Bishop's Cellar

4.5 star rating
19 reviews Rating Details

Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits  [Edit]

1477 Lower Water St
Halifax, NS B3J 3Z4
(902) 490-2675
Hours:

Mon-Thu 10 am - 10 pm

Fri 10 am - 12 am

Sat 8 am - 12 am

Sun 12 pm - 8 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "This place is the antithesis to the wine sections of NSLC." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "...may have the most knowledgeable staff of any wine store in..." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "You're open late, you've got amazing selection, and your..." In 3 reviews
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19 reviews in English

  • Review from Emmanuel C.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    2/23/2012 4 Check-ins Here

    Great selection, extended hours and extremely knowledgeable staff... what more can you ask for from a wine shop!!! If you haven't been here, go check it out!!! You'll leave with great wine(s) in hand sure to amuse your palate.

    I have a few favourite bottles that I always get but when I want to try something new, the staff is always there to make amazing recommendations. I can honestly say that I've never been recommended a bottle I didn't enjoy. Whether for pairing with a dish or simply sipping on, the staff asks the right questions and makes their recommendations accordingly.

    Short of mother nature trying to keep me away, if I'm buying wine, I'm sure to go to Bishops!

  • Review from Ellen B.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    2/12/2012

    Mike & I attended the Ice Wine Festival Tasting at the Cellar on Feb. 10.  Since we much prefer sweet wines to dry, this was right up our alley.  For only $15 pp, we were able to sample eight local dessert wines.  

    It turned out to be a bit more crowded than we anticipated, but everyone was in good spirits (pardon my pun).  The servers gave us a description of each wine as they poured our samples.  A few little niblets were prepared by a chef; unfortunately there were only three different items (two being pastry-type things) and none to my liking.  Mike enjoyed them however.

    I do love the Cellar as the staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, and they were no different this night.  We bought a couple bottles after sampling them all.  Our original plan was to walk up to Mongolie for dinner afterwards, but I was too tipsy to go that far so we found a couple seats at the bar in Ristorante a Mano and had some pasta instead.  I must say, it is convenient to have the wine shop attached to a restaurant.  :-D

  • Review from Tiffany T.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    1/7/2012

    Bishop's Cellar has a few things going on that others do not.

    The extensive selection of wine, beers and ciders is something that cannot be touched. The selection is not only huge but is economically friendly as well. You can find items for $10 and you can find items for $100, your choice. The fact that they have our city's local beer is a plus as well.

    In Halifax, NSLC closes at 10.00 and sometimes you just can't make that. Therefore, you can head to BC until midnight! Such a plus for those who are tardy, (not me, my friends!) or after a dinner that goes later than expected.

    Staff are extremely friendly and polite. They know their stuff and can help you choose something if you're unsure of what you're looking for.

    I love Bishop's Landing, it is absolutely gorgeous and screams class.I even feel kinda classy (even though, I am not haha) when I venture into one of the restaurants/shops located here. BC fits in here so well and makes a great addition to the Bishop's Landing family.

  • Review from Asheley R.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    12/27/2011

    Wine wine wine wine.

    I LOVE wine. Hence, I LOVE Bishop's Cellar.

    Usually when you are faced with entering a wine store you immediately
    think you're going to be digging into your wallet big time. Not so
    much with Bishop's. I find they have a great selection from 10$ up to a couple hundred. You can pop in and get a great tasting inexpensive wine, or you
    can splurge and surprise the hubby. You also don't get that snooty vibe that you get with other wine stores. I was scared of going here as I'm not really the high-class-fur-coat kinda girl. However, staff and atmosphere included, made the cellar a relaxing place to gaze at wines.

    Location is fabulous with this spot as well. Waterfront and wine?
    Goodness gracious.

    I also find they are super helpful and educate there. One of my favs?
    The Nova 7. Not usually a fan of sparkling wines but this puppy tastes
    great with turkey.

  • Review from Mel H.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    10/27/2011

    I love this store.

    From the great Champagne Debacle night of '09 (self titled) to the day to day dealings with their amazing staff, this place rocks. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and specialize in giving awesome recommendations. Whether you know every winery in the Burgundy region or couldn't tell a Merlot from a Chardonnay, the staff here will help you out.

  • Review from Andrew F.

    • 10 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    6/21/2011 ROTD 9/11/2011

    Bishop's Cellar is a little slice of heaven, hidden down on the waterfront in the Bishop's Landing Piazza. Considering a significant percentage of our population is University students, most people think to hit up the NSLC for all of their weekend alcohol supply.

    However, those who know and love Bishop's Cellar, will walk the extra 5-10 minutes from the Spring Garden area to pick up a bottle of sunshine for those relaxing evenings at home.

