Solo Vino

I was in the neighborhood to pick up an order at Marc Heu. The staff helped me select an amazing wine to pair with prime rib, plus another red that punched above its weight. I don't know wine very well, but my guests do, and the staff gave me helpful pointers about decanting an hour or two ahead of imbibing. Thank you for your expert and thoughtful assistance! We are so lucky to have gems like you in St. Paul.

This is one of the gems of Cathedral Hill. The staff is intensely passionate and knowledgeable about wine. Let Elliot or Chuck help you select a case based on your favorite flavors and you’ll be delighted by both the wine and their descriptions of it. They have a tasting most Friday evenings. Wine can be expensive and snooty, but I have never felt out of place, even when I started shopping here in my 20s.

Incredible selection of unique wines. Staff is so helpful and knowledgeable! I requested a recommendation for something unique in my favored flavor profile and the staff member helping me automatically had recommendations for me. He even went above and beyond to recommend food pairings and wow was he right. Had a glass on its own and it was delicious but when paired with the charcuterie and Brie he suggested? Beyond. I love trying local wine shops wherever I travel and this is by far the best experience I’ve ever had.

Awesome wine shop! They had a great tasting when I was there and helpful staff too

Nice assortment of wines. Very friendly staff and knowledgeable on wines

Stopped in after having breakfast at The French Hen across the street realizing they were the wine shop I had been following on Facebook and wanted to attend a Fri tasting . To my happiness they carry a wine I’ve been trying to find for over 2 years. Very helpful friendly staff maybe owner helped my friend learn about some things they also carry and how to make some choices.we will be back often, New wine shop

I was invited to a wine tasting here and it was fantastic. I must have tried 25 wines and enjoyed a story about each one. The owner as well as all the employees are attentive and knowledgeable and the prices were competitive. Come in and find a rare bottle of wine for your personal collection or an ordinary one for dinner.

I know it’s a wine place, but their curated beer selection is incredible. I could’ve closed my eyes and picked anything from the 2-3 small coolers and been happy. They carried a Brooklyn Brewery sour, a Lagunitas N/A, several brews from Bad Weather and Bald Man, many imports, and more. I got to taste a few Japanese beers and sakes while I was there, plus I chatted with a champagne vendor who was visiting. The staff was super knowledgable and approachable.

Awesome neighborhood wine shop with great advice and also regular free tastings. Love coming here!

Staff/owner always so helpful and great selection! I love supporting local businesses!

A unique selection of wines, bourbon, shochu and mezcal to name a few, very knowledgeable staff and very kind owner.

We were in town visiting for vacation and stopped in for a case of wine. I work in the wine industry in another state so I know my way around a wine store. These guys did not disappoint! They have an amazing selection of truly rare finds, and the staff is as friendly as any you will find. From the flow of customers (busy for a random Monday afternoon!!), they clearly have a loyal following that trusts their expertise. They knew everyone's names. If I lived in St. Paul I'd throw so many dollars at these guys. Great wine shop. 10/10 will wine shop there again next time I'm in town.

Stopped in here on March 20 after my birthday lunch with my parents at the Cheeky Monkey next door. We came in specifically for more bottles of the same wine we'd just had with lunch. The "guy" working told us that the Deli had requested they not sell the wines they offer at their restaurant. What gives there? The Heartland Restaurant is only too happy to have their wines offered for sale across the street at The Wine Thief. That just seems like good business, doesn't it? Keeping customers happy and buying more? Well, anyway... the "guy" helped me pick out a box-of-wine to bring along to my birthday party that night. He didn't steer me wrong on that very nice Portuguese red. That 5 litre box, with tax, cost (my parents) $30 and some change. Great deal and great wine!

I've gone there for years, just because the service is fabulous, and the selection is outstanding! THIS review is very specific! I receive Blue Apron cooking boxes, and each recipe indicates the wine pairing. I bring the recipe in... Show the staff... and voila! I have a complete meal featuring unique ingredients and a fabulous new (to me) wine! Thanks Solo Vino! My dog gets a walk, I get wine, and everybody's happy! (And my dog thanks you for the treats!)

