Jeff B.
Yelp
(Shopped 12/20/21 MO @ 1:00pm): Not quite a view of the nearby river... but I spy plenty of wines and all other libatious goodies!
My first day in Jersey City having just landed hours before, I asked my friend to show me around the neighborhood and lo and behold we came across Riverview Wine. Apparently, the state of New Jersey didn't allow for the sale of any type of alcohol in convenient, grocery, or supermarket stores which left you getting your libation fix at bars, liquor stores, and restaurants. Thankfully, Riverview fulfilled the latter and was a few minutes walking distance from my friend's place. How would my first official purchase in Jersey City be!?
PURCHASE
La Vendemmia Prosecco 750ml Bottle ($12.50): I've drank this prosecco before, so it wasn't new to me. It was effervescent, light, and sweet - an easy drink for anyone https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0nnFsHHvNKeEskL_lWaUag&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
2018 Barry Family Cellars Four-Track demo Red Blend Wine 750ml Bottle ($25.00): I specifically looked for a red wine from the area that I normally couldn't find back in Los Angeles, so this offering from the Finger Lakes wine region in upstate New York was the only option that fit that criteria. A real cork, watery red color, cherry earthy sweet aroma, low body, earthy mineral sweet flavor, easy finish, dissipating earthy sweet aftertaste, and low astringency. I wasn't a red blend fan and sadly this didn't change my palate to become one https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=NfT6L0PDpwpG7ZIyazPmTA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Breuckelen Distilling 77 Whiskey 750ml Bottle ($45.00): I was drawn to this spirit from the area and never seen it in my part of the world. With its soft honey aroma, orange peanut brittle flavor, and smooth no-burn finish, this was a hit with me and at the impromptu party we had https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ISiQ0iSUjuYAP2zbb49q8g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
SERVICE
Greeted by a very kind and extremely informative young woman, she helped me with my criteria and gladly answered any questions I had. All was good at this shop!
PARKING (FREE; N/A in this instance)
We walked, so parking wasn't an issue. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Bowers St. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A former deli, this small bottle shop fully maximized the space it had with every inch covered by shelves and floor displays of assorted and curated beers, spirits, wines, and spirits, in addition to a refrigerated section in the front for cheeses, meats, etc. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=w4kXEuFmeZihZJQ3aN_OTA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. This truly was sensory overload and I loved it! Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front glass windows and doors while bright electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs nor any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=N-krdbT5g96ElRydI8qJQA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Temperatures were in the 30s, so I was bundled-up from head-to-toe. Otherwise, this place was totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Riverview Wine was a winner in my book and a wonderful introduction for me to the neighborhood locally known as "The Heights". I knew my alcohol very well and really appreciated the eclectic selection as I found many unfamiliar products I was eager to try. The products were top-notch, prices were on-point, and the service was excellent. Having already finished the three purchases, needless to say a return trip was inevitable. And, it was always a pleasure to support small local mom & pop businesses like this one... so come visit them possibly for a tasting https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=UxdGP4CZgRR6OJgsp0a_lA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. I found total value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $88.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS