Best of Boston

2011 Best Wine Shop

Ball Square Fine Wines

There are glossier retailers of rioja and champagne. But Ball Square’s supreme approachability has us bubbling over. Once a perfectly respectable neighborhood store, this shop has gradually expanded into a wine-lover’s heaven, with staffers that make education—not the upsell—their mission. Whether you seek something for the cellar or something you can drink, um, right now, it’s impossible to walk out unsatisfied.

716 Broadway, Somerville, 617-623-9500, ballsquarefinewines.com