Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

The selections at Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant (KLWM) rarely disappoint. I believe this is so because KLWM is a relatively small business compared to some of the global wine importers and national distributors thus permitting Kermit Lynch to actually taste the wines that he sells. However, Lynch, Sr. is elderly now. Therefore the tasting has been delegated to his son, Anthony Lynch, and staff. But Kermit Lynch’s credo of finding the little gems in carefully crafted artisan wines sets him apart from larger competitors in the industry who are more interested in the palate of the masses.
Now let’s peel back the layers and expose the core of the modern-​day KLWM operation.
Anthony Lynch is not Kermit Lynch, and the arguably bloated bureaucracy that comprises the present-​day KLWM business entity is not the one man operation of the good ol’ Kermit Lynch days.
With that said, the current business backdrop at KLWM lends itself to charging boutique prices for wine that generally falls within the upper 80s to lower 90s range on a scale of 100.
Essentially what the consumer is paying a premium price for is not wine in the superb to classic range but, rather, for the perceived value of the Kermit Lynch’s brand. See, Kermit Lynch has made a name for himself in the wine industry, say, like Nike or Apple or some other successful brand, and that is why Lynch’s wines, which generally fall within the very good range, fetch a premium price that one would usually expect to only pay for a superb to classic wine.
Ready to peel back some more layers?
It has been my experience that KLWM wines often do not represent a fantastic value. I attribute the high markup to the increased overhead caused by the expanding staff at KLWM. For example, multiple employees manage the Wine Club division when one employee with one administrative support assistance should be able to efficiently handle the job. This streamlined approach would translate to reduced operational overhead and, ultimately, a deflation of high wine markups.
KLWM holds itself out as being a direct importer. That is, KLWM buys directly from the producer and then sells to the consumer. In other words, the wholesaler and retailer tiers in the traditional wine distribution model are eliminated. Under this business design, the savings of bypassing the second and third tiers in the chain of distribution should be passed on to the consumer.
However, despite bypassing the middle links in the chain, KLWM still charges a boutique price (i.e., high retail markups) rather than a reduced direct importer price. For example, if a winery sells a bottle of wine to an importer for $ 10 dollars, then the importer may sell that bottle to a wholesaler for $ 20 dollars. The wholesaler may then sell that bottle to a retailer for $ 30 dollars. The retailer then may sell the bottle to a consumer for $ 40 dollars. That is the traditional high markup model for wine distribution.
Conversely, a direct importer, like KLWM, that eliminates the wholesaler and retailer and the concomitant additional markup at the middle distribution levels should pass the economic savings onto the consumer. However, because Kermit Lynch’s name is now a well-​recognized brand in the wine industry, KLWM charges consumers a premium boutique price for wine that should be more in accord with a reduced direct importer price.
In conclusion, KLWM is charging excessively for wine to realize maximum retail profit in order to cover the increased overhead of its expanding operation. This is not the Kermit Lynch value of yore. I have my doubts that the present model (charging boutique wine prices for direct imports of average to above average wine) will succeed in the long run in today’s competitive wine retail industry once consumers realize that they are not getting a good bang for their buck (i.e., value) at KLWM.
A good case in point is made by comparing
(also in the San Francisco area) to KLWM.
will often ship a case of wine to me for $ 0.01 – yes, one penny– whereas KLWM charges about $ 150 dollars to ship a single case of wine (twelve bottles) to my location. Both
and KLWM ship via FedEx.
Another example is the award-​winning K&L Wine Merchants (also in California). K&L will ship a case of wine to me for about half the price of KLWM. Additionally, K&L has a considerably larger wine selection than KLWM.
Therefore, it’s a no brainer on who to purchase from, and who not to purchase from, unless you just must have the KLWM trademark on your wine bottle like some fancy status symbol. In fact, at the current high boutique prices and limited selection (just a handful of wine regions in France and Italy), I cannot see many reasons to shop at KLWM. Not only does KLWM charge several dollars more than the competition on many selection, but KLWM comes in last place regarding shipping cost because it charges substantially more than
and
.