    The reason why Bishop's Cellar is the best spot when you're searching out the best bottle of wine for your weekend? Because the staff are knowledgeable, friendly and have a recommendation to go along with whatever you may have planned. Are you hosting a wine and cheese party? No? Maybe you are like me, and you're hosting a dessert-lovers party - what wine best complements the dessert you made? The employees at Bishop's Cellar will help narrow it down for you.

    So, really, what is it about Bishop's Cellar that keeps me coming back time and time again? The atmosphere, the positive energy and the fact that they are open later than any other establishment in the city!

    Love, love, love.

  • Review from Vanessa J.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    7/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    My favourite wine store in HRM! There are many reasons why I love this wine store. They have a unique selection of wines that you won't find at the NSLC, and there are prices range from around $10 and go up from there, which means I can regularly afford a bottle on my beer budget, but also pick up a special bottle of Champagne of a great Italian red wine when the occasion calls for it.

    The staff here is great, always friendly and are very knowledgeable about the products in the store, don't be afraid to ask them for a recommendation. They are also nice enough to let me know when they don't enjoy a bottle I have in my hand and will steer me to a better bottle in the same price point.

    Bishops has great hours, open late on weekends and is usually open on holidays as well, which has saved me on many occasions, and it lets me avoid the hoards at the NSLC the day before a long weekend. The fact that they are located in the immediate vicinity of two of my closest friends is also a major selling point for me.

    Bishops Cellar is a wine store, but they do carry a small selection of beer, mainly local as well as some unique spirits, including Organic Gin and locally made Ironworks spirits, which make for some unique selections when spicing up your bar.

  • Review from Leslie F.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    10/26/2011

    Sweet, sweet Bishop's Cellar. I am such a fan. Amazingly knowledgeable staff, great variety, many different price points to suit every budget, and best of all -  reliable supply of Nova 7... All of these things make me love Bishop's Cellar. The fact that they are open late and also throw a variety of fun wine tasting events is just icing on the cake. Bishop's Cellar is a great spot to peruse some out-of-the-ordinary wine, liquor, and beer options, and grab a fun bottle to enjoy!

  • Review from Ben B.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    1/21/2011 8 Check-ins Here

    Tucked away in the corner of the Bishop's Landing piazza, Bishop's Cellar could have very easily settled for being a snooty collection of wines for a snooty collection of wine drinkers - and I'm sure they could have been very successful if they had. But instead, Bishop's Cellar has become a specialty wine store for all wine lovers - whether you're there to spend $500 or my usual $20, whether you can differentiate between oaky and citrus or are just happy to not be drinking Carlo Rossi.

    Visiting Bishop's Cellar is a whole different wine-buying experience. While I'm happy to hit the NSLC for my usual favourites, this shop is my go-to when I want to try something new and not be disappointed. I always gladly turn the reigns over to one of the staff members to just pick out their favourites within my price range and any other specifications depending on the occasion. They're always happy to do so and have sent me on my way with a winner ever single time leaving me to take all the credit among my friends.

    (Shhh...you would too.)

  • Review from Joel K.

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2011

    Oh, Bishop's Cellar, what would I do without you? You're open late, you've got amazing selection, and your staff is incredibly helpful.

    And beyond wine, they also have a great selection of local and craft beers, and a decent supply of liquor (not extensive, by any stretch, but it'll do in a pinch!).

  • Review from Rhonda D.

    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    1.0 star rating
    1/31/2011

    All I can say is, *WHATEVER YOU DO* ...

    (are you ready for this?) ...

    Don't go in with a backpack on, because OBVIOUSLY you are going to steal something!
    (even though you're not, you actually just came from class... imagine!)

    wtf

    Never ever everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr  stepping into this most-pretentious store EVER again!

    Sorry I wasn't dressed in a fur coat, looking 'richer' and wearing a backpack. I feel like I was treated like a 15-yr old gangsta kid, even though my Husband and I were buying a $100+ bottle of wine for our day-off together.

    I will be bringing my business to the (non pretentious and actually helpful, friendly staff) to the downtown wine store.

    The funniest thing was, when I did go to pay at this other store, I mentioned how I will be coming back here *instead* of Bishops' Cellar, because of how pretentious it was and how the clerks made us feel, and the clerk at this store scoffed and said "ya, I know EXACTLY what you mean" ...so yay! It's not just me who feels this place.

  • Review from Courtney M.

    • 115 friends
    • 412 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    10/15/2009 2 photos

    Great wine shop! If you have the time, look around at some of the unique and interesting varieties. Guaranteed, you'll find something you haven't heard of/tried before.

    I personally think Bishop's Cellar would benefit from having a bit more of a description system. Perhaps a little placard with some details: eg: dry, full, organic. These are also excellent for stipulating how wines have placed in wine shows. eg: 91 pts. Whether or not you're a connoisseur you can use these to determine which ones you might be interested in trying. That's as opposed to picking the bottle with the prettiest design/colour combo. (hey, that's what I fall back on)

    Good local and imported cold beer options too!

