Stew Leonard’s Wine & Spirits

Now and again I get the urge to sip a fine bourbon — neat — like they do in Kentucky. There’s something primal and patriotic about getting a buzz on this way.
I’m not a bourbon connoisseur, but my twenty something son is – and he rates all sorts of whiskies online for an obscure google-​like start up in California — and hooks me up with a rolling 10 best bourbon list now and again. My latest fave is Blanton’s. Heaven in your mouth I tell ya …
To my surprise, Stew Leonard’s carries most of his list (many area competitors do not) — at reasonable prices. Bourbon is my main reason for Stew-​ing because I can linger and browse in the niche spirits corner of the store without being addled by pesky sales staff.
However — If you choose to ogle their wine selection — you risk interaction with bombastic, wine shtick peddling know-​it-​alls. I can handle this effeteness at a vineyard or winery — but not so much at suburban liquor stores. Of course, if they are pouring free samples — I say — let it rip and I will sip. Stew’s does offer wine tastings periodically and that helps mute the up-​sell chatter.
When my stock of preferred bourbons runs low — this is where I come to re-​up. If that’s your thing, it’s worth the trip.

Umm the place to go to get your weekly wine that helps you live through another Bergen County week. But seriously good place. Has good selection, never crowded and good prices. Plus it’s right next to Trader Joes. Go get that Hummus and drink your problems away! Just wish it was in the same lot as Trader Joes. Also 17 traffic sucks!

If you like craft beer, this shop has a great selection. The staff is very educated across all liquor and beer, and the prices are decent. Total wines has a bigger selection, but this place is closer to my house, a lot smaller and less packed, and on the way home from work. They have a huge wine selection as well. Try this place out if you live near by.

I came in for a couple bottles of wine and left with six. I believe the individual who helped me was Norm. What a great guy who knew his wines and was very friendly. This store has a huge selection and fair prices

Excellent selection. Decent customer service. Best people to ask for are Norm and Jess (if she’s still there). Was glad when Stew’s started bringing in more craft beer choices. Only knock is that it can be a bit pricey, but that hasn’t stopped me from shopping there.

Decent selection and good pricing. The staff is knowledgeable.
Good selection of wine and beer, but they don’t always have whatever I’m looking for. But then, the stuff I’m looking for is usually only available at the Super Buy Rite in JC or Hasbrouck Heights Beer & Wine Emporium.
But this is a good stop for whenever I just need a common beer/​other form of alcohol, especially since it’s on my way home.

They have great deals and a small walkway to their lot from Trader Joe’s parking lot. Also, They’re open 7 days! Give it a try next time you’re in Paramus.

They have a great selection! The labels above the wines are EXTREMELY helpful in identify the type of wine you are looking for. They have a pretty good variety. You can get a discount if you order in bulk (not that I have a drinking problem). Parking was easy. You can just pull right in and right back out on the hwy! The staff was very helpful. Hell the girl at the checkout counter asked for my ID so I will be going back since she thought I looked so young!

Anytime I go through Paramus on Route 17 N, I stop in for a quick look at the beer section.
This store was well out in front of others in the area (with exception of Ramsey Liquors) with regards to its craft beer selection. While they still have solid selection, other stores have caught up and it has been a while since I have found something unique. Prices are fair and, as noted in other reviews, customer service on the floor is helpful.

Great customer service on the floor, not so much at the cashier level.
Awesome selection of wines with great advice. The beer selection is a little weak compared to the Clifton location, but still good none the less.
I purchased a box of wine (don’t judge, it’s science) it tasted very off. I brought it back to the store 3 days later, bob the manager gave me no problems, hey even had the wine guy taste (and spit of course) and he said it was a little off. I got a new box with no problems. Really great and hassle free.
And it’s also right next to trader joes!!!

Hit Or Miss With Information From Staff Nice Store Selection Is Average
I find the Stew Leonards stores to be easy to navigate and above average in appearance and cleanliness, this is my main appeal to this chain. Depending on location the inventory vary’s, with this one in the middle of the road.
In search of a sour beer I spent a bit of time looking over the craft beer selection which was somewhat limited, but not bad. Had a few questions and found I needed to weed out the employees here to find someone with a bit of knowledge.
Left feeling indifferent

