Raise a Glass with Perfectly Paired Spirits from Wakefield Liquors

What may seem like your standard liquor store on the outside, inside Wakefield Liquors is a staff of wine enthusiasts and hosting gurus ready to match customers with the perfect bottle for their entertaining needs, from new-release liquors to elevated low-ABV or non-alcoholic sips. The family-owned shop is customer-service oriented and puts care into curating the products they stock, with their clientele in mind.

Wakefield Liquors also has staying power. “In 1952 the Costanza family built what is known as the Dale Carlia Shopping Center. They owned the Community Oil Service for many years. After retiring in 1967, Edward and Mollie Costanza opened Wakefield Liquors. It grew quickly and in 1993, the business was passed on to their daughter, Jane Costanza,” explains store manager Jeff Baran. Since then, they’ve only grown, expanding their selection of beer, wine, and liquor and attracting more customers. “The footprint of the store changed and Wakefield Liquors presently fills the whole of what once was a four-store, mid-century modern building.”

With the unofficial start to summer on the horizon, Baran says, “We look forward to giving recommendations for meal pairings and party planning, especially as we get into the warmer months.” He explains that this time of year is when a lot of exciting new releases are hitting the shelves, and anticipates the continued popularity of tequilas and mezcals for summer sipping, along with new cans from local craft breweries like Shaidzon and Grey Sail. When it comes to outdoor gatherings, Baran says, “We love the simplicity of ready-to-drink canned cocktails.”

For toasting moms on Mother’s Day, Baran suggests “something pink.” “From the Languedoc region in southern France, Gerard Bertrand’s Cote des Roses is a delicious dry rosé made from Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes,” he explains. “It offers harmonious notes of fresh strawberries and watermelon with crisp acidity on the finish – and there is a rose etched into the bottom of the bottle.”

Wakefield Liquors enjoys giving patrons a taste of the world in their wine selection, especially France, Italy, and Portugal. “One of our new favorites is Famille Perrin Les Cornuds from the Vinsobres appellation of the Southern Rhone Valley in France. It is a blend of Syrah and Grenache that carries notes of blackberries, violets, and herbal spice,” recommends Baran. “It would pair great with a simple burger on the grill or a backyard firepit on a cool evening.”

No matter the occasion you’re raising a glass to this season, Wakefield Liquors likely has something bubbly or smooth, sweet or dry – and at any price point – to make it extra special. Says Baran, “What once was a local, neighborhood package store has become destination shopping for the wine, artisanal liquor, and microbrew lover in the state.” 667 Kingstown Road, WakefieldLiquors.com