Elie Wine Co

What an incredible store. It is really one of a kind and Elie was helpful in recommendations for both table wine and grander selections. I’m visiting my parents in town from NYC, and was able to pick up some fantastic wine. If this store was near me I would visit every week!

Elie is an absolute wealth of knowledge who marries passion with education. My experience with his wonderful wine store has been nothing short of absolutely exceptional. The depth of selection across so many French regions is incredible. If you would like a deep conversation on anywhere in Champagne…this is the place for you. I can spend countless hours just loitering in the narrow, wine stacked aisles. And I have. If I could give him 100 stars, I would.

I find myself motivated to leave a review based on the comments of a supposed sommelier. Though not privy to the conversation, I can speak to my experience with Elie. I have been a regular customer of Elie’s for over 20 years. In that period of time I have never felt disrespected in any way. I buy my wine almost exclusively from the store. I do so because the selection is spectacular, the wines are very boutique in nature. Elie’s does not compete with Total Wine or Costco, they do not stock big producer pedestrian wines. They sell very high quality limited production wines. The fact that they may not carry something you are looking for does not make your desire for that wine any less relevant. It also does not warrant an attack on the business, a business that you have never set foot in. If you allow a negative review from a random troll impact your decision to shop here, please let the impressions of a two decade actual customer positively influence that decision.

I am new to the neighborhood and love finding local spots with exceptional product along with service. Elie is just that and more. He extremely knowledgeable, passionate, warm and welcoming. I am a novice when it comes to French wines so lean on Elie for recommendations (which so far are my absolute favorite). He’s is attentive and clearly is a master at his trade (and apparently my palate). I give him the highest accolades.

You’re in for a pleasant palate experience making the trek to Elie’s shop. After studying wine and liquor for decades, I came into a new awakening within 5 minutes entering the store. Elie is not just knowledgeable, but has fruits of the vine that will upend anything you thought you knew (but didn’t) about French & Spanish wines. His thirst for knowledge and generosity in sharing it makes every purchase in his store worth the pretty pennies! He’s brought my wine palate from Technicolor to HD, and I am all the more grateful for it.

Elie is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wine. He will take the time with you to understand what you are looking for and help you make the best selection. It seems like every time I’m in there his selection gets bigger. You won’t find a better place for French wine.

I doubt Elie cares about these reviews but I’ve always enjoyed my visits to his shop. His knowledge is amazing and contrary to some reviews I’ve never felt looked down on when asking for less expensive wines.

Elie Wine Co. is the pinnacle of the wine retail landscape in Michigan. Arguably the Midwest, and United States. His passion, knowledge and uncompromising poise in the pursuit of sharing the magic in each bottle with his valued guests in an intimate and curated fashion is unparalleled. Five stars is not close to enough!

I was looking for a good wine store near our AirBnB in Berkley, expecting at best the usual neighborhood liquor stores or a Total Wine type of warehouse. I was pleasantly surprised to see Elie Wine come up in the search results and stopped by the next day. This place is dangerous - I could seriously spend hours in here going through the incredible selection of French and Spanish wines, including one of the best selection of aged wines I've seen at a retailer in some time. We ended up getting a couple bottles of 1996 white burgundy and a 1997 Vosne-Romanée 1er cru, plus a handful of more recent vintages. The proprietor is very knowledgeable and pointed me to some excellent choices and producers I was not familiar with. I will definitely be back the next time we are in Michigan!

I needed some good wine for a party (everyone was bringing something special). Elie set me up with a real winner ... my wife and friends are still talking about that wine. Strongly recommend, especially if you need a little direction.

Best selection of French wines in the State. And the owner is always eager to discuss the wines and educate the customers.

Elie is thoroughly knowledgeable. The store is thoroughly stocked with wine from France and Spain. He is my absolute "go to Guy" for wine.

Very knowledgeable, Elie takes time to explain the wines and to help you find the right wine you need for every occasion. His love and passion for wines is unmatched. If you're looking for excellent wines for any occasion this is the place.

So I had a perfect experience today at Elie wine! I came in not looking to fancy in my work out clothing and with little knowledge of French wine.. however I got such a great introduction from a patient and pleasant young man who worked with my price point with total respect and passion! He even wrote notes on the back of each bottle so I would remember how and what to serve with! He also carried the case I bought to my car. I seriously think the really old negative reviews should be taken down.. this establishment has zero attitude and they are generous with their time and knowledge. I will be back for sure and tell friends as well!