THANK God for Kermit Lynch. I often feel I’m living in a communist country when it comes to buying wine in California. Kermit Lynch has THE BEST selection of European wines, especially those from France. The staff are very knowledgable and helpful. The prices run the gamut so you’re sure to find something within your price range and can take confidence that they won’t steer you wrong when it comes to recommendations. I just wish they’d open up a shop in Marin so that I didn’t have to cross the bridge as I’d buy a lot more wine from them. That being said, its worth the effort to make the time and the trip.

Did someone say wine??? If you are looking for an amazing selection of wine, especially French, Italian, German, this is the place. We walked out of their with 6 French roses, a couple of DOCG Chianti bottles, and lots of Bordeauxs.
Helpful staff with great recommendations.

Considering how many times I have been to Acme next door, I find it rather surprising that I had never actually been in here until last Monday. I was over at Acme bread trying to get some ham and cheese turnovers when my friend and I decided to pop into Kermit Lynch to take a quick look. I was definitely not expecting to like it as much as I did! As soon as I walked in I immediately felt like I had entered a wine cave. The atmosphere was very calming and welcoming, very similar to a lot of wineries I have been to.
We started to look around at the awesome selection they had when I decided that maybe I should buy a bottle to supplement the Christmas present I had purchased for my dad. They had so many options ranging anywhere from around $ 10 all the way to $ 100+, with most wines coming from France and Italy. I’m definitely a fan of European wine, especailly from those two countries! I picked out a bottle of Cabernet with an appealing label costing around $ 15. Most of the wines there I had never heard of or seen, which is awesome if you’re a person that loves trying new things! (aka, me!) After being rang up, they offered me a gift box along with a Kermit Lynch sticker to seal the top, completely free! Why would I even consider saying no?
Side note: if you love warehouse sales and wine, you will definitely find this place appealing!

When Christmas rolls around, a bottle of wine is a welcome and celebrated gift in most households. Only problem? I know not a god damn thing about it. In fact, I can’t even remember the last time I drank wine. Enter Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant.
My friend and I strolled in the place, looking for a reasonably priced cabernet as a present for his father. The warm low lighting was pleasant and we were immediately transfixed by the wide selection. The space is filled with display racks, shelves, and open cardboard cases of wine, priced from a little under $ 20 all the way up into the stratosphere. Lots of French and Italian offerings from what I could gather. I applaud the casual feel of the store, much less stuffy than other wine shops I’ve visited.
The labels were rather undecipherable to a rookie like me, but as expected, my friend navigated the floor like a skilled hunter. He found what he wanted in 10 minutes. Easily seduced by pretty packaging, I thought to pick up a bottle as a back up gift. After squinting at a bunch of options, my friend returned with his purchase and then assisted me in selecting a ritzy looking sauvignon blanc. Can’t go wrong with that.
The staff members we encountered were amiable. Props to the guy in the J. Crew campaign worthy outfit, who greeted us warmly upon arrival and offered to give us some suggestions. The guy who rang me up was amusing, joking about how wine helps the aging process. He packed the bottle in a complimentary gift box and handed me some cards with the Kermit Lynch logo to pen a sweet sentiment. Pretty spiffy!
If you’re looking for a fancy bottle to impress the lushes in your life or a destination to bring the Dionysus in your group of friends, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant is a safe bet.

