Northampton Wine + Dine

Greenville's original wine institution delivers staggering numbers: over 1,500 different wines available, with any bottle from the retail shelves openable at your table for a $10 corkage fee. Owner Richard Lawall has been building this collection for decades. The by-the-glass list alone is serious: Pingus "PSI" Ribera del Duero ($20), Louis Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte Burgundy ($20), Venge Scout's Honor ($20), Taittinger Champagne by the half bottle ($38), Ancien Carneros Pinot Noir ($20). With 467 domestic wines and 456 imports cataloged online, the depth is real.

The model is brilliant for wine lovers: browse the retail selection, find something interesting at retail price, pay $10 to drink it with dinner. Scratch-made food (short ribs, trout, brie, charcuterie) pairs well without trying to upstage the wine. The outdoor patio is an asset in warm weather. Staff know the inventory and can guide you through the sprawl.

1,500 wines with a $10 corkage model means you're drinking retail-priced wine at dinner. The by-the-glass program features bottles most restaurants would never open by the pour. The sheer volume plus fair pricing makes this a wine lover's playground.