ABOUT BLM WINE + SPIRITS

Who We Are

If we're to believe what we continuously hear, many consider us Boston's best wine and spirits resource. Our family has been selling wines and educating wine drinkers for more than a half century from our store at 1354 Commonwealth Avenue. We pride ourselves on remaining an approachable, friendly neighborhood store replete with good values even as we burnish a longstanding reputation as the region’s preeminent source of fine and rare items.

Says store president Lisa Miller Ryan, “I cut my teeth in the wine business. I probably took my first steps down the aisle of the store.” Lisa follows in the footsteps of her father, BLM Wine + Spirits CEO and Chairman (and local industry icon) Burton J. Miller. In the early days of BLM, Burt worked side by side with his father-in-law, Irving Ruby, who founded the store in 1934 as Brookline Liquor Mart. “From the beginning, our philosophy was to service the customer, not just sell the wine,” Burt explains. That's why we put so much energy into having tastings and special events. We love educating our customers, helping them develop their palates. Our prices are fair, but it's our selection and personal service that makes us an institution. Our objective has always been to cultivate customers, not sales.”

We are people who love fine wines and spirits, but we are not snobs. While the collective expertise of our staff is impressive, we use it to educate, not intimidate. Hence, our slogan: Expertise without attitude. “I tend to look for the good things in any bottle of wine I try—the grape flavor, the color, the (real) value of the bottle. I'm not just interested in fancy or expensive wines. I can get just as excited about a fantastic $15 bottle of wine as I can about the finest vintage from Bordeaux.” That’s our wine manager, Roger Ormon. After 30 years in the business, what’s his definition of a perfect wine? “The wine I like is attuned to what I'm doing, or eating,” he says. “Mostly, it's about the food. I love a great Barbera with pizza, and a crisp Riesling with Chinese food.” Burt concurs, while admitting, “My palate is lousy. I like them all. I'm not into the snob appeal aspect of wine. I'm very curious about wines, and I like tasting new ones. There's probably a perfect time to try every wine. You just have to match it to the right time, the right meal, and the right price.”

What We Do

As one of the larger stores of its kind, BLM Wine + Spirits has always done a brisk business. But if all we wanted to do is push product out the door, we'd run a big warehouse with skimpy service and the same ho-hum inventory you can find anywhere. Our many loyal customers have come to expect not just an extraordinary range of products and services, but a certain personal touch as well. Our convivial Saturday wine tastings are renowned in the neighborhood and beyond. Future plans call for an expanded calendar of wine-related events, such as “Celluloid and Wine,” our upcoming film series for oenophiles. Our capable event specialists stand ready to help organize anything from large corporate galas to intimate family reunions. And BLM Wine + Spirit consultants can help build a wine cellar of any size as well as provide appraisals on existing cellars. Our new internet sales department is part of our continuing commitment to the highest level of customer service and convenience. Order wine for yourself or to give as a gift—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—and receive service that is responsive, genial and professional—just like in our store.

How to Find Us

BLM Wine + Spirits
1354 Commonwealth Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
617-734-7700
1-800-BLM-WINE (256-9463)

Store Hours

Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday 12 noon to 8 p.m.

Send E-Mail to the Internet Sales Department