I may just be crazy, but it looks like there has been a slight upgrade in the wine selection at the state store. I was there last night and stumbled upon a much larger selection of nice wines. Nowhere near a "premium selection", but better. Can anyone confirm?

You mean the "nothing but Chardonnay" store?

God I hate that place.....

Half the back is now Chilean, bought a few but have yet to try them. They really needed some diversity, it was all $7.99 Australian bottles back there at one point.

State store is better than most - the one on Oregon Avenue is kept at 88 degrees in winter, which kind of changes the flavor a bit!

I wouldn't say much larger selection. They added a few more average wines. The staff in there is absolutely horrible. It shouldnt take 15 minutes to ring out 3 people. I usually just go down to CC.

I was at the 10th and Chestnut store the other day and noticed that they've replaced the "chairman's selection" (which were always awesome) with the "sommelier collection" (small vineyard, small production type bottles). Interesting. I wonder if any of these will filter into the other stores. Perhpas they are upgrading all around. Thank God.

Actually was pretty good last time I was there - they also have a temp controlled room with a good range of wines. Not all that far away, so be sure to check it out if you are looking for an alternative. I also think they mislabel stuff sometimes, I got 2003 Merryvale Cabs for $25 each...which was WAY off what they shoulda been!

I agree with HP - when I do go to the State Stores, I go to the Delaware Ave/Columbus Ave one. It has a decent selection. The one on Spring Garden is an emergency only store for when my car is in the shop. It's pretty darned depressing, though I haven't been there in some time, I must admit. Maybe it has improved.

The one on Dekaware ave is an "outlet" not sure exactly what that means but I have gotten some good deals there - so I don't think the bottles are mis-priced - just cheaper...

The change may be a result of some long drawn out politics. Last Spring, the Inquirer ran an article on the new head of LCB purchasing, who was trying to better the replaced person. The guy she replaced has become somewhat of a broker for several wine distribution firms. Essentially, he is selling where he was once buying.

In addition, I know that LCB has periodic Invitaiton-only wine tastings for key wine experts in the Del Val. A friend was a guest of in a invitee, and he came back very impressed with the selection they evaluated that night. To keep in up and up, he and his sponsor limoed to/from the event in Philly, just to enjoy more wine and not have to drive. Cheers & Beers!!!

Moore Brothers -- Pennsauken, NJ
Canal's Discount Liquor Mart -- Pennsauken, NJ

2 Best Options in the Philadelphia area, in my opinion....