I'd never been to Solo Vino before...and will never go back. The condescending and unfriendly attitude of all of the men working there is a total turn off.

Best wine shop in the cities! Take the time to meet the owner Chuck and he will expand your knowledge of wine exponentially. A great selection of wines from many regions with an emphasis on value buys. I visited this weekend for the Rose sale and walked out with many new wines to enjoy

Great building, indifferent to snotty staff. Works in a pinch. For better wine selection and staff and tastings, head to The Wine Thief.

We flew in from California to spend a week in a cabin at a North WI lake with friends and need to put together a case of wine to make the evening meals drift by. We were incredibly fortunate to find this place. A great, gregarious member of the staff spent maybe half an hour with us, listening to our tastes, and the kinds of meals we expected to have. He then made a series of recommendations from their large collection of French and Spanish wines (a better selection than we get in California). Best of all, we had an interesting mix of wines to compare with each other, and, once up at the cabin, stories to tell about each of the wines from the information we got in the store. Turned out all of the wines we purchased were just excellent and paired well with our meals. The cost was reasonable too. The wines ranged from $10 to $25 each with a 10% discount on the mixed case. We spent less than $200. In short, this is an outstanding wine shop, and I just wish we had something like it near me in California. My local retailers could learn a lot from these folks.

Awesome, awesome place. St. Paul is blessed to have such a haven for oenophiles. I suppose I qualify in that I like my wine, but I am far from being an expert. The staff here know EVERYTHING about their stock, and they are so damn excited about wine, it makes me want to drop everything and join their bacchanalian cult!!! We (husband and I), in a desperate attempt to finally become Knowledgeable About Wine, just bought Dara Moskowitz' Drink This. I am really looking forward to going into Solo Vino after finishing the zin chapter and saying, "Help me find a good selection of zins for a tasting that will help us learn about the complexities of this wine." If true to form, the owner will promptly start dervishing around the store, fairly humming with barely-suppressed excitement as he tells me about all the options. I always leave this store a bit dazed but feeling abuzz and happy, not only about wine in general, but about humanity.

A fabulous wine store, Solo Vino offers an excellent selection of wines at prices ranging from "cheap as dirt" to "bring bags of money." The always helpful staff will happily discuss the various offerings with authority--and always without condescension. The store's name is a bit of a misnomer: there is a tiny selection of beers and liquor, both at premium prices. If you want beer or booze, there are better options. For wine, you've come to the right place. Nice to know: the store supports the local arts community.

I buy all my wine at Solo Vino now. It might be months between visits, but the staff remembers me! I'm not much of a wine snob and don't have the time or inclination to spend countless hours researching the perfect wines. Instead, I go into Solo Vino, tell them the dinners I'm going to be making, and buy what they recommend. I have always come away pleased with my purchases. Furthermore, they work with my budget. I can go in and get a Turley if I'm feeling flush or some $12 Bordeauxs when I'm not. Great place for wine.

The wide but rare and extremely affordable (~$14) variety of wines available at Solo Vino is worth the trip alone. Sincerely. However, the extremely knowledgeable yet down-to-earth connoisseurs make it a weekly stomp for me. Unpretentious and dog-friendly as well. Their success and notoriety is well warranted.

Open now only for carryout. I emailed an order, paid over the phone and Chuck came out and put it in the trunk. We kept apart. And now I have wine for our sequestered dinners. Not as much fun as hands on, but it works.

Good atmosphere and location. Good selection of top shelf wines, if you have the money to spend. For my purchases, I have to get down on my haunches to look at the bottom shelf. Literally. I've been a little disappointed with the customer service during my last couple of visits. Last night I could have used a little help but the staff stood around chatting and didn't come over to check on me. Yes, I could have approached them but should I really have to do that in a specialty wine shop? Esp. when I am the only customer in the store? I do like that you can buy a bottle of wine and take it over to Cheeky Monkey. I'd like to do that the next time I'm over there. Personally, I would rather shop at the Wine Thief where the staff is approachable and friendly and all bottles are within my price range.

