“Recently just moved back to Amesbury from Boston after 21 years. I was very happy to know that they are still in business after so many years and of my being gone for 21 years and they are still here?
There's nothing quite like going into small family owned town grocery stores, where the employees become family and they always keep their prices down.”
“One of the best selections of wine anywhere on the North Shore, coupled with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. The prices are very competitive. Can’t really ask for more!”
8:30AM - 5:30PM
127 High St, Ipswich
Liquor Stores
“Ive been a wine guide for 6 1/2 years and it has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I made a complete career change, as a single mother, and am much more fulfilled than I ever was before. I have the freedom and flexibility that I always dreamed of, and have made so many friends along the way. We have such a supportive tribe and we have so much fun together. The wine is top notch and so is the experience that we provide to our customers and hosts they keep coming back for more, which keeps this business sustainable and fun for us.”
9AM - 10PM
23 Enon St, Beverly
Liquor Stores
“Meandering store with lots of treasures we can't find in NH. Prices on many items were better. Knowledgeable staff and you'll probably run into a friendly vendor offering tastings.”
“Im not sure how they will earn the 5th star but their getting close.
Idk who was running the counter on 12/11/24 at 6-7 pm but i thank them for their suggestion the drink i bought is way better than the one I came in to purchase.
Came in for jack daniels honey and left with wild turkey honey, 0 regret.”
11AM - 6PM
1 N Main St, Ipswich
Liquor Stores
“Been a loyal customer for years, love all their offerings. The assortment of balsamic vinegars is a staple in our home along with the spices. Friendly and inviting as a business that appreciates their customers. Thank you!”
“The Butchery is a top-notch spot for premium meats, deli items, and gourmet groceries. Whether you're picking up a perfectly marbled steak or a delicious sandwich from the deli, you're guaranteed freshness and flavor. It’s a great place for anyone who appreciates fine meats and specialty foods!”
“Leary's the best liquor store in all of Massachusetts. Their variety is unparalleled & everyone there is so sweet and helpful. Andrew knows everything about every drop of alcohol that comes through that place, he's the best, with Stacey as a very close second. They also have a great deli and cheese selection. Come on down as they often have beer, wine and liquor tastings throughout the week.”
“This is hands-down my favorite liquor store in the area—not just because of the great selection and fair prices, but because of the incredibly kind man who works there on Sunday. He’s always welcoming, helpful without being pushy, and genuinely a pleasure to chat with. Whether I’m grabbing a bottle of wine for dinner or picking up something new to try, he always makes the experience feel personal. It’s the kind of place where you actually enjoy stopping in. Highly recommend!”
“Great store. We only really looked at the wines, but the selection was fantastic and the prices reasonable. Clearly their spirit selection was good, but we only went for wine.”
7AM - 10PM
14 Plum Island Turnpike a, Newbury
Liquor Stores
“This store has grocery, snacks, surf boards, and incredible selection of wine. Staff is friendly and knowledgable about the area. There are comfy tees and hoodies, hats, and so much more for sale. When I visit this store I feel at home and nothing is more important to me than that (and a great glass of wine to sip while watching the sunset, let's be real). The prices are reasonable- in fact, lower than expected considering we are on an island, so I appreciate not having to make a trek into town.”
“Excellent selection. Negative reviews on an early close during the ridiculous covid shutdowns doesn't properly review a business... who knows if there was a personal issue with staff?”
“My love letter to Grand Trunk Wine & Cheese.
As someone who comes from a fine dining and luxury hospitality background, I’ve walked into a lot of wine shops. Some dazzle with labels, others with architecture, but very few have what Grand Trunk Wine & Cheese in Newbury, Massachusetts has: Soul.
From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt it: that rare blend of warmth, care, and true expertise that can’t be faked. Angela and Jeremy are A1. Their kindness and knowledge come across not with fanfare, but with grace. Within 15 minutes (that’s all the time I had) I knew I’d found something special.
The shop itself is small, but beautifully curated. Every bottle and wedge of cheese feels intentionally chosen, not just for flavor or region, but for story. It’s clear Angela and Jeremy aren’t just stocking shelves — they’ve been to these places. They understand that a wine isn’t just a grape in a bottle, it’s a conversation with the soil, the climate, the winemaker’s hands. They respect that conversation deeply, and in doing so, invite you into it.