Ask a Unilocal Whisperer
QOTD — Thanksgiving Week extra
Dear YW, so I like wine. In a good healthy way, you know? For holidays, festive weekends, splurge of the moment Mondays, that sort of thing. But it kinda scares me. Especially the French and Italian varietals. I mean, I never took a foreign language in college, or been to Europe (the Amsterdam airport doesn’t count). I’ve been reading on Unilocal that «Kermit Lynch is a living legend» and stuff like that, and now I really *want* to visit his famous shop on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, but … but, but, but.
What should I do, like walk in off the street? And say that I want a good bottle of French wine? Please! That sounds like walking into the Museum of Modern Art and asking to see a «pretty painting» by someone with an unpronounceable foreign name.
I need to take that next step beyond Trader Joe’s Plantinum Reserve Russian River Valley wines. I need to stop buying California Chardonnay and start drinking wines that truly reflect their «terroir.» Or so I gather from the Internet. And my boyfriend, Han, is not going to be of much assistance. He drinks Yellow Tail, for goodness sake. I am sooo ashamed! It’s like he’s from outer space or something.
Help me, Whisperer. You are my only hope.
Leia O.
Point Reyes Station, CA (but formerly from Alderaan).
Hi Leia,
I think you should go to Kermit Lynch, and soon. They have a wonderful selection of holiday wines, the sort of thing that you won’t find at Trader Joe’s. But you shouldn’t cold call on the Lynch — that’s kind of like landing on a foreign planet without having scanned it first. Or something like that.
Humor me.
First, get that flyboy hubby of yours to buy you a $ 200 gift certificate from Kermit Lynch. That will give you some spending room to work with, I’d say. For the holidays, you understand! Have him sell the Falcon on eBay if need be; it’s outdated technology anyway. You’ll receive a beautiful hand-​written certificate in the mail, very classy.
Next, email one of the excellent wine staff/​sales reps who work at KLWM to arrange an in-​store consultation. Pick a date and time that works, maybe noon on a Saturday. It won’t be Kermit. He’s more of an absent presence, if you know what I mean. Kinda like someone you can feel but not actually see. A force, if you will. You just have to know how to use it for good, not evil.
The sales rep/​wine person you choose is up to you. But they will become your mentor and guide. They will instruct you in the use of the force. Like a Jedi, one might say, if you and Han are still into the whole «Star Wars» thing. Tell her or him what kinds of wines you like ahead on time by email — maybe a grape variety you enjoy, or a region in France or Italy that sounds interesting, based on Google Maps. Alto Adige. The Loire Valley. A sparkling Vouvray. Gruener Veltliner. Pinot Blanc. They even kind of sound fun to say, don’t they?
Be direct. Don’t be afraid to sound silly or stupid. Laugh it up, Leia. It’s not an exam or test of your level of sophistication. It’s the fruits of the earth, products of the soil, real down-​to-​dirt stuff.
Then, go to the store, meet with your contact, walk around the aisles, pick a pretty bottle that looks good, ask questions, and don’t worry about price that much. Some of the best wines are less than $ 30, some even under $ 15 — the Vaucluse red Vin du Pays from the Leydier family, for example. Or the Rosso Pietro Barbera from Montferrato in Italy. And definitely the Loire sparkling Vouvray from Champalou. And a Cabernet Franc from the Bretons. And anything from the Val d’Aosta.
See? You’ll get the hang of it, Leia. Remember: there is no try. There is only drink or drink not.
Have a great time! Say hi to Han for me. I’ll bet he’ll love the Barbera, even if there isn’t a huge hopping marsupial on the label.

A pleasant place with gentile, attentive service. They seem to be focused on maintaining a certain wine lover’s atmosphere, but it is not clear that they deliver the wine you love (they talk the talk, they don’t walk the walk). They import wine, much from France, and do not carry others’ products. We paid $ 25 to $ 50 or so/​bottle and found the wine to be okay, but limited in dimensionality, not at all special. We have done much better for less than $ 20/​bottle at Safeway or just buying Louis Jadot or…

Berkeley institution with a (deserved) stellar reputation mostly carrying French wines with an emphasis on smaller producers in Burgundy, Alsace and the Rhone. They have a keen, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful staff.

CLASS ACT
Wonderful French and Italian wine from lesser known vintners. The vintners Kermit has found produce as good or better bottles as those with more notoriety and exposure. The advantage is that he’s generally able to provide amazing wine at a less expensive price. Bravo! Voila!

