Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant (a.k.a. "FPWM"), as its name suggests, is located in the Ferry Building nearby the Embarcadero Center in the Financial District. Owned and operated by well known wine experts Zachareas and Granoff, FPWM is a full service vendor of all things wine. It boasts an impressive array of wines from around the world. In my view, their strength is in mid-value range, say from $25 to $70. Although pretty much all major wine regions are represented, there is noticeable emphasis on California and French wines. If you love French whites, FPWM is likely to please you. On my most recent visit, I saw all types of vin blanc - Burgundy (especially Chassagne-Montrachet), Vouvray, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fouillse and Pouilly-Fume. California reds are also well represented, though pinot noirs (not so surprisingly) get more love than other varietals. There are good selections of other new world regions, especially Australia and New Zealand. There are even a fair number of champagnes and other bubblys like prosecco and cava, and a small section of fortified wines like port, madeira and sherry. If you like the sweet stuff, they have a small section of desert wines as well, including some low-end sauternes. One weakness is the italian section. On my last trip, i saw just one brunello (2002), few good chiantis, and some decent barolos. One caveat: if you are into really high end stuff, or classics, you are not likely to find any here. FPWM definitely strives to find the best value in the mid-range sector. It does not cater to collectors or connoisseurs of classical wine. You are not going to find premier crus top Bordeauxs, 2001 Brunnello riservas or even top-line super tuscans like ornellaia or sassicaia. Aside from the wine floor, they've got a nice wine bar where you can sample any of their wine or try any of their preset flights. You can bring food from any of the restaurants in the Ferry Building; there is also a nice artisan cheese shop (Cowgirl Creamery) just a few steps down the hall. FPWM also offers a series of afforable wine classes (usually in the $50 range) year-round, usually on topics like the basics of wine tasting and food pairings. They also have a wine club; i think they charge something like $38 a month for a couple of bottles. http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/ferry_plaza_wine_merchant.php
This is my first report on a wine shop. I'll reguarly post reports on more wine shops in San Francisco and East Bay.
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