Social Wines – Cambridge

Social Wines is a Central Square, Cambridge shop built around a thoughtful and uncommon selection and a friendly, no-intimidation feel. The owners opened it to be the kind of store they would want to shop in themselves. The staff only stock bottles they have tried and think are a good fit, and they never sell a product because it helped a salesperson win a golf trip or meet a sales goal.

The shop concentrates on smaller producers, on the view that they are still selling their passion, and it avoids gimmicks or fads when suggesting bottles. Staff aim to be transparent and straightforward, and they make a point of never talking down to customers, recognizing that everyone’s knowledge is different and growing. The owners say they love it when customers stop in to tell them about something they recently tried.

What to Know

• The shop sells beer and spirits as well as wine.
• Dogs are welcome in the store.
• It is listed by the Central Square Business Improvement District.