The interior of Urban Wines (photo: Allyson Shiffman)
Urban Wines. (Photo: Allyson Shiffman)
The opening of a new wine store is always cause for celebration, particularly if it boasts a healthy selection of bottles under $15, daily tastings and signage featuring Walter White. That’s precisely what you get with Urban Wines, which opened this past Saturday on First Avenue between Second and Third Streets.
“Every day I like to have a glass of wine,” says owner Jorge Arias. “So I open a bottle and share it with the customers.”
Arias, a wine lover who has been in the business for 10 years  (he opened Bushwick beer and wine destination The Sampler last year), personally selected his wines while travelling through Italy and France. He sought out smaller vineyards — those that can’t produce in large enough quantities for bigger retailers. Urban Wines will also offer a selection of American craft spirits, some that are produced locally in Brooklyn. “We like to support the local brewers,” he says. “We want to be a part of it.”
As for the charming signage, that comes courtesy of affable shopkeeper Mike Morcerf – a self-proclaimed Breaking Bad enthusiast.
(Photo: Allyson Shiffman)
Urban Wines, 45 First Ave., bet. Second and Third Streets, (212) 477-1003