56 Degree Wine

I am not a wine expert. If I like it, I drink it. I don't know how to pick wine in general or pair wines with a particular meal. But these folks do. I love that they don't have the big commercial operation. I was recommended a wine by another store. It was horrible. I came to 56 Degree Wine. Wow! What a difference. They buy from smaller wineries so I understand. I described a couple of meals. Oh my! The wines they chose for me were delicious and my guests loved them. One was a ganache Shiraz mix with half a butterfly on the lable. Papillion...I highly recommend this store. Customized knowledgeable. Great experience... repeatedly.

I was visiting the BYOB restaurant set a few blocks away from this wine shop. It was recommended by the owners and when I stepped into the wine shop, I saw exactly why. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave me what is quite possibly the best bottle of wine that I have ever got for $35.

Excellent quality service selection. A bit pricey - but you have to expect that, given the toney area. Occam’s Razor is hard to find elsewhere, inexpensive, and satisfying.

Pleasant shop to go to for wine, craft liquors, and craft beers. Not the biggest selection or lowest prices. But they have a helpful staff and enough variety to always find something of interest.

Artisanal wines & Spirits curated. Great spot!

A great local wine shop in Bernardsville’s Claremont Rd. Great customer service from the staff and always have good recommendations.Thanks again!

Great wine shop lots of small production finds you won't see anywhere else.

Best wine shop in the area, hands down. Total pros.

I live in Philadelphia and I have been ordering wine delivery from 56 Degree Wine for several years. They have given me some excellent recommendations and the service is always great. This place is a gem Betty C

Honestly shocked there are only five reviews to this unique wine store (unique for NJ) considering this is a wine store that really cares about what they put out. After having been to several popular shops I feel there's enough integrity to put my two cents in: As someone who's attended countless wine sessions/classes and one who obsessively jots down full notes (including food pairings) to every wine I've had for the past ten years it's an absolute fact the best wines are from small producers in the $15-$35 range per bottle. This store vets every single bottle they put out. It's not a liquor store selling you wine, it's a wine store where experts can either guide you towards styles you gravitate towards or help you explore different regions that are less marketed but highly rewarding. These type of stores simply doesn't exist at other parts of the state (you'd have to go into the city for that). They care enough about their wines they keep the entire store at an optimal temperature. These aren't mass produced affordable wines that are easy to stock up on inventory every year, these are carefully curated affordable wines they decide to put on shelves if they like the batch every year. Wine made with pride, not a monocle. Expensive wines either have value from proper aging from proper storage or have an insane markup due to all the marketing costs (or taxes *cough CA*). I'll pay for the aged stuff sometimes. I refuse to pay for big company's tasting rooms and marketing dollars. I travel far to come here and stock up.

All is forgiven (but I won't forget) - fan of 56 Degrees now. Hubby liked a small batch beer that they offered in their beer tasting today. We also bought wines at reasonable prices, some we've had before and others not. They carry many wines that you don't usually find at other places which is why it's fun to browse and talk to the knowledgeable guys who work there.

This place is a gem. I've been buying wine here for 2 years religiously. It has expanded our wine pallet 10 times over. It has seriously ruined our ability to buy super market wine. You can not buy this quality of wine for this price in a conventional store. We average between 15-20 per bottle some times stretching it up depending. The staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful

I have been buying from 56 Degree almost exclusively for years since they first opened, and in all that time can safely say you are guaranteed a great wine at any price. Chris and his staff are passionate experts, extremely friendly, and are always willing to spend time with you to help you find the perfect wine that suits your taste, meal, or occasion. There is always a good selection of fairly-priced "cellar defenders," that more often than not drink better than rated wines at twice the price. While I have my go-to favorites, Chris and team have helped me expand my palate over the years, and on many occasions introduced me to unbelievably delicious new favorites.

My go to wine store! They have carefully chosen wines from small growers. You can get very good wine for $15 to 25 a bottle.

Stumpled upon this store the other day for the first time and was astonished - beautiful layout, knowledgable staff, great prices. Wish I'd found it sooner.

I've been a customer for about a year and have found myself buying most of my wine here lately, coming in from a considerable distance. The staff is passionate about wine and Chris curates his inventory very carefully. If they carry it, it will be good ... there are just no risky purchases here. Everything has been vetted for quality and taste. They usually offer tastings on weekends. There's something for everyone: sub-$10 quaffers (great ones), $300 trophy bottles, and everything in between. I'm a fan.

I learned of 56 Degree at a wine tasting fundraiser many years ago now, and I can honestly say I have never had a bad wine from this shop. I travel from Middletown, NJ to Bernardsville several times a year just to pick out wines from Chris' outstanding collection. Although I am mostly a white wine drinker (and can only find my favorite Rhine River Riesling here), I have no qualms taking just about any red Chris and his staff recommend. They are all good. When I can't get there, I've had wine delivered to my husband's office in Bridgewater. The staff at 56 Degree has even offered to deliver wine to me down in Middletown when visiting family in the area. Truly great wine, great value, great service. There is none better. Go. You won't be disappointed.

A fantastic wine shop in north-central Jersey. Chris Cree, the owner and proprietor (and one of only 30 Masters of Wine in the US), really knows his stuff. Unlike other shops in the area, Chris is focused a bit more on old-world wines, though you'll also find some Californians and South Americans. Prices run the gamut, with a very consistent section of mid-priced $12-$20 wines labelled "cellar defenders." They specialize in smaller producers, though there are a few wines that are easily recognizable. Most wines have usually spot on descriptions posted, and I've found that when you ask for recommendations and can be pretty clear about what you like/what you're looking for, Chris can almost always steer you in the right direction. It's a bit of a hike for me to get here, but whenever I'm in the area, I make an effort to swing by.