NOTE: the building Bella Vino is in as of August 2012 is going to be redeveloped at the end of 2012. Stopped by on a Tuesday afternoon right after visiting Jackie O’s. This was a 10 minute pleasant walk from the center of Athens. Smaller shop, though plenty of room to move around. The beer selection had a few local beers and some national craft. Seemed a bit picked over, but there were a couple of beers I was happy to find. Service was great, fun little shop.

Nothing at all special in its selection, but worth a visit if in the area. I dislike you cannot purchase singles from the 4-packs in which they came in, and I also wasn’t particularly thrilled on their hours. Small space but was used with tremendous effect. Building’s nice, too. All in all, a nice place to shop for Ohio brews and stuff nearby but nothing overly special.It did manage to spawn Brooklyn Chocolate Stout when nowhere else in Athens had them. That’s something, I think.

Stopped in here during one of Jackie-O’s bottle releases. Surprisingly, the guy I brought with me, the guy behind the counter, and myself were the only people in here the entire time I was there. Beer is almost all refrigerated, and most six/four packs are eligible for adding to the build your own six pack fridge. Selection isn’t that expansive, but I was able to find a few things I hadn’t seen at my local bottle shop. The guy behind the counter was very knowledgeable of what was in stock, and was able to guide us to a section I might not have otherwise noticed. Pricing was about what I would expect anywhere else. The parking lot is a little small, and I think it’s shared with the neighboring laundromat, but that really isn’t an issue if they only get a few customers at a time. Overall, my experience here was fantastic.

As an Alum I would frequently be looking for new places to buy beer, it so happens that Bella vino would accommodate me and even let me buy beer by the case (hopslam) able to find a few things anytime i went never rarities but always quality beer, turn around can be an issue as not many college kids were buying DFH 90 min so beware of freshness

It’s great to have a reputable craft beer store in Athens, I wasn’t even aware of this place until several years after I’ve lived in this town. They allow you to mix your own six-pack for $10, using any 12oz bottle that they have under $10/6pk, something I always appreciate. The first time I was in there I asked for Stone 15 and they did not have it. When I came in next week, I turns out they ordered it after I told them I was looking for it, and they had bottles waiting for me - I really appreciated that, since I’ve visited 5+ of my favorite beer stores in vain looking for that brew. It’s a small place, with a primary focus on wine, but they have a great beer selection, that is 2nd only to massive Kroger in the area (who really stepped up their game this year)

Stopped by after my visit to Jackie O’s. Small place. It has its own parking and it looks like its plenty. Prices were OK. Small beer selection but lots of Ohio beer. The shopkepper was pleasant.

(Visited 10/2009): Stopped in on my way to Jackie O’s the last time I was passing by Athens. This small shop is located on Stimson which is off Rte 50 on the way in to the OU campus. There is a small private lot. Inside the beer is conveniently located in coolers right near the entrance. There is a smaller cooler right by the door that appears to have more seasonal selections, while the remaining space is devoted to bombers and six packs. There are many regional brewers like GLBC and Bell’s along with other domestic micros from Brooklyn, Southern Tier, Stone, Bear Republic and more. As for imports there is representation from the UK, Germany, Belgium and others. Service was very friendly on a late weekday morning. The shopkeep was well-versed in the beers and was helpful. Overall I see no reason not to stop in here on any future visit to Athens.

The staff is great! If you are a wine novice they are more than willing to help make a selection. Their beer selection is quite good for a small southeast Ohio town, and you can make your own 6-pack out of select beers.

Best place to get craft beer within 45 minutes of Athens. Although her biggest seller is wine there is a fair selection of beer. All of her beer is refrigerated and most of her beer is a good value. She does limited sixer mixers.

Mainly a little wine store that does carry some good quality craft beers. Not a huge selection with the focus on OH and Bells beers but the service is very good and the store is nice, being local is a plus. Obviously the wine selection is one of the best around.