Welcome to The Wine Merchant, serving the Greater Cincinnati area and surrounding regions since 1973! At The Wine Merchant it is our mission to exceed the expectations of our customers while they search through the numerous fine wine options of the world. We are the Tri-State's destination for fine Bordeaux and Southern French wines, and we offer over a thousand wine selections from around the world.

Visit our fine wine shop on Cincinnati's East Side and let our knowledgeable staff help you with wine pairings or selecting wines for a special event. We can assist with all your gift giving needs including memberships in Cincinnati's longest running Wine of the Month Club, gift baskets, gift cards, and special cellar selections. When you visit, be sure to Taste Before You Buy ® and sample wines at our Daily Tasting Bar or from our Ultimate Napa Technology WineStation ®. Attend one of our Friday Night Theme Tastings, or sample ultra-premium wines at a Saturday Premium Wine Flight.

If you prefer to shop online, you can browse and purchase from our online store. We deliver locally and to select states. Or if you prefer, you can pick up your items at the store for no charge. Also online you can check out our calendar of events and register to reserve your spot, or browse our online recipe library with wine pairing suggestions.

HISTORY

The Wine Merchant was founded by Rosemary Hoeffler Van Kirk. With prior experience as the creator of Terwilliger’s restaurant, a wine tasting dinner venue, Rosemary came to understand that food and wine have a special relationship. Today, The Wine Merchant’s knowledgeable staff is recognized for their expertise in pairing wines with food. Rosemary also acknowledged that taste is foremost in our customer’s minds when deciding on a wine selection. Thus, she developed the registered trademark that drives our business: “Taste Before You Buy”. For almost 30 years now, The Wine Merchant has offered a wide selection of premium wines to taste on a daily basis.

In 1993 Rosemary’s daughter, Kathee Van Kirk, entered the business after many years of experience at the wholesale level. She is now the President and CEO. Artist Emily Law joined the team in 2006, serving as newsletter publisher, gift basket coordinator and creative mind around the store. After 9 years she came aboard as a partner. In 2015 The Wine Merchant welcomed another partner, Kevin Neal, a long time professional in the wine business, adding his extensive wine knowledge and smiling personality to the store. Long-time customer Dan Anderson joined The Wine Merchant team in 2005 and provides a friendly, knowledgeable face behind the tasting bar.