September 20, 2009
I agree with everything that’s been written in these reviews about North Market - it’s a must-see destination for anyone going to Columbus, full of different vendors of high-quality prepared food and groceries. And a trip to North Market wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t spend some time browsing the great selection of singles and small-packs at the entrance to Grapes of Mirth. However, as you’d guess from the name, it’s really a wine store. The cold six-packs are pretty obviously an afterthought, squirreled away in the back corner and containing mostly things you’d find in any worthwhile grocery store. So, on a beer site, I can’t give Grapes of Mirth the high rating I might give on a tourist destination or wine drinkers’ site.

September 13, 2009
Stopped in here finally yesterday in the midst of an Ohio State game that flooded downtown Columbus with people. Located in North Market, which might be my favorite destination in Columbus, it has it’s on little niche on the left side as you walk in the doors. It’s a small little space but it packs a punch with the amount of brewers it showcases. My friend and I picked up a saison Fantome, Lagunitas Lucky 13, Cantillon Iris, Hoppin’ Frog Frog’s Hollow Double Pumpkin, Cantillon Classic Gueze, St. Bernardus Tripel, Ouerbier Stille Nacht and Stone RIS. Helpful staff, lots of other fun stuff to look around, it’s tiny so you have to maneuver carefully through the racks. We went the same day as the microbrew fest but didn’t stay -- I’d been DD last year for friends and the selection wasn’t so hot and it was the same line-u this year. They also had one bottle left (as display) of the Alesmith/Mikkeler/Stone Belgian Style Tripel. Had a bunch of Cantillon, some 3 Fontenien and De Ranke Kriek. North Market itself is absolutely awesome. I’m a total sucker for markets and this one met and exceeded my expectations, very large, friendly, kids and families all over the place, great food, hot sauce spot, produce and flowers. Can’t wait to go back again this weekend.

October 8, 2008
How the hell has this place not yet been rated. It is a very cool market (like a Whole Foods) with great food and delicious aromas in the air... not to mention an awesome beer selection. The selection is not that huge but is very high quality. I dont remember exactly what they had, but I saw 2 different Struises there (for 6 bucks a pop!). Lots of singles (11.2 oz, 12.oz, bombers, and 750 ml) and some 6 packs. They hosted the Columbus Micro Brew Festival, which I went to last night and which is still going on tonight. Very cool family friendly spot, and it is HUGE. For me, it is now joining From The Vine as a definite stop in Columbus from now on. (Update) just went today and found some great deals including 6.99 on struiselensis (sp). They have almost all cantillon available in the states and plenty of other belgians. Alesmith speedway and numbskull, De Dolle Teve, and plenty others I wasn’t expecting. Not a huge selection but good for sure.

August 24, 2008
Best selection I could find within walking distance of my hotel. I am a little concerned about the likelihood of the beer being light struck. I bought several things that enabled me to avoid two things. 1) the walk to the Bodega, and 2) the crazy hotel bar prices. PS, the food in the North Market is very nice.

August 1, 2008
Thank You to Beervirgin for showing me this place.I loved this place it was in.It was located inside a shopping center that catered alot of cool, gourmet foods.The wine selection was larger, but the beer they had was awesome.Picked up ST Cherry Saison, Stone Bittersweet Chocolate, and Horny Devil to name a few.They also had a brand new local mead from Brothers Drake.Can’t wait to go back.Thank you Dawn

June 18, 2008
Across from Barley’s ale house in a plaza of boutiques. Mostly a wine boutique store, with a good small selection of most of the best beers that come through the area. Picked up some Alesmith, Hoppin’ Frog, and other locals like Bison. Attractive, fair location, decent hours. Good for a quick pick up of stuff, and convenient for getting other groceries etc. Certainly better than shopping in most supermarkets. Good service.Fair prices.

May 20, 2008
Located in some kind of marketplace building with other food speciality business. Very small store and the wine occupies more than half of the space. Super friendly service. The selection is limited but it is a nice selection. Seems to be a recurrent theme in those north-center states, small beer stores but not crap. I was able to score a few bottles (JP Bière de Mars, Hopping Frog Silky Porter, Signature Ale, others) that I didn’t see in the bigger From The Vine a bit up north Columbus or the Rozi’s up in Cleveland. You won’t find any rare beer there as the selection is limited and I don’t think they have much stock-room but the store is well-located, the service is super-friendly and the selection is pleasantly small.

April 5, 2008
usually have rare finds. Great selection of saisons, lambics and Belgians. Always find something rare. Also has vintage beet if you ask. Great location at north market in Cbus.

March 27, 2008
I was in the greater Columbus area for some work stuff and a fine gentleman from The Other Site clued me in that Grapes might have one remaining 4-pack of KBS. Indeed, he was right, so I headed down there with a friend and found a really wonderful nook of boozy splendor in Columbus’ North Market. The fine fellow (whose name I’m sorry I didn’t catch) working was knowledgable, pleasant, and made this visit very fine. Also picked up a couple local bombers. Good vibe, great selection, a must visit in C-bus. Rock on.

December 6, 2007
Located in the market which seemed like a real cool place to shop for everything. Selection isn’t huge but then again neither is the space but it’d be a place you’d find some odd rarity at. They also had a nice wine selection and some meads. It is what it is about 20 square feet of alcohol.