Just Released: The Summer Wine Foundation
The Wine Finder
Looking for a specific wine? If it is located anywhere in the U.S.A., we can find it for you! Just type in the winery name and hit "Search". Good Hunting!
PLCB Wine Finder
This search engine is designed to find wines in Pennsylvania (PLCB) Wine Shops. Type in the name of the producer of the wine only. For instance, if you are looking for Lail Vineyards 2002 Cuvee, you would type in "Lail" and click on search. Fo
The database can find the store closest to you that has the wine you are searching for. To do this in the Pennsylvania database, click on the "code" to the left of the wine you like. You should write down this code, as it will be very handy when going to the store.
For wine ratings, food and wine pairings, and general wine information check out the school's "Read" section: wine ratings & reviews.
We have a new second location in Old City! Check out our debut classes here.
The PLCB Wine Story
Looking for a small independent wine shop in Philadelphia? You'll have to drive all the way to New Jersey to find one. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) controls all wine sales throughout the state. Founded in 1934 with the repeal of Prohibition, the PLCB is the sole retailer of wine and spirits in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beer is not apart of the legislation, and can be purchased in privately run "beer distribution" outlets and select restaurants.
Many wine enthusiasts point to the high cost of wine and lack of knowledgeable customer service in PLCB stores. Several movements to allow competition in wine sales have floundered in recent years. Academics and critics have pointed out that the state legislature is unlikely to pass laws allow for free trade, since the PLCB funnels millions upon millions of dollars into state, county, and city coffers.
The advent of "Chairman Selections" "Sommelier Selections" and "Premium Value" sales have offset many of the complaints regarding wine pricing in the Wine & Spirits Shoppes. With pricing that is often well below retail, and sometimes actually lower than wholesale prices, the programs have been a resounding success. The Wine School issues a free wine newsletter featuring the best choices available in the PLCB stores. The School also issues wine ratings and reviews online.
While the PLCB is the sole retailer of wine and spirits in Pennsylvania, it does not control importing and distributing channels.
The industry of the wine trade, namely the wholesale movement and trade in wine & spirits is still privately run. The state must buy the majority of its product from independent and national wine distributors.
The PLCB is the largest wine buyer in the United States and one of the top two wine buyers in the world. The other major international wine buyer is Liquor Control Board of Ontario.