The wine selection is smaller than Total Wines in Hackensack, but you can’t beat the location. For those heading home, having a location right on 17 North is perfect. Aside from wine, you’ll also fine liquor and beer. You’ll also notice a section for vintage wines as well.
I’m a big fan of Malbecs, and living in California exposes me to a lot of places that sell this variety. Finding similar makers in New Jersey is a challenge. Total Wines has more inventory, but Stew Leonard’s does carry a few brands – of which I’ve never heard of.
Their imports cover the gamut of major wine producing countries. From Spain to New Zealand, you’ll find a dozen or so makers from each country. Pricing is affordable too. Actually, most of the bottles are very affordable, so you can be adventurous and try a different bottle on each visit. And selection is broad enough that you can go a few months without ever repeating.
Just don’t come here looking for Macallan 21.
Or obscure Malbecs…

Stew Leonard’s Wine. What can I say about this place. It is new and clean. I guess that is a positive. The beer selection is mediocre; the liquor selection is very basic, absolute, patron, captain Morgan’s, etc. The big draw for them is the wine selection, which is slightly above average.

«Headache inducing. One knowledgeable guy; four other staff who don’t know anything. Good enough if you want to pick up some bud or other boring brew. Prepare to wait otherwise.»

Diverse selection with a reasonable perspective on pricing– even the expensive section is still decently priced. The staff is helpful and friendly. The only reason Stew Leonard’s loses a star is the lack of space. The range of wines, beers and spirits suggests they have stellar buyers; however, the lack of physical space in the store seems to impede them from offering great depth. Nonetheless, unique offerings at a good price make this a «can’t miss» for almost every wine/​beer/​spirits aficionado.

I got some great advice about choosing Rieslings from an extremely knowledgable employee. My boyfriend thought the guy was BSing me, but I took his advice, bought the more expensive wine and it turned out to be perhaps the best Riesling we’ve ever tasted!
Stew Leonard’s has a huge variety of wine and beer. They also offer an assortment of snacks including fresh cheese to go with your beverages.

HIGHLY AFFORDABLE!
I LOVE THIS PLACE!
We have a friend who owns a liquor store and gave us discounts. I thought that was great until I saw the prices were even cheaper here!
Great EVERYTHING selection, you are almost guaranteed to find what you need in this place. Just check it out, you’ll probably run around like a kid in a candy store if it is your first time.

Having been to their wine store in Yonkers rather frequently, I was hoping that this lived up to the same hype… it did! They have a vast array of wines and liquors and their prices are on par with the cheap places, if not even cheaper.
I will say though that when I went last year I wasn’t thrilled with their beer selection so I’ve been reluctant to go again. However, this past time I went, they have definitely added a ton of floor space dedicated to local brews. Sure they have their big timers (Bud and Coors) but now they have a ton more local stuff, and handcrafted ales. Highly recommend no matter if you’re a fan of beer, wine, or liquor!

I have to give Stew Leonard’s a ton of credit. When they first opened a few years ago, their wine selection was quite extensive but they really missed the boat on carrying a good variety of beers.
I recently returned to find that they totally revamped their beer section. It is now stocked with premium six packs and a highly rated single bottles from top micro brews throughout the country. They have introduced a rack of their preferred beer and written up in-​store reviews for the beers. I was impressed with this turn around, since the beer selection at the Total Wine’s in River Edge has really lost something in the past few months.
Try out Stew Leonards in Paramus. You won’t be disappointed if you are a beer lover!

I pretty much have a set schedule when I get on Route 17: Stew Leonard’s for wine, Trader Joe’s for food, and Crate & Barrel for kitchen gadgets (that I don’t need). I always stock up on a mixed case of wine to get the 10% discount — I always get a few of each:
— Serranobile Dolcetto d’Alba
— Laurel Cellars /​Willamette Valley /​Palette Ridge Pinot Noir
— Cote du Rhone
— Pinot Grigio
They also have liquor, a decent beer selection (including Belgians and microbreweries), and cheese/​snacks (I find myself circling when they have good cheese samples out).

Holy grapes Batman, we’re surrounded by wine! That’s what the boy wonder would say if he visited Stew Leonard’s Wines… but then, what would he buy?
If you’re not looking for anything in particular, good luck! There is so much wine here it’s overwhelming. But perhaps that’s a good thing, because you’ll be sure to find a particular type, red or white, or whatever, and either chose from the bottom shelf with the most ‘bang for your buck’, OR top shelf… sexy bottles that’ll almost guarantee «ohs & ahs» from friends & fam.
If you need snacks to go with a purchase, like cheese & crackers, you’ll be sure to find it here too. Great prices, great wine — just — great!