The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, even if it is socially distanced this year — and of course, what better way to celebrate than with a bottle of wine from Sparrow Wine & Liquor Co. at the dinner table. The mission of the Hoboken-local wine and liquor store is to bring Hudson County the world’s best and most interesting wines and spirits along with an emphasis on value.
Owner Armando Luis says “whether it’s craft bourbon for your favorite millennial, a classic single malt Scotch for Dad, or the latest hot product on the market such as tequilas with phenomenal packaging, we have the perfect gift for you.” Lucky for the residents of Hoboken, Sparrow Wine has it all. Read on to learn more about the history of Sparrow Wine & Liquor Co. and everything it has to offer.
Find the Perfect Gift
You might not think of wine as a personalized gift but given the expansive collection at Sparrow Wine, there is bound to be something uniquely fit for almost anyone on your event calendar or holiday shopping list. From parents and siblings to friends and coworkers, the knowledgeable, passionate staff at Sparrow will help you find something catered to each person.
At the uptown store, ask for Javier for wine recommendations, and Armando if you are at the downtown location. Resident craft beer expert, Lazaro is also available to share his personal opinion on the extensive selection of craft beer. If a product you are looking for is not available, contact 201-659-1501 or email customerservice@sparrowine.com for requests.
Gift Ideas
One gift recommendation is Single Malt Scotch. The stigma of scotch has shifted from a spirit old-timers enjoy to attracting younger consumers and men and women alike. According to the experts at Sparrow Wine, Single Malt Scotch Whisky must be made exclusively from malted barley, must be distilled using pot stills at a single distillery, and must be aged for at least three years in oak casks.
Sparrow has a broad selection of sparkling wines from all around the world. “Every holiday celebration is enhanced with delicious, elegant bubbles and there is hardly a more luxurious gift than fine champagne. We are confident you’ll find something special,” says Javier Martinez, the Wine Director at Sparrow Wine & Liquor Co.
For the beer drinker or coworker on your list, consider the Duvel Gift 4-Pack with Collectible Glass. Duvel is a natural beer with a subtle bitterness, a refined flavor, and a distinctive hop character. The unique brewing process, which takes about 90 days, guarantees a pure character, delicate effervescence, and a pleasant sweet taste of alcohol.
Sparrow Wine has its own Elf on the Shelf. Tröegs Mad Elf Ale is perfect for the holiday season. The cheerful ruby red creation is reminiscent of ripened cherries, raw honey, and cocoa with notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice.
A gift card from Sparrow Wine, available at both locations, would make a great White Elephant or Secret Santa gift. They can only be used for in-store purchases but they never expire.
From Prohibition Cigar Co to Modern Wine Merchant
The company was founded during the prohibition era in 1922 as Sparrow Cigar Company in bustling downtown Hoboken. By the start of the war, the store had become one of the leading tobacco retailers in New Jersey and had expanded into liquor.
The Luis family bought the store in 1977, by which time liquor was the bigger part of the business. When Armando took over in 1986, he shifted the emphasis to fine wine. During the ’90s the store was acclaimed as one of the finest wine shops in the greater New York area by major wine and food publications — and still continues to hold that legacy in town.
The Hoboken flagship store in uptown Hoboken opened in 1999 on the renovated northern waterfront at the old Bethlehem Shipyards with 6,000 square feet and a beautiful view of New York City.
Today, the store remains one of the leading and most respected wine and spirit merchants in New Jersey. Their commitment is to continue to provide customers with the best and most exciting wines and spirits from all corners of the globe.
The uptown store is located at 1224 Shipyard Lane and the downtown shop is at 126 Washington Street. Guests can even take a virtual tour of both locations.
Ordering Online is Hassle-Free
Local customers can order online for delivery within an hour. The website is user-friendly and informative, allowing you to search for wine by varietal, country, region, subregion, vintage, rating, and price. Prices range from $20 to $299 a bottle with the average being around $30-$50. Sparrow Wine also offers beer, spirits, mixers, and hard seltzer.
Wine Delivered for $5
Delivery within Hoboken is $5 or FREE for purchases over $100. Deliveries in Jersey City require a minimum order of $50 for a $5 delivery fee, which is waived for purchases over $150. Delivery details for other areas, including outside Hudson County are available here. When accepting a delivery order you must have a valid I.D. in hand.
Who is left on your shopping list this holiday season? Sparrow Wine might be the answer to those final gifts!
