I've been on the hunt for a great place to buy quality booze for my friends' holiday gifts without breaking the bank, and I finally found it - my local Vinlab store! I've missed having a decent wine shop since moving to the countryside from the city, and I was worried my discount card points would go to waste. This review is all about my experience with Vinlab, so let's dive in!
VinLab is a retail chain that's part of the NOVABEV GROUP, Russia's largest alcohol company, which has been around since 1999. I couldn't find any info on the founders of the VinLab store chain, but I did learn that it was established in 2010 and now has over 1500 locations across 11 Russian regions. The company operates 7 of its own factories and imports products from other countries.
I'm loving the variety of imports they have - from my old favorite Lagavulin to Chinese beer and tons of other craft beverages. Plus, they always have authentic Coca Cola and specialty tomato juices from local breweries!
So, what do I love about Vinlab stores? First off, they're always tidy and well-organized, which is a refreshing change from some of the other places I've been to. You'll never find a Vinlab store looking like a dump or located in a dingy basement. The customers are also pretty chill - you won't find any rowdy crowds or shady characters hanging around. Maybe it's because the store looks upscale and stylish, but I think it's just a great vibe overall.
Vinlab, Moscow Vinlab, MoscowThe space between shelves is really generous, so even a clumsy shopper like me can navigate without knocking over any bottles. The layout is super intuitive, and all the shelves are clearly labeled.
Vinlab, MoscowThe product displays are also really neat and tidy. I've never seen any half-empty or dusty shelves during my visits to this store (and I've been to many Vinlab locations). Prices are average for Moscow and the surrounding areas. I was stoked to find my old favorite Lagavulin was cheaper here than at other stores - it's always a bonus when you can save a few bucks!
Vinlab, MoscowCheck out this cool gift bottle with a whiskey decanter on a swing. That's what I call a generous pour!)) Vinlab, MoscowAs a Beluga brand store, this place has a great selection of their products. The gift set with a crystal-style shaker is a real showstopper.
Vinlab, MoscowThey also have other gift options:
Vinlab, Moscow Vinlab, Moscow I've gotta say, Vinlab's got a great selection of flavored vodkas that won't break the bank. They've recently added a new one that's caught my eye - a 'girl's' vodka that their consultants have cleverly dubbed:
Vinlab, Moscow I've gotta give props to Vinlab's consultants - they're super unobtrusive. I mean, they're not pushy at all. It's like they're taking notes from the pros at Beluga, who somehow manage to make you feel like you're a nuisance when you're just trying to buy a bottle. Vinlab's staff, on the other hand, are always busy doing something in the store, but they're always within sight and happy to help. Vinlab, Moscow Vinlab, Moscow Speaking of which, I actually stumbled upon a pretty interesting and decent wine in their selection. It was a popular choice at the place I used to work:
Vinlab, Moscow Now, let's get to the good stuff. First off, their selection of craft beers is top-notch. There's just so much to choose from:
Vinlab, Moscow
I've come across some really interesting items here. There's the caramel or fruit flavors, or even tomato ones:
Vinlab, Moscow
Vinlab, Moscow
Another standout is the original Coca-Cola in tin cans. Vinlab mostly imports Iranian ones, which I prefer because they're not as cloyingly sweet as the Polish or British versions. Plus, it's relatively good value for money.
Vinlab, Moscow
By the way, let's talk about the price tags. As an avid shopper, I've got my eye on the discounts. I'm not a Beluga investor, but I do love snagging deals! Vinlab often runs promotions, and if you take a closer look at the price tags, you can see the discounts in action if you've got their loyalty card. I've got one, of course, and it's super easy to sign up – just your phone number and a minute of your time. The staff will take care of the rest, and your card will be activated instantly. The best part? The card is completely free.
All in all, this is my go-to store for this type of shopping, and I highly recommend it.
I'll add my reviews of some of the items you can find here:
Energon Scandic Fresh candies with a cola flavor – a decent alternative to the usual rubbery ones
Duff Lager beer – perfect for fans of The Simpsons
I've got to say, the Coca-Cola classic original taste is still one of my go-to's. There's just something about that iconic bottle that gets me every time.