10 Places To Purchase Your Holiday Wine

'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. Whether you're looking to procure the perfect Beaujolais nouveau or Pinot Noir to hold its own alongside your Christmas ham, or a red Burgundy or Zinfandel in which to pair, but not overwhelm, the holiday goose, or perhaps you're seeking a Cabernet Sauvignon to add zest to prime rib, a Chianti to give your lasagna a kick or even a vintage port to punctuate a holiday meal and accent a chocolate truffle.  Whatever you're seeking, one of these local shops is sure to have what you're looking for (or help you decide if you're not sure.)

If you're hoping to find a variety of wines at discounted prices then check out inside Costco. It is always open to the public with no membership required.  All bottles are discounted with a wide range of selections from various regions.  This everyday low price warehouse is an ideal locale for those interested in buying in bulk, but if you're looking to buy wine as a gift at this no-frills emporium, you'll have to do the wrapping yourself.

Another large discount store may be a little out of the way, but is well worth the trek.  WH Frank Wine & Liquor at 1 Wheeler Road in Central Islip is Long Island's leading fine wine merchant.  It has been family owned and operated for 62 years, and has a friendly staff that is well-versed in the wines available.  There you will be able to leisurely browse the large inventory undisturbed, or feel free to ask for assistance in making an appropriate selection. Shelf pricing is usually quite a bit lower than in regular stores with many buy one get one free $9 wines, and two for $7.99 deals; along with other specials.

The thrifty wine lover's paradise has an eclectic array of wines from Napa to Sonoma, and entire racks dedicated to Barolo and Eastern European wines.  There is also a backroom with pricier French and Italian bottles.

Yet another family owned and operated, long established store is . It has been in Holbrook for 25 years, owned by the Gandley Family.  Aneita Gandley is a wine connoisseur, and is always happy to help steer customers in the right direction. The convenient neighborhood shop has discounts running all the time, and a large selection of international and Californian blends and varietals.

Russell's Wine and Liquor at 1018 Waverly Avenue in Holtsville just opened three months ago. If you're looking to stock up on lots of wine you can buy a case (12 bottles or more) to get 10 percent off at this family run store, and customers can mix and match or just get all the same favorite wine.

Russell's offers lots of gift sets, and will gift wrap individual bottles.  Here you will find many wines from all regions, with a large number from Long Island vineyards out of the North Fork.  They will be holding wine tastings December 22, 23 and 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Attention last minute shoppers, during the week before Christmas Russell's will be open every night until 9 p.m.

Go Down the Rabbit Hole at 4 Main Street in Sayville.  This whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed wine boutique is a place to come if you're looking to splurge on something extra special.  While they do have some moderately priced items, most are high end, small production organic and/or biodynamic libations.  Complimentary wine tastings are offered daily on different artisanal wines, and paired with dark chocolate from the chocolatier next door.

The wines are innovatively presented by taste as opposed to region or grape, thus encouraging patrons to let their senses be their guide.  It is owned by sommelier, Suzanne McDonald, 26, a former competitive figure skater who was trained at the Master Court of Sommeliers, the most prestigious learning institute of its kind in the world.

In this quaint, yet posh spot the customer will come across wines that can't be found anywhere else.  Most were made in quantities of 400 cases or less.  Every bottle is sold wrapped in tissue paper, nestled inside a gift bag including an insert with directions on the ideal serving temperature for great tasting wine; so every purchase truly feels like opening up a present.

The sliver of a shop is just five feet wide and you can reach out and touch both walls that are adorned with original artwork by McDonald.  Look for the depiction of Alice falling on top of the ever changing window display.

Others

• Sun Wave Liquors, Inc. located at 412 West Sunrise Highway in Patchogue has a full gift selection, and gift wrapping of their good selection of wines of all nations.  Custom gift baskets are available, as is UPS shipping.  It has been family owned and operated for 42 years.  They offer a 10 percent case discount.
• K&J Liquors at 499 North Service Road in Patchogue's Gateway Plaza has many domestic and imported wines with lots of discounts on purchases of two of the same bottle.  The informed and courteous staff has impeccable taste, and is always eager to help.  Here you will find satisfying selections at affordable prices
• JP Fine Wine & Liquor at 1954 Middle Country Road in Centereach features gift baskets and delivery.  They offer regular wine tastings, and tons of wines from all regions.  Look for their weekly "Best Buys" when you first walk in for a great value.
• Quench Wine and Spirits at 90 West Main Street in Patchogue has an eclectic variety of classic and artisanal wines.  There are custom and ready-made gift baskets.  Several wine tastings are being held throughout the season.
• in Ronkonkoma has special holiday pricing.  Discounts are featured for members, and deals include 10 percent off the purchase of 12 bottles or 15 percent off the purchase of 24 bottles.
• in Farmingville is an approachable local gem that will be glad to select the proper wine for any occasion.   It offers many Long Island wines.

For the novice wine drinker, when picking out a bottle this season instead of being intimidated or overwhelmed remember this simple rule courtesy of William Sokolin, "What is the definition of good wine?  It should start and end with a smile."