The best wine stores stock a never-ending flow of new and fascinating labels, love to help panic-stricken customers, and don't reek of snobbery. Such a place is Vintage Wine Cellars. Owned by the exuberant Mela brothers, David and James, this little wine shop is hands down the least pretentious in town, and it boasts a loyal customer following drawn to the friendliness and regular social wine tastings. Lining the small shop are more 1,000 wine selections and a droolingly good cheese selection. In Pinellas, a close second for this category is Uncorked, at 2706 Fourth St. N. in St. Petersburg (727-892-9463). Since the place is tiny, there's no room for slop. Every bottle gives tingles — a true wine lover's paradise.
Vintage Wine Cellars, 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.