Stew Leonard's Wines in Clifton and Paramus, NJ

A New Look at Stews's Wines, Five Reasons I like these stores - With Stew'sThanksgiving Wine Recomendations.

Back in 2008 when I visited the first Stew Leonard Wine Shop in New Jersey I was not that thrilled with the place. 6 months ago I started buying at the store in Paramus because it was right next door to our favorite Trader Joe's on Route 17. I love Stew's Wine now.

Here are the five main reasons I have come to be a regular at both Paramus and Clifton (which by the way will be next door to a Trader Joe's too, as of 8:00 AM on November 16th 2012.)

Reason One: Great Selection of Interesting Italian Wines, Especially Whites

Back in June I discovered three unusual, but great, award winning, Italian wines from the accomplished wine maker Saladini Pilastri of the Marche. I had sampled these wines at a tasting in NY just a couple of weeks before, but had little hope of finding in NJ. I was so excited to find them here.

After returning from Puglia, Italy a few weeks ago found this great Fiona there, Castello Monaci.They have a great selection of Vino Bianco (white wine) which we love. So few NJ stores have such a variety.

Reason Two: Lots of Information on the Wines Wine Layout

The Stew Leonard store layout used to drive me crazy, not anymore. They changed things around and have lots of tags and recommendations, their staff are knowledgeable.

Reason Three: Good Prices on Hard Liquor

Well I do love my wine, but I also really love my cocktails and on my last visit to Paramus I stocked up on some good booze, Prairie Vodka, Pama, Bulleit Rye, and Cointreau, all bottles that tend to be expensive, but they are so good. Stew's prices were great.

Have You Checked Out Our Cocktails Lately?

Reason Four: Decent Beer Selection

While not as not as extensive as Gary's Wine in Wayne or Liguor Outlet in Boonton, I generally can find something we'll like here. They have a nice selection of bottles from all over the world and a lot of craft beers.

Reason Five: Friendly Staff and oh yea, the Wine Enthusist Award

I love the folks at Stew's. They are always friendly and helpful, really into making that extra effort. In my experience, if they don't know the answer to your question they don't make something up but get you to a person who does know.

And then there is the fact that Wine Enthusiast named them "Retailer of the Year for 2011."