Esquin Wine Merchants, Seattle

Esquin Wine & Spirits, which has been in business since 1969, is as much a center for education as it is a retail shop. The textbooks just happen to be a bit different here—more than 1,200 spirits and 5,400 wines, only three of which have the answers to math problems written on their backs. With free tastings held every Thursday and Saturday, as well as wine pairing classes and other special events, customers eagerly discover their contents.

They might find a new favorite bottle of wine from California, Italy, France, or Spain, or uncover a smooth whiskey or vodka. They also might learn that they love a craft beer's particular flavor profile after sipping a sample from a growler.