I wanted to highlight my favorite Michigan store, The Wine Palace. If you’re in the Livonia area and haven’t paid a visit to The Wine Palace, you’re truly missing out on a local gem. This isn’t just your average liquor store; it’s a destination for anyone who appreciates the finer things in a bottle. I stumbled upon this store about five years ago. I was immediately impressed with their selection of whiskey and struck up a conversation with an employee.  That individual ended up being one of the owners, Kelly Denha. I was hunting for a particular bottle that day, and Kelly delivered. We struck up a quick friendship and over the years, I have been introduced to other members of the family who have all been equally as pleasant. Co-Owner Cliff Denha is fantastic to deal with, as are his sons Louis and Cliff, Jr.

One of the things that makes this place special is its deep roots. The Wine Palace isn’t some fly by night operation; it’s a family owned establishment that has been serving the Livonia community since 1989, when Louis Denha first opened the doors. Now spanning three generations with his sons and grandsons at the helm, the store’s commitment to quality and expertise has only gotten stronger. When you shop here, you’re not just buying a bottle, you’re becoming part of their customer family. I have spent countless hours in the store and am still amazed by how many customers they refer to by their first names.  They foster relationships.

For whiskey enthusiasts, if you’re on the hunt for something truly special, the bourbon and whiskey selection here is impressive. They are renowned for their extensive collection and, most notably, their single barrel picks. This means they’ve personally selected and bottled unique barrels just for their store, offering exclusive and hard to find gems that collectors dream of—like the coveted Blanton’s Gold, Four Roses or a special Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.  I am aware of this more than most because, over the past few years, I have become a member of their barrel selection committee. Every summer, it has become a tradition that I join family members and other committee members in Kentucky for the luxury of choosing private barrels for their store. 

But it’s not all about the brown spirits! The Palace delivers on every front:

 Tequila: They boast a great selection of high-quality tequilas, including a growing list of Additive-Free Tequilas for the purists out there.

Wine: The name says it all! Their Premium Wine Cellar is stocked with fantastic selections across the board, from accessible Cabernets to high-end bottles like Caymus and Silver Oak. Whether you’re after a Michigan Riesling or an Italian Chianti, they have you covered.

Beer: Craving a cold one? Their Craft Beer selection is huge, featuring tons of brews from local Michigan Breweries and popular national brands. Their inventory is impressive.

The best part is that the store is conveniently located, clean, beautifully organized, and the staff is genuinely knowledgeable and friendly. They’re ready to help you find the perfect pairing for dinner, track down a bottle for your collection, or just offer a great recommendation based on your taste.

Next time you need to stock your bar or find the perfect gift, skip the big box store and head over to The Wine Palace in Livonia. Located on Middlebelt Rd., just north of I-96, you’ll find an incredible selection, a welcoming atmosphere, and a family legacy in every bottle, including a barrel or two that includes the tasting expertise of The Nashville Whiskey Guy.