It was early June when Pennsylvania drinkers cheered Governor Tom Wolf’s signature on Act 39. In addition to several other tweaks to PA’s outdated liquor code, the law made sales of wine by the bottle legal in places that aren’t Fine Wine & Good Spirits outlets, such as (gasp) the grocery store or your neighborhood bar.
Things never move quickly when state government’s involved, but there’s good news. Though it took several months for the proper licenses to be applied for and approved, things are beginning to rock.
Selection varies widely — some restaurants are offering just a handful, while some supermarkets’ shelves rival the state stores. Also, price is likely to be on the high side, because there’s no real wholesale discount. But, this is all about convenience.
As of today, here are the 14 Philly places in Philly selling wine bottles to go.
Jet Wine Bar
Jill Weber’s South Street West global wine mecca is currently offering eight varieties to go, including three red, three white, one sparkling and one rosé. 1525 South St.
Tria Fitler Square, Tria Rittenhouse, Tria Wash West
All three cafes are putting their whole bottle list up for grabs, which means somewhere between 25 and 30 choices. At the Saturday Fitler Square farmers market, you can taste before you buy. 2227 Pine St.; 123 S. 18th St.; 1137 Spruce St.
Local 44
This well-stocked West Philly bottle shop is known for quality over quantity in beer, and appears to be going for that with wine too. Ten red, 10 white and two sparkling options available to go. 4333 Spruce St.
Clarkville
The Cedar Park crowd can stop by this bi-level pizza bar and pick from two whites and three reds to go. 4301 Baltimore Ave.
Hawthornes
The rows of beer fridges at this Bella Vista cafe are now complemented by around 20 different wines for take-out sale. Several are also available online — place your order and they’ll show up at your door. 732-42 S. 11th St.
Bistro Romano
There’s a huge wine cellar at this Headhouse Square Italian restaurant, and no set limitations. Just come in, tell the staff what you’re looking for, and let them guide you to the right bottle. 120 Lombard St.
Di Bruno Bros. Franklin
It was just a few months ago this outpost of the gourmet grocer added beer, and now it’s onto wine. For now, there are around 20 options, but expect that number to grow. 834 Chestnut St.
Grant Avenue Takeout
This craft beer bottle shop in the Northeast is easing into wine slowly, starting with four or five types. 1900 Grant Ave.
Oregon Avenue Acme
Head to the “Frosted Mug” beer garden section of the supermarket to find approximately a dozen reds, a dozen whites and 15 or so sparkling options that range from prosecco to moscato. 1901 Johnston St.
West Philly Fresh Grocer
In the beer section of this supermarket next to the Penn campus are around 50 wine varieties waiting to be taken home. 4001 Walnut St.
Bustleton Acme
There’s more space out in the Northeast, so this outpost of the Frosted Mug carries around 80 different wines by the bottle. 920 Red Lion Rd.
Richmond Bottle Shop
The beer store connected to the IGA Super Market is at the top of the supermarket vino game, with more than 100 options curated by the Philadelphia Wine School. 2497 Aramingo Ave.