This place is amazing!
Jaw dropping wines from all over France and Italy? Check.
Wines to pair with any occasion from a picnic to a fancy dinner? Check.
Selections to fit a wide range of budgets? Check.
Helpful and friendly staff that give useful recommendations and help you try new things? Check.
Kermit Lynch the man is a legend in the world of wine and this shop is a Berkeley institution.
The best thing about Kermit Lynch is that when you go there you know that every bottle on the shelf is there because it’s awesome. They’ve done the leg work for you and stocked the shelf with the best of the best. This means there are no gambles when you go home and try the wine. There are no duds here, just different wines for different moments in your life. Want a cheap rose to chug on the beach? Yeah they’ve got that. Want a fancy white Burgundy to give your sister for her birthday? Yeah they’ve got that too. They really have something for everyone, from the wine connoseur to the first-​time buyer. Every wine I’ve gotten here has been fantastic and it’s the type of store that really liberates you to try new things in good faith and takes your wine knowledge and dinner party game to the next level.
The location is great too. You can grab a coffee at Bartavelle next door, a baguette from Acme, and a bottle or two for the week. One stop shop for life’s little pleasures
Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant is a gem.

I don’t know which is worse, the inflated prices of his wines, the uneven and often disappointing selections (too many underwhelming reds) or the clubbish and overwrought lyricism of his brochures. There are better and more reasonably priced, wine merchants around, merchants with less hype and more solid information (look below).
On the other hand, he is an institution of sorts and almost 25 years ago started me on the road to wino-​ism, and for that alone I have to give him at least two stars. Thanks for the memories.

I love coming to Kermit Lynch. The staff is always super helpful and able to help you find a great $ 15 or $ 50 bottle.
It’s the kind of place where you end up buying a case of amazing Rose that you just drank next door, because you’re so charmed by the atmosphere & range of selections. I will come here to stock up for the season and never am disappointed with any of their recommendations.

Dustin you helped. Now I know in LA where to get Kermit Lynch wines when I need it. After reading Kermit Lynch’s «Adventure on the Wine Route», I consider kind of a pilgrimage to see what his entire portfolio offer today. Except you’d be lucky to get half of his selection in this flagship, Lynch’s one (and only) store. It is a small space. There is nothing adorable or remotely grand about this store. The wines literally are still in their shipping boxes.
I feel like after 40 years being successful in a business, there will be a half-​assed attempt to incorporate the cultural grandeur of the areas Lynch imports from, or at the very least, a fan service for, dare I say, us. The long-​suffering wine enthusiasts are bounced from one clinical austere wine store from another. Europe is Baroque – pointlessly excessive, gilded to the hilt from materials of brutalized colonies – that is the kind of wine store that wine people in ‘mUrica deserve.
Nope, there are sidewalks newsstands that sell Hustlers in San Francisco with more architectural panache than this place. Lynch’s red wines surprisingly sucks. That ‘Irefrigeraytwheniship’ stuff in his book? That’s what drew me to his wines, but alas, ugh. The white wines though are phenomenal, yes, even the sylvaners. I bought my most expensive wine here, and shit, that thing sucked. It was a Burgundy they shouldn’t be selling, or at least warn buyers that these goddamn vintages go into hibernation (go dumb) and should only drink at a set period of time.

Needed some recommendations for myself and my parents and they were super helpful!

