Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Good for Groups, Meetup
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about wine, this is the list for you! Sip on vino, discover its origins, and enjoy the company of others as you enjoy these free wine tastings around Boston.
By Yelena Nicolle Salvador
WEDNESDAYS
When: Wednesdays, 5-7PM
Where: Somerville
Info: A favorite in Somerville for not only their wide selection, but also their made-to-order sandwiches, Wine and Cheese Cask will keep you busy with their informative tastings and noms!
2) Georgie’s Wine Shop and Bar
When: Wednesdays & Fridays, 4-7PM
Where: Financial District
Info: An intimate wine bar with tastings, Midweek Magnum and Fine & Rare Fridays, Georgie’s never disappoints. Plus, if you stop by, you might see their resident mascot, Georgie, the cutest bulldog ever, and you’ll be supporting a family-owned business too. This favorite combined with the Common Vines wine store to give you an even better experience!
THURSDAYS
When: Thursdays, 4:30-6:30PM
Where: Back Bay
Info: Bacco’s always has tastings with different themes: southern Italian wines, wines for a picnic, and more. Enjoy food pop-ups and other spirit tastings too.
When: Thursdays, 5-7PM
Where: South End
Info: While Formaggio Kitchen has a few locations around the Boston area, the South End store has weekly tastings where you can stop by their shop, look at their artisanal products from across North America and Europe, and learn about wine.
When: Thursdays, 5-7PM
Where: South End & Financial District
Info: This wine shop was started by a pair of best friends. Now, this women-owned business has expanded and holds regular tastings for wine, sake, and spirits. Their mission is to learn the stories behind every bottle they sell, so you can trust their curated selection!
6) Wine Press
When: Thursdays & Fridays, 5:30-7:30PM (Fenway); Fridays, 5:30-7:30PM (Brookline)
Where: Fenway & Brookline
Info: This family-run business is also a staple in the city. Support a POC-owned wine shop and learn about the perfect pairings of food and vino by stopping by their weekly tastings that also feature other spirits!
When: Thursdays & Fridays, 5-7PM
Where: South End
Info: Enjoy this 40-year-old establishment in the South End as you discover wine from all over the world. With their diverse wine selection, The Wine Emporium is a place you’ll get lost in as you sip and peruse. Sometimes, they also have popup tastings on Saturdays, so keep an eye on their calendar.
8) Urban Grape (pictured)
When: Thursdays, 5-8PM; Saturdays, 2-5PM
Where: South End
Info: Stop by this Black and woman-owned business for their packed calendar of free tastings throughout the week. Their mission is to make learning about wine fun in a small community setting!
9) Vinodivino
When: Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, 4-7PM
Where: Back Bay & Brookline
Info: No matter where you stop, you’ll be able to relish in the different wines from emerging vineyards and learn about all their varieties in a fun atmosphere with friendly staff.
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
10) Social Wines
When: Fridays, 5-7:30PM
Where: Southie
Info: Bring your dog to this wine shop, since they love meeting your furry friends. This family-owned store focuses on selling small, independent and family-owned brands, too. They recently opened a location in Cambridge! Check their socials for more details, what they’re serving, and extra popup days.
When: Fridays, 5-7:30PM
Where: Somerville
Info: There are usually lots of tastings on the weekends, so stop by and meet the experts at Ball Square where you can “explore the wine less traveled.” Fridays are for wine and Saturdays are usually beer and other spirits.
12) Boston Bottle
When: Fridays, 5-8PM
Where: North End
Info: Check out this shop in the North End after work or to start your weekend. Once you’ve sipped, you can grab a bottle or stroll to the wharf that is nearby!
13) The Wine Bottega
When: Fridays, 5-8PM
Where: North End
Info: In the heart of Boston’s own mini Italy lies The Wine Bottega that is run by a wine expert couple. Say hi to the shop cat Mins, as you sip in their intimate wine-tasting room or as you roam their wide selection of organic, old-world vino.
14) Love Child
When: Fridays, 5-7PM; Saturdays, 12-3PM
Where: Southie
Info: A bottle shop that doubles as a flower shop? Oh yes, this is one of my favorite stores for the happy vibes, the great gift curation, and killer drinks. Sip away with music on Fridays and enjoy other boozy tastings on Saturdays.