Their range of offerings is incredibly approachable, whether you’re stopping in for a casual weeknight wine or something more elevated, the focus remains consistent: quality, authenticity, and heart. And here’s what really stood out: they’re not salespeople. There’s no pressure. No pitch. No agenda. Just a genuine desire to match you with something you’ll love. That’s rare.
To those who have left one-star reviews…I’ll say this kindly but firmly: those words feel far from the truth I experienced. It’s a shame when small, family-run businesses, the very ones that shape the culture and charm of a town, are targeted by careless or baseless criticism. We should all be more mindful of the pen we carry and how we use it. Words have weight.
Angela and Jeremy strike me as the kind of people who would bend over backwards to make things right if something ever went wrong. But honestly? This place doesn’t need fixing. It needs celebrating.
So here’s my honest recommendation:
Stop reading this… and just Go. Walk in with curiosity. Tell them what you love, or simply why you’re there. If you’re unsure, they’ll guide you. If you’re confident, they’ll trust you.
Either way, you’ll walk out with something beautiful and likely want to stay longer next time.
This is what a small-town wine and cheese shop should feel like. No notes. Just gratitude.
You’ve earned a loyal customer.”
“Good liquor store when you need something in a pinch. Selection is a mile wide but an inch deep, so you're going to find something close to what you need.Surprised that there's sales people with samples given how small it is, but that's a treat. Staff is nice!”
“Abbie, the owner, puts her heart into this business and it shows. My colleagues and I wanted to send a care package to a team member from a local place. Many places in the area will not deliver, let alone same day. I called Joppa Fine Food at 11:30am and spoke directly with Abbie. She was lovely to speak with, said they would happily put something together and the gift was delivered within 2 hours. Amazing job Joppa Fine Foods team! Thank you for your amazing hospitality.”
9AM - 10PM
105 Elm St, Salisbury
Liquor Stores
“I've always liked this place because it's the best place to stock up right before you hit Salisbury Beach. Owners have turned over a couple of times over the years, but the selection is still great.”
“Wonderful people, great seasonal beer & excellent whiskey/bourbon year round. Add in the tastings hosted there & you always have a reason to stop in. Always great to support a local business too ??”
“These guys know their stuff! Great selection of wines and beers. They also carry some great mead! Always friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend this local, family run business!”
“Considering the size of the store they have a good collection of scotch and wines. We got the prisoner wine and Tomatin scotch. Both good brands. The staff also was very helpful.”
“I've only come across nice people here. The alcohol is regularly priced. (Not one of these rip off convenient stores.) Just a towny local liquor store with friendly people.”
“Ashley was so nice and friendly! Her customer service was outstanding, she checked on us and was ready to help at a moments notice! The store had a great selection as well!”
10AM - 9PM
49 Friend St, Amesbury
Liquor Stores
“Great local shop. I was very impressed with the inventory of bourbon, also had many great craft beers. They pack a lot of great stuff in a small store. Had a great conversation with the staff. Took advantage of a promotional deal. Will definitely be back again!”
“One of the best stores around. The prices and staff are incredible. They have everything that you are looking for. Besides the prices and staff, the place is very organized and clean.”
“Pretty good just one problem somethings the cashier Sometimes takes a little more than he s hold like you buy something 1.50$ and give him a 2$ he'll take like a extra 25 cents but other than that pretty good”
“This place has a wide collection of liquor. It has the best quality of beers and wine. Also I found many varieties of alcohol which was not available in Massachusetts. Even Old monk an Indian brand rum was available.”
“Sam turned this place around! Great to have a quality & convenient option where Newburyporters can duck in and out off Low St to quickly to get what they need. Beer and wine that you want and an excellent Bourbon selection. My new 'go-to'.”
“There was a time when I had to drive deep into the woods of Vermont and wait in line for four hours to get some of the best beers in the world. Those days are over, due in no small part to the proprietors of Route 1 Liquors, who have assembled a brilliant rotation of some of the finest ales being brewed in New England and beyond. It’s always a treat to stop by, peruse the shelves, enjoy some friendly conversation, and leave with a 4-pack of the best beer money can buy!”