Very nice but limited selection due to size of space presumably, and though all of the wines represented are I’m sure delicious — there’s no arguing Mr. Lynch has a great palate and is a pioneer — there are so few wines under $ 20 as to be annoying in it’s undemocraticness. I have a cellar that includes killer vintage wines but I also ADORE a value wine, those hidden gems from some obscure part of a country and /​or producer that blows your mind for ten bucks and which do exist in spades. The European wine market, even France & Italy which is what K.L. sells exclusively, is absolutely booming with wonderful small producers who make lovely wines to be had here in the states for less that a Jackson, but I sure didn’t see them here. Further, so many grape varietals which produce tasty but low price point wines, were conspicuously absent at K.L.; varietals like picpoul pinet which is a fantastic summer quaffer, or muscadet, also a delightful easy drinker (not to be confused with the unrelated but oft mistaken for muscat, a sweeter wine). Correction; they had one muscadet, but it was an aged muscadet which added about $ 20 to the price of what a regular muscadet would cost. I did buy a bottle and loved it, but would like to have also had the option of buying a few less ‘fancy’ muscadets. Another surprise as one other reviewer has already noted, there are no write-​ups on any of the cases leaving you to rely solely on the staff to walk you through it, and though I’m all for great one-​on-​one customer service (which they do provide, no complaint there) sometimes I just want to shop quietly in a more library experience and have less of a museum /​docent experience which requires trying to keep up with all the information the educating guide spills out rapidly.
Finally and perhaps least forgivably, Lynch’s bubbly selection is slim at best and I should think very disappointing to any bubble head.
Note: While being a great little specialty wine store with some real finds, Kermit Lynch has nothing on HI-​Times in Costa Mesa, CA. (an unfortunate name to be sure), a huge, family owned wine seller representing the very best of both $ to $$$$$ wines from all over the globe and no, NOTHING like a BevMo. If you want to make some real discoveries, get real value and some unbelievably good wines, check them out on-​line where they have every-​single-​one of their wines represented and described down to the pairing possibilities. I’ve been introduced by them to some of those most fantastic regions and winemakers in the world by this incredible shop and if they don’t have it then most likely neither does anyone else. The bubbly section is an enormous cellar all on it’s own with more than 150 producers. The best news is that they ship any amount of wine anywhere in California for $ 25 !
So, if you’re in Berkeley and need a nice bottle or two of wine then and there, perhaps to go with the incredible breads or sandwiches at Acme right next door, you’ll definitely find something delicious at Kermit Lynch. But when you have time in advance to research and unearth some beauties at a fraction of what Lynch sells them for, get on line and order from Hi– Time, a MUCH more satisfying and well rounded buying experience

Great selections of wine and friendly and helpful staffs here.
I’m not person who pays lots of money for wine but the guy was so helpful to choose wine and I had one was great as the price.
Thank you so much!!!

Kermit is a legend in the wine world, because he imports the best wines from the best parts of Europe (in my modest opinion), and brings them to Berkeley. How nice is that?
Clearly, my expectations were high and mostly met, except for the realization that the prices are definitely reflective of import costs — most bottles are $ 30 and up. The set-​up is very basic, with rows of wines displayed in boxes. It seems that their customers like to buy by the case, so they don’t need to do much unpacking. The selection is heavily French, with a bit of Italian too.
Truthfully, the shopping experience here is better suited for wine nerds who can decode the confusing French wine labels (they are labeled by appellation, not varietal, so you’ll need to know which grapes are grown in which region). Of course, there are cork dorks on staff who can help, but that can turn into a passionate schpeel you may not be bargaining for.
They throw amazing BBQ & wine parties, which I’ve only stumbled upon. Surely there must be a way to get invited to these things, but I haven’t figured it out.
Euro wines are worth the splurge and Kermit has made a living off that fact. Visit him!

I don’t know that much about wine, but my husband is a oenophile. However Kermit Lynch is located in the perfect place for us since it is in the SAME parking lot as Acme Bread and I just happen to be a lover of all things bread related.
That being said Kermit Lynch is known for having great French and Italian wines. If you are in the area you owe it to yourself to stop by and check it out. Everyone needs a bottle (or two) of burgundy. Afterwards, go to Acme and pick up a loaf of delicious bread, you can thank me later.
We stopped by on a Friday afternoon and just parked on the street (metered). The parking lot is small, but the turnover seemed to be pretty quick.

Fabulous wine shop in Berkeley; we went out of our way to come here as they import one of our favorite French Beaujolias wines. We ended up purchasing many more Beaujolias thanks to the helpful staff who recommended great selections based on what we liked.
I did not find anything intimidating about the place, maybe because I was on a mission to find a specific hard to locate wine! Great shop, I only wished they shipped to NY!

This store has atmosphere — it’s almost like walking into a winery or wine cellar. It can be overwhelming and intimidating — with so many winery names and varieties that are unfamiliar, you have to nab the staff and confess to your California-​centrism and begin the process of naming wineries and varietals that you like so they can make suggestions. Their suggestions, of course, are bang on. The prices are a bit high, making this more of a special occasion splurge for me.
Do yourself the favor of popping in here and expanding your wine horizons!