Bottle shops in DE?

Are you going to have a car?
If so, there is a Total Wine in Wilmington. Never been to that location, but the one in Claymont is about 15 minutes north on 95 and has a pretty good variety.
If you go south on 95 for about 20 or 25 minutes, you can get to State Line Liquors in Elkton, MD. Worth the trip if you have the time and a car. Note that you'll have to go through a $4.00 toll booth both directions if you head for State Line.

 

DFH abundant and great prices at Total Wine!

 

I second this,

Otherwise Total Wine is good. State Line is in MD, and they will have different stuff than Wilmington, so worth a stop there. Lots of DuClaws, Heavy Seas both will have a lot of Dogfish Heads. DE doesn't get Bell's or Founders, bring some with you and make friends.

 

I'll third Total Wine if you don't have much time... However, State Line is incredible... They've got a solid selection of domestic micro brews, but there selection of foreign offerings is unmatched...

 

Yeah, like everyone here has said, Total Wine Claymont and State Line are the two places with the largest selections. Also, you're pretty close to a few nice places in the Philly Market. Closest to North Wilmington would be Pinocchio's in Media, PA. Only about 20 miles north. Should be able to find something Russian River and Lost Abbey.

 

You can also avoid the toll if you want too. Let me know if your interested and I can send you in the right direction...

 

State Line in Elkton definitely has a better selection than Total Wine. Don't get me wrong, I like Total Wine but if you can get to Elkton, do it.

 

Depending on where you are in Wilmington, there's a nice bottle shop right nearby in Greenville, DE that had a pretty nice selection for a smaller shop - Wine & Spirit co (http://wineandspiritco.com/). Definitely had some unique items from Total Wine.

 

How would I do that? I head down from the Philly 'burbs every 6-8 weeks, and adding 8.00 each time blows.
Does the alternate route add much time?
Thanks

 

Alternate route probably adds 5 minutes. I get off at Rt. 896 (last exit in DE). There are a few backways to get you there.

From google maps:

27.6 mi​

11.​

Take exit 1B to merge onto DE-896 N/S College Ave toward Newark

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1.0 mi​

12.​

Turn left onto E Chestnut Hill Rd/Christiana Pkwy
Continue to follow Christiana Pkwy

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1.4 mi​

13.​

Turn left onto DE-2 W/Elkton Rd
Continue to follow Elkton Rd
Entering Maryland

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The back way is great, one more thing about stopping at State Line, they have a public restroom, so if you are with your lady friends or kids who need the bathroom, it makes it an even better stop. Also, if you sign up for State Line's email list you get a variety of discounts, I know on bottles of wine, and I think bombers and 6 packs.

 

If driving, it's only a small detour to hit Pinocchio's and Total Wine on the way in. And a small detour to hit State Line on the way back home (probably 25 minutes more in each case). You will get the best of PA, DE and MD selection in about an hour extra driving. I hope your car has plenty of room...

 

Awesome---thanks for the info

 

Just a note that transporting beer (and wine, spirits) into PA is illegal. Mentioning it in case the OP is unaware.

 

You say you have no time to hit bars or breweries but if you are right in Wilmington proper the Iron Hill on the waterfront has an exclusive series of bottled "reserve" beers. Would take no more then 10 minutes to get in and out.

 

Yes, seriously - PA law. I believe some other states have limits on amounts, but PA allows none. Again, just thought it fair to mention it.

http://noplcb.blogspot.com/2009/10/yes-they-will-bust-you-for-it.html