The Wine Thief

I appreciate when the staff knows their products & they didn’t disappoint. Offered suggestions and didn’t try to sell me something that didn’t meet my tastes and wallet. I’ll be back again to hear more about their eclectic wine selection! Thanks guys… see you soon.

After looking on Unilocal for package stores in the area I decided to give The Wine Thief a try.
The layout of the store was a little crammed and confusing. However, the staff were helpful and informative.
Wish they had a wider variety of chilled whites. Also, I couldn’t find much in the lines of 1.75L bottles. Wasn’t looking for anything too fancy. Just a bottle large enough to host a few friends.
Definitely a nice shop, just not sure if it’s the right one for me.

This place has stole my wine loving heart. I’m thrilled that its only about a stones throw from my home, but if I’m driving home the street parking is free and super easy on Whitney. But I digress, I do enjoy my wine. And this place is perfect. Nice staff who instantly ask what you are looking for when you walk in. They will match to your mood, what your doing (moving in & unpacking on a hot August eve — scored a nice light bubbly number for a mere $ 8 that was awesome), or whatever your cooking. Pretty sure this will be a regular stop during my tenure here in New Haven. Delighted I found it right when I moved in and looking forward to getting more tailored wine suggestions for me. Definitely stop in here to grab a lovely bottle of vino, even if you’re on a budget!

Fabulously friendly staff who will always ask and give great advice if you need it. Good solid selection of wines, beers, liquors etc.
One time we were looking for a particular type of cider from the uk, which they didn’t stock but they did go out of their way to check if there was a possibility of them getting it in.

Cute, fun, no-​frills wine store with lots of delectable options to choose from. The décor and set-​up is simple, and there are no signs to give personalized reviews about the wines, but there are people there to help, and they definitely know their wine.
Small selection of beer in the back, as well.
Prices are maybe a smidgen above average for the same bottles, but I’d pay the dollar or two extra to keep this around the neighborhood.
Parking on the street is a cinch!

Came back here a few times after my shitty past experience. It has a pretty good selection of craft beer and wine for how tiny it is.

Loved this place! The staff were incredibly helpful, and they had a huge, unique collection of wine, all at reasonable prices. Worth a visit!

Interesting selection.

Good selection and a fun staff make the wine thief the place to shop beer, wine, and spirits in New Haven. The have a very decent range of old world and organic wines.

Great wine collection and a friendly knowledgeable staff. Decent craft beer selection too, although, they were mad sketch when I asked of they stocked Gandhi-​Bot. Lol. Good place… check them out!

I love this place. I have many fond memories of starting my journey into the world of wine tasting here. The owners are super nice and helpful, and their selections are always top notch. there is a reason why The Wine Thief has won ‘Best of New Haven’ ten years in a row.
And, in case you are wondering, a Wine Thief is ‘A wine thief is a glass or food-​grade plastic pipette used in the process of wine making. It may be anywhere from 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) in length and may have a bend near one end. The wine thief is used to remove a small amount of wine from a cask, carboy, or other fermentation device for testing.’ (Source: wikipedia)

Seriously fantastic. We went in on a Saturday night… I was looking for a nice sauvignon. I figured they would just point to the appropriate shelf. NOT SO! The wonderful gentleman (I did not get his name) walked us over and asked us what we were looking for– I explained. He reviewed the shelves and suggested a couple different ones-​priced very reasonably.
He knew his wine. Then, as we were checking out, we got into a conversation about CT wineries and LI wineries. He was discussing the various price points and how some of the CT wines are overpriced. Then he mentioned that they also have CT made vodka and brandy. He asked us if we would like to try some. Ummm. Hell yeah I would! The CT made vodka was 21 dollars and seriously smooth (I forget the name). We ended up also buying a bottle of raspberry brandy for my brother in law. I am kicking myself for not walking into this store sooner. Mt Carmel can be helpful – but they are more stuffy. Amity is huge – and often cannot help with wine specifically. In fact, after going here – I want to knock off stars at other places. This is THE store that all other wine stores should try to be.
Side note — The gentleman was spot on about the New Zealand Sauv Blanc — It was minerally with a grapefruit note. I can’t wait to go back and ask what else they recommend.

I’m lucky enough to live nearby, so I drop into Wine Thief all the time. The Whitney Ave location is on the small side, but they have more than enough selection to meet your needs (provided you’re not looking for a 30-​rack).
I’ve never had a bad experience with wine I bought from the wine thief. They have great wines at any price range, their staff are very knowledgeable and they always ready to help. They have an interesting beer selection too, lots of local and more exotic brews.

this is where i get ‘the sauce’ when im in new haven. friendly and informative service.

The service is very friendly and quick. Great place to stop in for a bottle of wine or six pack of beer.

The staff are friendly and helpful– they really love their wine.
Their stock: moderately priced and tasty– simply divine!

I was visiting a friend on Willow Street and needed a bottle of wine for a dinner party later that evening. She brought me to The Wine Thief and the staff was so friendly and attentive, they helped me pick out an affordable, beautiful wine.

A large selection of wines, especially French wines. They also carry some pretty good Argentinian and Chilean wines. Price is fair.
However, the staff is not much helpful when it comes to guide you on choosing a wine bottle.

Perhaps someone can relate to this… My relationship with the Wine Thief (Whitney Ave Location) is like the one you have with a friend, or even acquaintance, who introduces you to a really hot girl (or guy) that you end up dating and experiencing one of the greatest romances ever.
The Wine Thief played cupid to me and the Berkshire Brewing Co beer. So I will forever be grateful to them.
I love going in and simply say what we are cooking that night and have them throw out suggestions. Hardly ever a miss.
As for the people, as good as it gets. Always helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. If the place is empty, they’re always up for small talk, which makes me want to stay and pop a bottle.
I like the other location as well… but this one, smaller and with less selection, is dear to me.

This place rocks.
Reason #1: Its a couple blocks from my apartment.
Reason #2: Great hours… especially in a ridiculous state where you cannot buy alcohol after 9 or on Sundays.
Reason #3: Attractive employees… gets me every time.
Reason #4: Great selection of beer and wine of course!
Friendly neighborhood booze shop that always has something new and interesting… also a plus that it is right next door to Manna deli where you can get a good sandwich. Sandwiches and wine are just meant to be. Give this place a go… it really feels like a Mom & Pop shop and the employees appreciate your business!