The Vault

Oh, The Vault, how I love you. The selections of both beer and wine are spectacular (which is great since, you know, it’s a beer & wine shoppe), and the mini tasting area for Fiore product is lovely as well. Susan, the owner, is a wonderful woman with a passion that clearly shows when she talks to her customers.
Knowing nothing about wine, it was a great relief to go into The Vault to pick wine for family members for Christmas. Susan was wonderful at explaining the differences between wines that I had chosen for specific people, making the decision infinitely easier!
They also have tastings frequently, where there will be a good selection of either wine or beer to discover. I’ve only been to one beer tasting, but I quickly found some new beers that I am eager to pick up the next time I stop in! :D

Great selection, but a bit expensive.

Best selection around, no question. I’ve bought some of the best beers I’ve ever tried at The Vault.

Susan and staff at The Vault have the ability to take what can sometimes be an overwhelming, intimidating and too-​often expensive task (buying libations) and make it easy, stress-​free and within your budget!
Starting the process out by truly listening to what your needs are and then showing you to a wine (or beer) option that fits those needs and doesn’t hurt your wallet, without being biased.
Wine selection from all over the world. Craft beer, cider and mead options from local and distant makers. Beautiful and creative local artistry. Unique and delicious oil varieties. Gift baskets filled with yummy treats. Local, hand ground coffee. These are just some of the amazing things you will find at The Vault!
Oh, and if you are ever in a bind for a quick gift a tasty wine, beer or olive oil can be just the thing… The Vault even has handy gift bags right there!

Since I’m not a «how many racks of Bud Light can I buy”-the cheapest kind of girl, I prefer to get my wine and beer at smaller, more intimate places that are run by folks who are passionate about what they do. That’s EXACTLY what you’ll find at The Vault, which is such a wonderful, gem in the Lewiston/​Auburn area. The owner, Susan, and her staff not only appreciate good wine and beer themselves, but they’re incredibly knowledgable about it too. When it comes to my libations, I don’t want to be (up)sold on whatever product needs to be moved out. I want to have intelligent conversation with educated folks on what they suggest, why, and have them make recommendations to me about what I might like after I tell them (and they listen with open ears) what it is I personally prefer. And that’s part of what The Vault folks offer; they take the time out to get to know you (whether you’re a regular or just passing through) so that your experience at their store each and every time you go in is tailored completely around you in that moment and not around whatever retail agenda that might have.
Locally craft beers? They do that.
Budget-​friendly wines? They do that, too.
And now they’re offering flavorful and unique balsamic vinegars and olive oils, too for both samples and purchasing (although downing a shooter of olive oil is frowned up… The Vault is classier than your average beer and wine store, so don’t be one of «those people» [*ahem* like myself] who rolls in and starts taking shots of EVOO like it’s going out of style).
If you’re in the area — even if you’re not — and you’re looking for something specific, you should talk to Susan and her team. If they can’t help you, they’ll be able to find someone who can! Also, The Vault frequently hosts wine and beer tastings (something I’m an avid believer in — it’s a great way to discover new beverages without spending an exorbitant amount of money on something you may not end up liking), so be sure to check that out as well!