Chuck's Fine Wines

GoodBeerLarry

Florida

4.8/5  rDev +4.8%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

This is a great beer store. I was in Ohio, with several friends, for a week and knew that we would be in areas where we couldn't find good beer. This was the right place to stock up.

I found out about Chuck's on BeerFly and the recommendations are right. Upon entering we were greeted by a friendly staff that went out of the way to help. The building is old and has probably been many different things. The left side if the store has all the beer. The selection is exceptional; I favor IPAs and found many that I can't get in Florida my home state. One of our group is a big Stout guy and he was like a kid in a candy store! When Mike showed us the "vault" it really got things going. He would show a beer we hadn't seen or couldn't get and, of course, we had to have it. We got the complete "tour" and bought much more than possible to drink in the week ahead but what the heck we were on vacation so have at it!


Some of our haul: Stone Brewing IPA, Arrogant Bastard Ale, Ruination IPA and Old Guardian Barleywine. Great Lakes Brewing Blackout Stout, Weyerbacher Black Hole, Ale Smith IPA, New Holland Night Tripper, Moylans IPA, Triple Ale and Stouts, Southern Tier Unearthly IPA, Bells Ales, Pyramid Brewing and many more! When buying "collectors" beer be careful some beers don't age well. We had one or two, bought in the excitement of the moment that should have been left on the shelf. All in all still a great beer store. It is worth walking down the street to see Chagrin Falls and the rest of the area if you have the time.


These guys really made our trip and we will return when in the area. Thanks Mike for having all those great beers available in a cool place!

10-26-2008 20:06:20 | More by GoodBeerLarry

ABOWMan

Ohio

4.65/5  rDev +1.5%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I've been going to Chuck's since before I was able to legally able buy beer, so now that this establishment is on my weekly shopping list, I though it best that I pay them my respects on BA.

An institution that has been in Chagrin almost since it's founding, Chuck's Fine Wines has grown through the years to become one of the best wine and beer stores in the midwest. I have yet to set foot into a "beverage store" with the ambiance of Chuck's. Nestled besides the upper falls of the Chagrin River, Chuck's has a very homey feel when you walk in the door. From the well worn wood floor to the old style slide door refridgerator that rests against the wall and all of the beer and wine paraphernalia which is displayed on the walls. The wine selection, which is divided by country and type, is quite extensive and is displayed in old crates and on new racks throughout the one end of the store. As you brouse through the store you'll find displays of seasonal beers for those that want to buy and bolt or, if you prefer, you can saunter throughout the store and peruse the huge selection of beers available from around the globe. If you display a real passion for finding that elusive brew, you may even persuade one of the knowledgable and friendly employees to show you into their "beer vault" behind the cooler, where you'll find some of the harder to locate brews like scotch cask aged ales from Scotland or a limited editon run from one of the many midwest mircobrewers. Mike (the Swami of Suds), Scott (the Baron of Brew) and Suzie (Chuck's resident IT expert) will be glad to make you aware of any upcoming beer or wine tasting events, or add you to their email listing to be notified of upcoming tastings. While you're at Chuck's, pick up some of the speciality cheeses and crackers to go along with those beers you just got. This is a one stop shop for hop "heads" and will leave you feeling fulfilled when you walk out the door. If you're in the area, it's well worth you making a planned stop by to check out the store. You won't regret it if you do.

02-09-2009 21:27:28 | More by ABOWMan

DogfishJoe

Ohio

4.7/5  rDev +2.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This is a great place to buy beer or just browse. Wide selection of beer and wine.Also they make homemade cheese and bread but I have not tried the cheese. As everyone else states the selection of beer is huge and employees are willing to help, especially mike the beer man as I call him. My last purchase came with a free homemade pepperonni roll which was very good. Their is also alot of shops and cafes within walking distance from chucks. This is a shop you have to see if your in the area, or if your 45 minutes away like me.

09-03-2011 21:57:42 | More by DogfishJoe

output01x

Ohio

4.34/5  rDev -5.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

Date visited: 1/31/12
Number of previous visits: multiple
Likelihood of revisit: definite

Chuck's Fine Wines is located in the heart of Chagrin Falls right off of Main Street. Because of this, finding the store without a GPS may be a bit difficult for those unfamiliar with the area as it is located quite a distance from the closest highways. There is not a lot of room for parking which can be a little problematic during peak hours or when there are multiple deliveries.

The store itself is rather quaint and has a rather rustic, welcoming feel to it. The creaky hardwood floors and ambient lighting definitely make it feel more like a mom 'n pop store rather than a money-grubbing company. The beer section is a bit chaotic with a well organized self-feed cooler, a large wall with a great selection of imports, and lines of table displays showing off random products. Books and glassware are also littered throughout the store and displayed in random areas with little recognizable reasoning.

The selection is pretty good. Given the size of the store, the lack of some staples is understandable. However, this isn't the kind of store that stocks every Founders and Great Lakes product available (although they do have the majority of their catalogs). The real appeal lies in the store's great selection of imports (La Chouffe, Orkney, Hitachino, etc.) as well as the vault.

The vault is located inside the self-feeding cooler and is accessed from the backroom. Please note that it is normally best to ask to see the vault as opposed to walking back there on your own. The vault is where beers are kept that aren't supposed to be sold at this location (beers not distributed here and beers with ABVs above the 12% state maximum). Entering the vault is usually a random experience. Sometimes you can find Oskar Blues Ten Fidy, other times you find some New Belgium Fat Tire. But the not knowing is what makes it so fun (like opening Christmas presents).

The prices of the six-packs is about on par with similar stores. However, the prices on the import singles is a bit marked up. Also, the prices on any of the specially available items in the vault are marked up a bit (and understandably so).

The products available are usually within date (except for some of the items in the vault) and are maintained well despite the seemingly chaotic organization. Little dust can be noticed on the products (even the ones that probably aren't the best sellers).

The workers are always warm and friendly and will always greet a customer as he/she walks through the door. They will usually allow an appropriate amount of time before asking if you need help and are always willing to offer recomendations when asked. They do not get caught up in long conversations but are obviously happy to help and converse briefly.

02-01-2012 06:18:29 | More by output01x

vinyljunkie

Ohio

5/5  rDev +9.2%
quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

This is my favorite beer store yet! The selection is outstanding and the customer service is superior.

I was not in the store but for 1 minute and was cheerfully greeted. When I explained that this was my first time there and that I was interested in beer, I was introduced to the "beer guy", Scott, who showed me around the place. He broke down their inventory by region and style and even took me back to "the vault". There are some real goodies back there.

Scott is very knowledgeable and spent time assisting me with my purchase. My haul consisted of Southern Tier Choklat, Mikkeller Big Worse and Black Hole, Avery Mephistopheles' Stout, and Bell's Special Double Cream Stout.

As soon as I deplete my inventory, i am heading back up there to pick up some other goodies that I will not mention in this review. That is, if they are still there of course :)

I give this place an A+. Thanks!

12-19-2007 22:59:24 | More by vinyljunkie