    The absolute selling point of Bishop's Cellar has to be the hours they keep. A beer/wine store that's open until midnight on Friday's and Saturday's as well as holidays has been a saving grace for me on more than one occasion!

  • Review from Christopher G.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    5/25/2010

    This place is the antithesis to the wine sections of NSLC. It is well organized, there's a great presence from many different locales, the store has character, and the staff are always friendly and helpful.

    It's hard to go wrong with a wine selection from Bishop's Cellar anyway. I've only rarely picked up one that just didn't quite please my pallette.

    That said there is one reason why they get a 4 instead of a 5 from me: product inconsistency. The drawback to there always being something new at Bishop's Cellar is that there is always something new at Bishop's Cellar. If you got something there that you really liked, it's common to never find it again next time you go back. Perhaps in that respect, Bishop's Cellar has more than just character - it has a personality (and sometimes a fleeting one).

  • Review from Jennifer G.

    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    6/21/2011

    This is a nice place. They even have plum wine, my favorite drink with Sushi.

  • Review from Laura P.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    3/12/2010

    If you like wine, you'll like Bishops Cellar. Its a classy little establishment offering the full scoop on all things wine related.

    The staff is part of what makes this store so great. They genuinely know what they're talking about and can provide friendly and informed insight to any questions you may have. And with such strong knowledge comes thoughtful selection. The Cellar houses a wide range to satisfy any palate, as well as price range.

    If you are curious about wine but don't know where to start, this spot may be a good place to start. Rather than heading to NS Liquor and picking the first bottle that catches your eye, Bishop's Cellar will offer a more informed suggestion to your specific needs.

    They sell specialty beers as well and are open until 11pm, which is a little later than the other stores. A great spot for wine all around, no doubt.

  • Review from Lacey H.

    • 51 friends
    • 505 reviews

    Berlin

    Germany
    5.0 star rating
    4/9/2010

    Beer? Peroni, Alfa, Garrison (and more)!

    Wine? Goats do Roam, Peter Lehmann, Gaspereau Valley Muscat (and the list goes on!)

    Coolers, sparkling wine, champagne, dessert vino - this sharp little boutique on the waterfront is a destination for all things tasty, alcoholic and bottled!

    The refreshment assortment is phenomenal and the atmosphere is inviting and warm. The store clerks are knowledgeable and friendly, able to assist you in finding the perfect grape fermentation to suit your occasion.

    The prices range from easy to wow - so you'll definitely find a bottle that fits your budget. If you're looking for a cultured experience versus utilitarian alcohol shopping  (NSLC much), then this chic shop should be on your docket.

    Go, learn, sip!

  • Review from Ang M.

    • 9 friends
    • 242 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    5.0 star rating
    10/8/2009

    This shop may have the most knowledgeable staff of any wine store in Halifax. Once, I had a fifteen-minute conversation with one of the fellows who worked there, all on the subject of Port.  Dude knew his Port. I didn't end up buying any Port, but heaven knows that if I ever do buy Port, I'll be the most informed Port-buyer in town.

    Bishop's Cellar has a great selection of wines and beers, and stocks many labels that can't be found at the average NSLC store. It's a fun place just to browse and dream about some day splurging on that tres cher bottle of something extra special.

  • Review from Holly T.

    Philadelphia, PA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    10/18/2008 1 photo

    This was a great little wine shop we stumbled upon while we were strolling on the waterfront. It had a very thoughtful selection of wines from around the world, and extremely friendly service. We asked about local Nova Scotia wines and got a thorough explanation. Luckily for us, they were also having a tasting that day, so we got to try some outstanding Burgundian wines from WIlliam Fevre. We walked away with a few of the Nova Scotia wines as well as a petit chablis from the tasting, and it was all very reasonably priced. I would certainly stop by this place again next time I am in town.

  • Review from Joshua Y.

    • 22 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    9/9/2009

    I would definitely give Bishop's Cellar five stars except they don't have my favorite wine. Coppola Wine made by my favorite film Director Francis Ford Coppola. I promise to change my review and add one more star once Bishop's starts carrying. With that aside, I never walk into Bishop's Cellar expecting bad customer service. I also never expect to find bad wine or walk around in confusion for more than 30 seconds without someone offering to help me out. I never expect any of that because it never happens. Bishop's Cellar has an amazing, extremely knowledgeable staff, pretty good wine selection (I won't let the Coppola go.Haha), and I always find the right wine for the right price and occasion. At times, however, I have asked for staff recommendations on certain beer's and they were always far off. So I'll stick to my own favorite beer and trust them with the wine.

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