Free Tastings Along Brookline's Urban Wine Trail

You’ve made it through a grueling day at work. You don’t have the energy or the money for an extravagant night out, but the idea of parking it on the couch for the next five hours isn’t so appealing either. You need a glass of wine… better yet, free or cheap wine. Luckily, you only need to take the T on the green C line to Coolidge Corner, in the heart of Brookline, for a trio of wine-tasting opportunities.


First stop on the "wine trail" is Best Cellers, located on the corner of Beacon Street and Harvard Avenue. This mecca for wine lovers just changed management in February—and sadly, their daily free wine tastings are now only held on every first and third Thursday and some Saturdays and Sundays from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A positive spin to the new management: An extensive selection of beer not found in your normal packie store (I’m from New York, and have no idea what packie store is, and if I spelled it correctly. I’m used to buying beer at Stop & Shop). Anyway, on said dates, the displayed wines are 20% off, so if you like what you taste, you can guiltlessly continue drinking past the little Dixie cup.

The wine and beer tasting are often centered around a theme, such as Oktoberfest or Mardi Gras. For Cinco de Mayo, I tasted a selection of five Spanish wines accompanied by cheeses (don’t all wines taste better with a sliver of Manchego cheese?). The times I’ve visited, the knowledgeable “pourer” asks which one I’d like to try, and perhaps because of my long hesitation, then asks, “or would you like to try all of them?” Yes is always the answer. While I normally gravitate toward Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, the tasting are a fantastic way to try something you may not think you like. I used to find most Chardonnay too oaky and Riesling too sweet, but I’ve discovered some new unpredictable faves at this store.

Best Cellars looks very clean and simplistic, with stainless steel and light oak walls, and lots of light within its mostly windowed walls. The bottles are modernly displayed on the walls, with a full bottle at the top, and many more below in holes with the top sticking out. The wine is arranged according to category of taste: fresh, fruity, fizzy, juicy, etc. Not sure of your wine identity? Take Best Cellers’ quiz to discover what category matches best to your personal palette. My results of "soft, followed by fresh" definitely point me in a more logical direction than toward the prettiest label.

Next, cross to the other side of Beacon Street to Coolidge Corner Wine & Spirits for another free tasting on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 to 7:00 and Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00. More obscure and hidden than Best Cellers, this cozy little locally-owned shop is moody and elegant, with pumpkin walls and deep wood floors. Set up in aisles and along the walls, the selection is organized by world region, such as Italy, France, Argentina, New Zealand, and Chile. More diverse than Best Cellars, CCWS carries sake, liquor, sparkling and kosher wines, and dozens of eclectic craft beers and ales.

You’ll be able to find respectable bottles of wine for $10 in both of these stores, but the prices vary from about $10-$15, but you can find many in the $20s and up to $100 for French champagnes and the like.

Luckily for us students, Trader Joe’s is also on the same intersection, and boasts its famous "two-buck chuck." For $2.99 each, why not bring home a couple bottles of California Charles Shaw, which include, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, Zinfandel, and many more? I know people who won’t touch the stuff, and I’m no connoisseur, but I find most of these deliciously grape-juicy and perfect for making sangria—and who would pass up a whole case for $18? According to the website, the low prices is the result oversupply of wine and a good relationship with their supplier.

Since TJs is mainly a grocery store, its separate wine section is probably only a fifth in size of the other stores, but the selection (also organized according to world region) is comparable and the prices low. Some tasty discoveries include he South African brand Zarafa’s Pinotage and the Portuguese refreshing and citrusy sparking Vinho Verde, each for $3.99.

Note that the Boylston Street locale does not sell wine. The times for tastings are not evident; As a local, I frequent TJ’s at least twice a week, but I’ve only noticed them a few Saturday mornings and random weeknights. Only one wine is featured, but it’s a timesaver to do your wine shopping here while grocery shopping. I recommend picking up a quick dinner of lobster ravioli or truffle flatbread pizza, each also under $5. Love you, Trader Joe.

If you're planning a visit to Coolidge Corner, I'd give the stores a quick call to confirm tasting times, but they always have helpful employees and high-quality, low-cost choices. Salut!