A unique experience in Aiken SC. The sommelier keeps an eclectic inventory of whites and reds. There is a free wine tasting at 3pm every Saturday and the sommelier explains the background and blends of each wine in an interesting way. Wines presented vary from $12 to $22. Service is great. Food is excellent! Try salmon And the rack of lamb!!! A gem!!!

I absolutely love Solo Vino. I can't believe it has taken me this long to write a review about this fantastic establishment. The customer service at Solo Vino is impeccable. Chuck is welcoming and hilarious, and Sean is incredibly knowledgable. Sean has an amazing palate, and always has suggestions for great food pairings with every wine, liquor or beer you purchase. The name Solo Vino is slightly misleading, because the store offers a unique selection of liquor and beer as well. I discovered my favorite gin, apple cider and whiskey there within the last year (thanks to Sean's suggestions). Sobre Todo Vino or Principalmente Vino might be more accurate..... ;) Every Friday there is a free wine tasting, and the store is dog friendly. Our puppy can be fairly rambunctious, and she is always welcomed with open arms and dog treats. I honestly can't even describe how great this place is, so everyone should stop in and check it out.

The staff here knows what is in their store and is happy to share their knowledge with you. Come in with your recipe for dinner and go home with a bottle of wine to go with it that won't break the bank if you don't want it to. They carry items in just about every pricepoint and give you a case discount even if you mix/match which not a lot of places will do. Stop in for one of the typically free tastings events (they're on facebook - check them out!) and learn a lot about wine! Sip at your own pace, walk through the store, and explore your way through the varietals!

I love this place. I have not had a bad experience here since they opened. They staff and owner are well versed in wine and food. The wine tastings are fun and informative, with real glasses not plastic cups. They are often very busy so if I want help picking a wine I go right to one of them and ask. The selection is not what you see in most wine stores no big band names. Great verity from around the world, at all price levels.

Wow...these guys really know there stuff!!! I challenge you to ask about a wine they have in the store they will tell you more information about it than any wine sales person I have ever met. If you want to know more you would have to visit the winery.

I walked in today looking for a wine for my boyfriend's birthday, and with little wine knowledge, I sought the help of the fine gentleman who worked there. I gave a few descriptors for wines he usually likes as well as a price range, and they gladly banded together to help me find the perfect wine for our enjoyment. Not only did they listen to my (admittedly) bumbling description of the wines he enjoys, but they were all incredibly gracious, and never once talked down to me. We settled on a bottle, which Chuck gave me more than enough information on, including a couple articles online, as well as a few personal notes. I have come here a few times in the past seeking a quick pack of Surly Furious, and a couple of times seeking wine, and will continue to do both! Thanks to the group for being so helpful!

Thank god for solo vino. Every time I walk in the door I am greeted by an employee-nay- a wine enthusiast who wants to know how they can help me. Honestly. The prices are amazing 5.99 and up- the staff eager to help- SUPER knowledgeable and always getting me to try new wines. I can't ever imagine going to a regular old liquor store for wine ever again.

Excellent wine selection from around the world, and many local spirits as well. I would say this is the best wine store in the cities, and the staff is very helpful in helping you select a wine that fits your tastes. They've been around for 20+ years.

I will never go back. I received absolutely no customer service whatsoever. I was one of just two customers in the store and didn't even get a hello from either of the two employees hanging out at the register. I wandered the store for a bit, made two circles, waited to be acknowledged and offered help. Even after the other patron left and I was the only patron in the store, they still couldn't be bothered with me, in which case I couldn't be bothered to spend my money there.

This place is over priced, and the managers (owners?) are terrible. I've gone in a few times and each time there is some loud bald headed blowhard shout-talking about wine and making it super uncomfortable. Not a fun place to be in. Questions about wine are met with condescending, short non-answers. Also, they sell stuff other than wine, but the selection is terrible. Confusing name for a liquor store.

Holy batman, the staff here seems to know their stuff. Or they're really good bullshitters. Either way, buying wine here is more convenient than heading to Trader Joe's. I'm not a wine enthusiast...just an occasional wine drinker...but I'm definitely a fan of Solo Vino - especially for gift giving.

