preferences. They have an unbeatable selection of wines and it's well organized to make the decision process easier. Unlike the massive other wine/liquor stores, this one is a little smaller and it seems that they handpicked the best options to sell for their customers. The place is cute, the owners seem like great people, and the alcohol selection is fantastic!! Cheers! Lets drink! read more

Absolutely gorgeous store!! The ambiance was lovely, warm and welcoming. Very nice selection. I'll be buying my wine and spirits from here from now on. read more

Finally a legit liquor store in collegetown! Great selection, knowledgeable staff and competitive prices. Nicely designed with an intuitive layout for wine, beer and spirits. What more could you want? read more

Wines of alpha quality at a low price! Is there anything more to ask for? I absolutely love this place. The incredible interior design is a plus. Definitely coming back! read more