I cannot tell you what a lovely respite from work I had today when I wandered into Elie Wine company on my lunch. Although I did not intend to spend my entire lunch hour there, I did, and it had much to do with the patience of the owner. I don't know very much about wine.. but am pretty much a nerd about history and any kind of story at all and I am finding that wine can satisfy both in spades. The owner was so kind and spent the better part of an hour explaining anything and almost everything I wanted to know ( although unfortunately due to the warm welcome he will probably have to suffer my inquisition again :). In an area both economically and geographically pre disposed to a "snobby" disposition at times, he and his shop were anything but. Wonderful suggestions at all price points and interests for gifts, and wine related activities to share with friends. Completely non judgmental at my lack of knowledge...thank you. If you are interested at all at starting a journey into the world of French wine, or any wine at all, you couldn't do any better than this shop to start. I look forward to "Saturday Sips"!! Now.. if only I could make it back to work on time..

the best of the best. a complete experience pride in craft, top class as a response to the 1star ageist/young comment that i saw on here... idk who was in the shop but elie became a mentor to me for no reason at all almost ten years ago when i started a wine importation company at 22. since then he has provided nothing but superb services and wisdom. as for todd, he has to be one of the most humble and non-pretentious men involved in a connoisseur business i have ever met. never write reviews but felt obligated to defend a local, long-time shop. that 1star review appeared to be written by an immature, attention-seeking child. go to the shop, young or old, rich or poor and enjoy the full experience. immerse yrself for a moment and whether leave with a dozen cases or one bottle you depart with the ability to make a moment special.

I love Elie and going in to purchase wine in his store is always a joy! Every time I come into town I stop in for wine. What I love about the shop is Elie's knowledge of wine and when you walk out you know about the wine you will drink, the vineyard it comes from, and the people who made it. I have always loved the time I spend with Elie in his shop!

If you are expecting a run-of-the-mill wineshop you are in the wrong place. This is not a place to find the ubiquitous selections seen in most wine shops. As a wine aficionado I wish there were more places with such dedication to the knowledge and exploration of wine as Elie's. I always learn something new when I go there. It's always an adventure of trying new terroirs and grapes and growers. Truly a rich experience.

Very disappointed with the service. We walked in and no one even said hello or tried to help us. We were looking for two specific wines and no one bothered to come over to us, there was a group of older couples there that they were paying attention to. Very upsetting at the way they operate and treat people they think cant afford their foreign wine. Nothing from Michigan, doesn't seem to be supporting local wineries. Won't be back!!!!

I have been going to Elie since the 1990s, when I was an absolute wine neophyte. The thing I like about talking with the owner, Elie, is that he asks what I like and then makes recommendations based on my taste or what I need. No one else in the business has done that. Moreover, his advice has been flawless over the years. I have never been disappointed with one of his suggestions. One of the things that is really tough about wine is that a casual consumer almost never knows what he's getting until after he's plunked down some serious money. There is no disappointment quite like spending $30 or $60 and not liking the wine. That's where Elie shines. He has great wine and knows it like the back of his hand. He can translate that to fit my taste or peculiar need. I have never felt intimidated or looked down upon by Elie notwithstanding the fact that I don't know much, except what I like (i.e., Southern Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape, Hermitage, etc.) Elie has often taken the time to explain his take on the wine he suggests without a hint of arrogance. Instead, he has taught me an awful lot about Old World wine that I would never have known without him. As Elie said, when I first met him, his goal is to explore wine with you. I have enjoyed the journey and am looking forward to exploring for many more years.

Been working with Elie wines since I opened the Sunflower Cafe in Ann Arbor, Mi, in 2000. Never had a bad bottle, everything has been delicious that has been suggested. Some wines don't appeal to my unsophisticated pallet, but I usually love the product he suggests. This is not about supporting local wines, thats not their mission, its about delivering the best wines from Spain and France, collectible wines some of them, that you cannot find anywhere around Michigan. Boutique Winemakers are their specialty, they visit Europe frequently scouring the area for the finest, most delicious wines, with great values -- and they succeed.

Recently rated one of the top five wine shops in the country, we heartily concur! Fantastic selection of wines from France, Spain and Italy. Elie, Todd and Ruby are fantastic to work with no matter what your need is.

My husband and I love wine and have been wanting to stop here to check it out. When we walked in, we were not even greeted with a hello. The place is tiny so the guy knew we were in there. He only talked to an older gentleman who probably looked like he would have more money to spend there. Once that guy left, he only had us to talk to so he asked if we needed help finding something. We said we were just browsing but that it was our first time in to check it out. No reply, no "thanks for stopping in" or "let me know if I can help you at all", nothing! He was so rude! I definitely got the feeling that because we were younger, he figured we didn't know anything about his European wines or wouldn't spend any money. I would recommend that he realize he isn't the only merchant selling European wines and part of running a successful business mean being polite to all customers. Never coming here again!

Went in there today in-spite of my friend advising me not to. He told me that the owner is arrogant and very rude and he walked out the store when he visited. Same exact situation happened to me. I am an educated Sommelier from New York City and I was taught not to treat customers in this manner. The owner and whoever else that works there watch your every move like a hawk like you are going to rob the place. It's a very uncomfortable environment to be in. They are not inviting at all. After several times asking me if I needed help I told them no thanks I know my way around. The owner who I wasn't even talking to took it upon himself to but in and bring out a bottle trying to challenge me. I was not there to debate I just wanted to purchase wine. Walked right out after that. Horrible experience. Many better wine shops in Birmingham. Elies seems like they don't want your business you are better off going to one of the other shops. I would of gave 0 stars if it was possible.