I was in search of a wine I had on several occasions at the Riverview Wine Bar and could not find it at any of the larger places in town. I emailed the folks at Solo Vino. They responded within an hour. They had the wine I was looking for and would set whatever I wanted aside. It was their anniversary week and so I also received a 15% discount on my purchase and was even offered a glass of champagne while I browsed the rest of their selection! Great little place with great service in a great little location...and even though I'm not in the neighborhood I will return.

Excellent selection. Incredible service from the staff and owners. I came in for a few bottles of wine and also wanted a special bottle of gin for a gift. The staff were so helpful and helped me select the perfect bottle. I would gladly get all my wine and spirits from this place.

Dog friendly... that is an automatic like. All else being equal, dog friendly wins every time. My wine test is always give me your best cab under 10 bucks- to get a sense of their sensibilities. Wine they recommended was not a rare find, but it was decent and did the job. Would like more questions to zero in on customer taste, and in the way of notes around decanting time, more expensive options etc... didn't hit it out of the park and didn't strike out either... Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and will be back when visiting the Monkey next door. Postscript: I DO think they should sell the same wine as Cheeky Monkey... i think it's unreasonable that the Monkey asks them not to- but shows that these folks seem to be good people that deserve my business. IF the Monkey were smart, they would do a cross-promotion with solo vino instead of looking at them as a competitor.

Hooray for this wonderfully well stocked yet cozy boutique wine shop with a mainly non-domestic selection and a good range of prices. I'm especially impressed by their section of Spanish reds. Go there. Buy something.

Yikes - I'm disappointed. I've been to the store a few times in the past and end up with the snotty staff actually helping me because I was the only one in the store or with someone they knew. This time I went in by myself (other customers in the store as well) and was teasing the owner about an older vintage of rosé and, honestly, it was just a fun exchange (or so I thought) but boy oh boy did he chew me out! And I just went in for a few bottles of current vintage rose. It was a VERY unpleasant experience. I did say, "wait a minute, aren't I the customer"? He didn't care.......Obviously, he's got LOTS of issues besides me, but I will not be back. To me (being a business owner myself) customer satisfaction is utmost!!

A truly great place. I attended their Rose tasting for the first time this year and it was a wonderful event. I came in to the store with my list of wines to buy from that tasting as well as a few suggestions for Memorial Day weekend. The owner, Chuck, was working the register and was incredibly helpful. He seems to love nothing more than introducing people to great wine that they will like. The price range on this website isn't sufficient since it only gives one option. Solo Vino has a wide range to choose from. I love the fact that you can get anything from a good weekend wine for 10-15 dollars all the way up to a special occasion wine. Not only is it available, but they will be able to help you determine when it will be best to drink that expensive bottle. While I was in there, a couple came in looking for a specific wine. Chuck didn't have it, but he called another wine shop close by and asked them to hold it for those folks. He said, "There's enough business to go around." That is great customer service.

Great store! Staff was so knowledgeable and very helpful & friendly. We went there specifically to get some local products while we were here & we weren't disappointed!

I really want to like this place because it's a Cathedral Hill neighborhood business and I live in the area. I have tried to like it several times. They stock wines by small, mostly international growers. Consequently, I'm not usually familiar with the names. So, I have to rely on advice from owners/staff. Since I am familiar with and usually drink California wines, I usually describe a California wine I like and ask them to recommend something similar. The recommendation typically involves a lot of wine jargon that seems meaningless, pretentious and a bit overly zealous. (I admit that I loathe wine snobbery and may be allergic to it.) Nevertheless, I go with one of their recommendations. Upon arriving home, I open the wine and inevitably utter "yecch," which is not on the vintner vocabulary list, but does the job. Generally, I am not hard to please. I like most of the wine I buy at Trader Joe's and find the advice of staff there intelligible and helpful. So, it's a mystery to me why Solo Vino gets so many good reviews.

I don't care about a supermarket-sized selection. I care that people will help me find the right thing and that they listen to what I'm interested in. As a Kentuckian living in Minnesota, I wanted good whiskey and they got it and kept it. When my father-in-law comes up and goes crazy over buying us some Spanish red or whatever, they are so patient and help him out. They're just great.