Artale Wine Co.

Two visits, early August 2016. Small, narrow shop, very classy, very cramped - has a "big city" feel to it, actually, in that it reminds me of some smaller upscale shops I’ve seen in the more congested parts of Chicago, Boston and New York. The first thing I noticed going in was the little cheese cooler stocked with expensive goodies like Cypress Grove. Haven’t really looked at wines or spirits yet but expect it’s mostly high-end (at least for this area). The beer selection is definitely not as big as what you’d find at several other places, but they have stuff that I haven’t seen elsewhere, such as the Zenne Valley geuze & kriek. More Belgians than most local places - and essentially no macro junk. At least one employee here really knows his stuff also, which isn’t something I see at a lot of local establishments. Definitely not an every week stop for me - but just as definitely one to keep an eye on, and they’re doing free Belgian beer tastings every week, I’ll have to try to get to one of those.

Lower rating is only because its 80% (?) wine but a good supply of ales that are hard to find, not far from the Wi / Il border so I was able to get beer not available in Wisconsin. Looked like a real good supply of Mead and Ciders were also available.

best place to buy craft beer or spirits in rockford, no need to go anywhere else.

Best place, best service, and staff great products.

Wow, finally my town now has a great beer store-i found many beers that i have not been able to find in quite some time here. all seem to be in good condition and not old stock. staff is VERY helpful and knowledgeable. Huge props to this place! if you are in Rockford for any reason, check this place out!

Great little store. I came in here on a whim looking to find a case of GI BCS. No go, but ended up talking with a guy who I think was the owners son for about 2 hours. I left with a lot less than I wanted to because I had just tapped myself out at Binnys. I ended up grabbing a Rodenbach Grand Cru for a trade I was working on and a bottle of Clown Shoes Supa Hero that, at the time, was unadded to RB. Overall, great place. I can’t wait to come back.

I will keep this short and simple. Best beer/wine shop in Rockford. Best in the area. The Artales are great, if you don’t know what you want walking in, they will point you in the right direction.

This isn’t a bad place, it’s just that the store is predominately wine, then liquor, then in the back, some craft beers. There are finds to be had here, but most of the selection can be found at other stores nearby and for a better price. It’s worth stopping in to see what they have, but be sure to shop around too.