For the world’s best bottles, put yourself in an Empire State of Wine

This bright and layered champagne is ideal to break out for a celebration without breaking the bank. Rated 95 points (four times) by Decanter and 92 points by both Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast, it’s both crisp and full bodied, evoking the kind of exultance and triumph you want out of a celebratory wine. Make the most of the occasion and pair it with a dozen (or two) oysters or a decadent seafood tower.

This rosé blend packs more of a punch than you may think based on its gentle and lucent pink color. The exotic fruits on the nose balance nicely with its crisp taste, and it lingers just enough after the last sip to make it pleasantly memorable. It would pair perfectly with a summer Friday afternoon and grilled seasonal veggies like zucchini and peppers.

Find your most wine-resistant friend and ask them to try this luscious, ruby-colored rosé—it will make them a believer. Its subtle strawberry aroma carries throughout its taste; it’s juicy and rich and while it’s certainly a summer star, its depth makes it a friendly drink year round. Enjoy it with an easy corn and heirloom tomato pasta dish topped with fresh burrata.

This easy drinking “super Tuscan” is wonderful start to finish. Its Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah blend makes it spicy and smokey on the nose and quietly bold on the palate, with notes of ripe berries that give it a lot of life. It’s a great red for warm weather—fire up the grill and drink it outside alongside a juicy flank steak and asparagus.

This gorgeous Bordeaux—made by Grand Cru Chateau Angelus—is balanced by spicy and tart essences that make it a perfect complement to earthy and savory foods like venison and root vegetables (during the summer, try it with a beet and goat cheese salad). Its affordable price point makes it an excellent house red that makes everyday drinking feel like special occasions.

We’d be remiss to not include a couple of honorable mentions, especially since they are favored by some of ESoW’s most loyal customers, who also happen to be some of the city’s most beloved celebs: Madonna’s current preferred bottle is the 2022 Chateau Leoube Cotes de Provence Le Secret de Leoube Rose ($49), while Sting prefers the store’s Brunellos (ESoW also carries two wines from Sting’s vineyard in Italy, Il Palagio: Roxanne 2019, a white Toscana, and Roxanne Red 2019, a red Tuscan blend; both are $19).

That loyalty extends beyond household names, as well as to some of the industry’s most revered experts, according to ESoW’s owner, Eddy Le Garrec. “So many people call and say, ‘please, two cases between $30 and $40 per bottle.’ And that's it.” They can even count themselves as wine-critic Robert Parker’s favorite wine merchants.

And, finally, if you ever see an Empire State of Wine van around when they’re delivering to NBC, SNL, Cartier, the Met Gala and even out to the Hamptons to fill up celebrity cellars, keep in mind that it’s temperature controlled to ensure the perfect pour at its destination.