Cellar 13 Wine Merchant

Go there.
OK, so that’s not enough to write here. I’ll add that we have been buying from, and listening to, John for a couple of years now, his counsel has always been spot on, he can tell from what we buy what he suggests we should buy, and no issues there. Selection is really unique, rare finds, and his emails are always educational and tempting. He really lives the wine-​life, and helps us all learn more and enjoy wine more.

John is super-​knowledgeable, yet completely unpretentious and nice. This combination is, to say the least, not a given in this business.

I am reluctant to say that this is a serious wine shop. that implies that it lacks fun. if wine isn’t fun, why are you drinking it?
all that being said, it is serious — in the best possible way. I had a terrific time, and the proprietor, John, is a real gem. were I an Atlanta resident, I am certain that this would be my shop.
enough said.

Today was my first experience shopping here, and it was most positive. I spent a good 20 – 25 minutes with John, discussing attributes and varietals, who obviously knows his wines.
Prices are competitive, and I just wish his selection was larger. However, he justifiably prides himself on identifying smaller and quality producers, at various price points, while constantly bringin in new stuff. So, many quality and not quantity is the operative concept here.
Purchasing a case of wine nets a 10% discount, which makes for a good deal.

Stopped in to Cellar 13 for the first time tonight for a relatively cheap bottle of cab on my way home from work and ended up with a great Bordeaux and a small piece of wine education. The selection is not massive as previously mentioned but John the owner is great and they have loads of offerings you will not find at Kroger. I will surely be back and would recommend to anyone looking for a new «wine guy».

I am hesitant to review this place — it’s WAY too good, and if the secret gets out, it might get too crowded :-)
I go to John for all my wine needs. Whether it’s advice on what to pair with a certain food, looking for the best valued wine within a certain price range, or new things to try. He always has great advice, and can literally suggest the best wine out there within any budget.
I highly recommend the events they put on with other restaurants. I’ve only been to one wine dinner through them, but it was outstanding in every way possible.
Check it out and get on the email list. One of my top favorites by far.

When I judge a wine shop, I take the following into consideration: First, I like buying from someone who is knowledgeable and gives me personal attention to find what I want. Second, I like this service to be respectful, and hate the snobby/​pretentious type. Third, I like not feeling completely ripped off when I look up the bottles price online.
John at Cellar 13 satisfies all of my requirements. The prices are solid, and the service is what keeps me coming back. If your new to ATL or in need of a new wine merchant, or if you’re sick of your current wine guy making you feel like an ass when you cant pronounce «Trockenbeerenauslese,» then this is your new spot.

Outstanding place. You can read all the other reviews below. You will not feel out of place coming into this store even in gym shorts like I did the first time since I was on my way to a tennis match.
John is good with the beginner all the way up to the expert. To top it off he’s just a really nice guy. I wouldn’t hesitate to reccomend everybody I know to go buy wine here.
He had the Grateful Dead on when I came in. I mean what other wine store have you been to with the Dead playing? Very cool. Laid back. Not pretentious at all. He will help you pick the perfect bottle for your occasion.
Another plug is that he really takes the time with his customers and he has great wine from $ 12 — whatever you want to spend. You can really tell this as his customers are usually hanging out at the store with him.

Cellar 13 just got named top wine store by Atlanta Magazine! Congratulations John. :o)
My husband and I have been to both his private tastings @ the store and the wine dinners @ restaurants and thought they were amazing!

Amongst the many wine shops (well over 20) that I have purchased from in Atlanta over the years, Cellar 13 stands out… not for a huge selection of wines you can just as easily purchase from Kroger, but instead for quality wines that John has personally tasted and chosen. The focus is on French and Italian wines, but he also stocks select domestic vino. If you’re looking to expand into more food friendly European wines, this is one of a select group of wine shops you should check out in Atlanta.