Discovering Local Wine Treasures at Albany Liquors
In the heart of Albany, nestled between a craft beer haven and a boutique cheese shop, you’ll find a locally beloved gem: Albany Liquors. At first glance, this neighborhood spot may appear to be your typical corner-store bottle shop, but for those who know where to look—and more importantly, what to ask—Albany Liquors is a vault of well-curated, budget-friendly, and sometimes surprising vinous finds. During a recent visit while consulting for a winemaker client in Upstate New York, I took some time to explore their racks. What I discovered deserves a closer look.
A Humble Setting, an Expertly Curated Selection
The first thing to understand about Albany Liquors is that the store doesn’t try to impress with ostentatious decor or rare vintages priced like collector’s watches. What it does very well is curate a streamlined inventory of solid producers—both domestic and international—with a few unexpected treasures hidden among the usual suspects. If you’re a wine enthusiast who enjoys hunting, not just shopping, this place will feel like a playground.
The store’s manager, Luca, is a second-generation Albanian-American who took over from his father five years ago. He’s not a trained sommelier, but his palate is sharp, and his relationships with distributors are tight. “We focus on choice,” he told me. “We don’t stock everything. We stock what we trust—and what our regulars love discovering.”
Local Heroes: NY State Wines Worth Your Glass
New York is vineyard country, especially once you venture into the Finger Lakes or the Hudson Valley. Still, many local consumers lean west—towards California—when reaching for a bottle. Albany Liquors balances both, but their upstate picks deserve a moment in the spotlight.
- Boundary Breaks Dry Riesling (Finger Lakes) – This is arguably one of the best dry Rieslings in the state for under $20. Bright acidity, notes of lime zest and green apple, and that lean, mineral backbone that makes you think of cool river stones. It’s the perfect wine for grilled salmon or a tangy goat cheese salad.
- Millbrook Vineyards Proprietor’s Special Reserve Cabernet Franc (Hudson Valley) – Often overshadowed by its sibling, Cabernet Sauvignon, this local Cab Franc has gorgeous aromatics—violet, bell pepper, a touch of graphite—and finishes with an elegant herbal twist. Try it next time you’re grilling a rosemary lamb chop.
These wines remind us that quality isn’t always imported. Sometimes it’s grown just a short drive away, and Albany Liquors helps connect those dots for consumers keen to explore what’s in their own backyard.
Hidden Gems from Abroad: Surprising Imports
While the local selection is commendable, what really took me by surprise were several overseas blends—small-production imports you rarely see in stores this size. The key? Distributors with niche portfolios and a shop owner willing to take a chance.
- Château Les Clauzots Blanc (Graves, Bordeaux) – A Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend that walks the tightrope between freshness and creamy length. Grapefruit and white flowers on the nose, with a touch of toastiness on the finish—a lovely companion to a roast chicken or a spring vegetable quiche.
- Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell (Jumilla, Spain) – Clocking in at under $15, this Spanish red punches above its weight. Ripe blackberries, smoked meat, and a dusting of cocoa. Rustic, yes, but balanced. Perfect with charcuterie or a slow-cooked beef stew.
- Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais (France) – If you think Beaujolais is all bubblegum and no spine, think again. This is old-vine Gamay with character—light yet structured, fresh yet earthy. It’s a wine you can chill slightly and bring out with roasted chicken or even sushi rolls.
These wines might not appear in a glossy magazine spread anytime soon, but they have what wine lovers crave: authenticity, balance, and personality. And they’re the kind of purchases that make you feel a little victorious—like finding a vintage vinyl record no one else owns.
What Makes a Great Blend—and Why It Matters Here
The concept of the “fine blend” is often misunderstood. In wine, « blend » doesn’t mean cheaper or less serious. Quite the opposite. Many of the world’s most celebrated wines—from Bordeaux to Châteauneuf-du-Pape—are blends. The art lies in combining grape varieties that complement each other, amplifying strengths and muting weaknesses.
What sets Albany Liquors apart is its ability to offer blends that aren’t just tasty—they’re honest. These are wines that reflect their terroir and the intentions of the winemaker. Whether it’s a Grenache/Syrah blend from the Rhône or a Riesling/Gewürztraminer hybrid from the Finger Lakes, each bottle tells a more layered story than a single-varietal wine might.
Looking for a food pairer’s dream? The right blend can be a bridge between opposing flavors at the dinner table—like an off-dry German blend that harmonizes with spicy Thai, or a Tuscan Sangiovese/Merlot offering roundness for a rugged Bolognese sauce. These aren’t just wines to drink; they’re wines to cook with, serve with, and talk about over the second glass.
Talking to the Locals: Real Picks from Regulars
To round out my visit, I asked a few regulars for their go-to bottles. Their picks show that taste isn’t reserved for the professionally trained—it lives with those who drink thoughtfully and often.
- Maria, 34, teacher: “I love the Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend for weeknights—it’s smooth and affordable. But Luca recommended a Greek wine—Ktima Biblia Chora Areti—and it was a mind-opener. Elegant, like a Greek Pinot.”
- Jared, 41, architect: “The Alamos Malbec used to be my go-to, but now I’ve been converted to a South African Shiraz-Cabernet blend they stock. It’s got grit—like pepper, tobacco—and it’s become my BBQ sidekick.”
- Helena, 29, freelance graphic designer: “They introduced me to Pét-Nat blends from upstate. Naturally sparkling, super dry, a little funky. Like drinking Champagne’s indie cousin.”
What unites these picks isn’t prestige but pleasure. That’s part of the culture Luca is building at Albany Liquors—a place where wine isn’t about pretension, it’s about discovery.
Final Thoughts
Albany Liquors may not look like a destination wine shop, but it operates like one. Whether you’re seeking a reliable weekday bottle, curious about upstate blends, or chasing lesser-known European wines, this shop punches well above its weight. The key to success here? Trust local knowledge, stay curious, and ask questions. Luca and his team are more than happy to play matchmaker between your palate and your next favorite blend.
And who knows? Maybe the best wine you drink this month won’t come from a vineyard trip or a wine club shipment. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll come from a low-key corner store in Albany—with a little help from a man who knows how to pick a bottle.
Cheers,
Erik Morel
