If you’re on the hunt for that hard-to-find bottle of wine or beer from around the world, check out the Cellar Rat in the Crossroads District. Rather than focusing on big ticket bottles as some wine stores are apt to do, Cellar Rat has only a small section devoted to the higher priced vintages, with the bulk of the store shelves displaying wines priced under $20. Reds and Whites are divided by country and then varietal, making the search a little more manageable. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, or you need help pairing a wine with the dinner you’re preparing, the staff is knowledgeable and happy to assist you with your selections.

Wine classes and wine tasting events are offered in a tasteful private room that has a working garage door at one end.  After an hour of wine appreciation by an expert staff member, participants learn how to taste and characterize wine, using four white wine and five red wine varietals. The discussion is lively and informal, and a pleasurable way to learn the basics. After the wines have been tasted and compared, a variety of cheeses is offered to conclude the class.

Cellar Rat also carries an impressive array of imported beers and ales, but they don’t forget about our hometown Boulevard Brewery. Artisan cheeses are available for purchase as well and they even make homemade mozzarella, which is snapped up almost as quickly as it is produced.

1701 Baltimore

http://cellarratwine.com