Decanter Fine Wines

Been going here ever since… forever! A really nice place to find good drinks. The employees are friendly and can suggest things for you if you happen to be a bit of a wine novice, maybe?

I have a secret addiction. Allagash Curieux it is the best beer. It is not cheap and it is very hard to find. Oh, but I do love it.
The staff were awesome and took my special order and had it for me in a week.
The prices were a tiny bit high but that is Columbia.

I went in early June looking for a wine key and to my surprise a fine wine store has ABSOLUTELY no wine keys… wow ok. Now today I went in with my mother to help her pick out some beers for a tennis party, and when I was talking to my mother the rude cashier mentions to me that I look like I’m in MIDDLE SCHOOL. Middle school really? I’m a senior in college. I resisted the urge to say I guess that’s better than looking like an old fat troll. So lady how about the next time you feel like running your mouth you think twice? Being out of stock of wine keys, however bizarre I can forgive, but rudeness and ignorance from the staff I cannot. You’ve lost my business and my entire families business. If I could give this zero stars I would.

Nice little wine shop in Columbia off of Cedar Lane. It’s really great if you know what you are looking for, if you want suggestions, then you have to wait in order to get someone’s attention. Decanter has a great selection of all sorts of wines — not too pricey — mostly mid-​range. They give case discounts, as well as Taster’s Guild discounts.

When is Unilocal going to implement the ½ star??? I really think this place deserves more of a 3 ½ star but I I’m sort of stingy about handing out 4 stars. Their selection is decent for a strip mall liquor store but there have been several times that I have been looking for a type of fairly common wine or microbrew that they did not have in stock while a competitor within close proximity did. The prices are fair but I would expect that from a place like this. Other than convenience, I wouldn’t go out of my way to stop here because it lacks unique qualities. The staff are friendly and helpful but the store itself has a bit of a dirty feel to it. If you are picking up some run-​of-​the-​mill liquor/​wine/​beer for a house party, this is a sure bet, but not a place I would go if I were looking for something special.

Prices aren’t bad, the staff is helpful. Their free tastings have never really rocked my boat — mostly because they never taste anything more expensive than a $ 10 – 15 bottle. I have always seen tastings as a way to give people a taste of a bottle they wouldn’t be willing to buy without knowing what it tastes like first. Honestly, I’m more willing to risk $ 10 than $ 40 on an unknown wine. Just sayin.
They keep several higher-​end wines, but their beer selection is not great. Small liquor section as well.

I’ve relied on the advice from the folks here for countless food pairings, from the perfect (and cheap) Vouvray with Swordfish to some big red pinots to pair with rich meats. Since moving out of the area I have yet to find a store with such attentive and knowledgable employees.

Great place!!! They are there to help you not just check you out like most other places you buy alcohol. I wish I lived closer so I could use them more often.

This place is wonderful.
Eric Stein is the owner and he is amazing. He is so helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. The store is filled with a wide variety of wines, and there is something for every palate and budget.
Eric and his staff really know how to help you choose something wisely. They know their inventory and have a good handle on what’s worthy of recommendation whatever your tastes are.
We have purchased everything from cheap $ 10 bottles of vinho verde all the way up to a $ 1300 bottle of cognac from Decanter. When I have a special order or wine I am looking for, I call Eric first — in all likelihood, if he can’t find it, I won’t find it in the local area. He is always candid and pragmatic about prices and availability, to the point where he has recommended that I look at other stores if he thinks I would find what I am looking for elsewhere when he can’t find it or if he is uncomfortable with the markup he will have to charge me.
Eric is an honest, forthright business owner who will provide excellent advice on your wine selections. His staff are all well-​trained and well-​mannered people who take the time to assist with whatever needs you may have. This is a fantastic store and I highly recommend it.
(Also try Eric’s new store — The Wine Seller in Ellicott City, MD)