Paul Marcus Wines

A little while ago I read an article in the Chronicle about wine in 1 litre bottles and one of the wines specifically mentioned, Billy D's carignan, sounded like something I would like. I did a search and found it at Paul Marcus, but out of stock. They gave me the option to be notified when it was back in stock, so that's what I did. When the notification email arrived a couple of days ago I ordered one bottle. I was stunned at the shipping cost of $25, particularly when I checked its location and found it was in Oakland at Market Hall. Since it was so close I opted to pick it up, saving the $25.I stopped by today as part of my errands and was delighted to find a parking spot almost directly in front of the entrance. It had been intermittently raining, so I wanted to stay as dry as possible. I also avoided stops at the bakery and Market Hall Foods, to keep my load light. I found my way back to the wine shop, where I was helped by a lovely young woman who brought up my wine, put it in a paper bag and then in my handle bag. She bade me farewell, w/ a wish to stay warm and dry and I was on my way out in no time, staying both warm and dry on my way to the car and then home.

My go-to wine store. Not only do they have an amazing selection but their staff are super knowledgeable and they don't make wine buying an intimidating experience. Everyone is really helpful. They have been consistently open during the entire pandemic and for that I am grateful!

Paul Marcus is way too convenient... it's siren of delicious wine always calls to me as I exit the Rockridge Bart station. I try my best to look the other way, but it's right there... how can I resist?!? After being lured across the street, I enter a shop filled with a diverse range of offerings, both in price and varietals. The staff is friendly and always willing to give recommendations. On occasion, I have had specific requests and they have alerted me to when these wines have arrived. I appreciate their honesty, breadth of knowledge, and care when I have questions or requests. The prices are slightly higher than a few of the other shops in Oakland, but I don't mind paying for the convenience to have delicious wines available the moment I'm done with my commute. Cheers to Paul Marcus and their staff! Well done!

There seems to be a plethora of good specialty wine shops in the greater East Bay these days, of which Paul Marcus ranks right up there. But it does make me wonder how they can all stay in business, especially in this economy.Last Saturday, Gayle and I wandered around Market Hall and eventually worked our way towards Paul Marcus Wines near the back. Gayle's boss favours European wines and would be right at home here. A few strategically placed signs also point out that they also sell a nice selection of California wines. We ended up with a nice creamy Napa Chardonney (Madigan) and were impressed with the overall selection and the friendly, helpful, and relatively unpretentious service.

I know little about wine. However, I'm fortunate to have a friend that does and who is kind enough to send me a list of what to buy. The crew at Paul Marcus Wines are great! I just show them the list and we're all set to check out. When they have time, I receive a bit of advise on what I've purchased and suggestions of bottles that I might like as well. Very nice!

I was helped over the phone and in store while looking for an organic/biodynamic wine and I was pleasantly surprised! I bought a biodynamic certified Cotes du Rhone from France and it was an impressive $14 bottle! My wine class professor was impressed by my choice and I owe it all to the KIND man behind the counter. Thank you Paul Marcus Wines for the help and for the delicious beverage!! 10/10

My favorite wine store. I always get great recommendations and have been very happy with the fantastic wine I buy here. Highly recommend!

After working in the wine biz for quite a few years, I can appreciate the value of paying a couple extra bucks for bottle that was chosen by a real human - taste tested by a real human, in fact! - and guaranteed to be something more interesting than the $8 bottle from TJs. You know you're a grown up when your aim is no longer to find "drinkable" juice, but a wine you can close your eyes and have a moment with. Such is the case (get it?!) with shops like Paul Marcus. It's both convenient and annoying that they're located in bustling Market Hall. Yes, it makes for great one-stop dinner shopping, but the smell of fish wafting from the stall next door is not my fave. However, the gentlemen who work here are a delight to chat with, and my inner cork dork squeals with glee browsing the stacked boxes of Euro imports and asking subjective questions like "which would you say is more zingy and exciting?" They'll gladly play the question game. I left with two bottles of Rose, both $13.99 - a stoney Provencial which was the perfect partner for some figs, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction; and an Italian rose blend that sounded so exotic I had to try. I also spied some nice splits of champagne and craft ciders. It's so nice when a quick bottle errand turns into a casual conversation, exchange of preferences, and a "see you next time!" I could get used to this kind of Sesame Street community.

consistently understaffed. if you happen to be the unlucky person who does not shop on a consistent basis-you are ignored.the sad part is the store will stay open because they cater to the rich-not theaverage person

I'm very bummed to be writing this negative review. I live locally and was really excited to learn about this specialty wine shop. However, their pretentiousness and poor wine storage practices have ruined the experience for me.Two times now I have had to return bottles of wine that were spoiled. One was a Riesling and the others were organic red wines. Upon returning the bottles, I wasn't expecting a full refund but I was expecting some sort of apology for selling spoiled wine. Instead, I was met with questions of whether or not I understand how this wine should taste. It was appalling. I was gaslighted into thinking my judgement of "bad wine" was incorrect. No one should be questioned of this. The fact that I experienced this TWICE was enough for me.I will never be shopping for my wine here again. I HIGHLY recommend Cask on College for wines with better storage and less pretentious attitudes.