Washington, D.C.

I'll be passing through D.C. sometime mid-March and need some help with wine shops. There was some discussion here a while back about what the various shops specialized in. I get Pierson's e-mail newsletter, but none of the others. Can anyone offer some advice about where to shop and what each specializes in.

Best and thanks

Andy Bassins MacArthur Beverage and Calvert Woodley. Both have catelog on-line and can find them using google.

Thanks

[James Roscoe]

Will you be in the City or out in the 'burbs? If in the ''burbs, which ones? Brian gave you the names of two of the best stores in DC, but they are in dramatically different locations. Calvert-Woodley is nearish to Pearson's and a number of other of fine establishments. McArthur's is in a world of its own on the far side of Georgetown.

I'll be near the cathedral. Elaine worked in Rockville for a dozen years or more, and I was stationed there twice. We haven't lived there for nearly 20 years now, but know our way around reasonably well. I've never been to Calvert Woodley. I have been to Pearson's and another on Georgia Ave. near the DC city line whose name I forget.

I'm old enough to remember Rex Wine and Spirits on Wisconsin Ave., long since out of business, and the one on 14th street downtown, Central maybe? Not sure if they are still around or not.

Best

I should have added that MacArthurs does not always have everything that is in the catalog in the store, or at least not in quantity. If you are looking for something specific or if you want to buy in case quantities, you are best served to call that part of the order in a day or two in advance to ensure that they bring it over from the warehouse.

I'll be near the cathedral.

Then MacArthur is just 5-10 minutes away from where you'll be staying. If you'll have a car or a rental, I'd strongly suggest you go there. In my experience as a wine consumer in the D.C. area over the past 20+ years, I think they have the best selection in the area. Calvert-Woodley, equally close to where you'll be though in the opposite direction, probably ranks second, but tends a little more toward mass market brands and I have never found their staff very helpful. However, Pearson's is walking distance from the Cathedral so if you don't have a car it might be your best bet.

MacArthurs does not always have everything that is in the catalog in the store, or at least not in quantity. If you are looking for something specific or if you want to buy in case quantities, you are best served to call that part of the order in a day or two in advance to ensure that they bring it over from the warehouse.

Brian is absolutely right. You can go online, pick out what you want, and call or email your order in to be sure of getting what you want. That's what I do. Also, I don't know whether MacArthur will be having its spring sale in mid-March or if it happens later, but if the former, you'll get a little more for your buck.

Alan - Actually, I'd forget about Central; it's not bad, just not anywhere near what it used to be.
One the other hand, you've got to get to Schneider's of Capitol Hill - http://www.cellar.com/. Wonderful staff, great selection all in the shadow of the Capitol building at 3rd and Mass. Ave., N.E. (Tip - Ask if there's anything open in the tasting room that would be of interest.)
The other recommendations, esp. MacArthur's and Calvert-Woodley, are all worth a visit.

If you plan to get to Schneider's on a weekday, send me a PM and I'll try to meet you there and provide introductions.

another on Georgia Ave. near the DC city line whose name I forget.

I imagine you're speaking of Morris Miller, the store closest to me and one that has the distinction of making its way into every George Pelecanos novel. I shop there periodically due to its proximity, but it's not in the same league with most of the others that have been recommended, and certainly not worth a special trip unless you have some nostalgia for the place or are a Pelecanos fan.

Alan,

Just down from the Cathedral, at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, is Wide World of Wines. Smaller than MacArthur's but infinitely easier to browse in than Calvert Woodey, and with a very interesting selection. If you get out to the near suburbs, Arrowine in Arlington and Vineyard, in McLean, are well worth visits.