Best of Arlington 2014
Food & Drink
Best Wine Shop
Arrowine
Arrowine owners Doug Rosen and Shemsedin Hassen know what their customers like to drink. They’ll tell you their demographic most often goes for dry red Argentine malbecs and rich, complex French white Burgundies.
But no pairing challenge is too complex for these devoted oenophiles and their staff of six wine consultants, who bring to the conversation a deep knowledge of select varietals from around the world.
What goes with raw oysters? Consultant Michelle Petree suggests a crisp, high-acid French Muscadet from the Loire Valley. How about sushi? “Definitely champagne,” says Rosen, who travels both domestically and overseas several times a year to meet with and buy from boutique producers.
“The email specials are awesome and the write-ups are on the money,” says Dover-Crystal resident Jim Lose, an executive recruiter. “They know their customers’ tastes.”
In addition, the shop has a growing list of more than 300 beers and rotates a wide selection of 500 cheeses. Located in the Lee Heights Shops, Arrowine also stocks an international collection of charcuterie items: prosciutto, paté and sausage. –W.N.
4508 Lee Highway, Arlington, 703-525-0990, www.arrowine.com
Other top vote-getters:
Screwtop Wine Bar
Total Wine & More
Twisted Vines
The Curious Grape
Grateful Red