The Story Behind The Oldest Wine Shop In The US - Tasting Table
Briefly

Acker Wines, America's oldest operational wine seller, began as a grocery store in 1817, founded by Thomas Hope and his son in New York. It evolved into a renowned wine auction house, maintaining a legacy of quality and reliability. After Hope's retirement, clerks John Condit, William Merrall, and David Acker took over, enhancing the shop's reputation for unique goods. The business successfully adapted to changing regulations by shifting focus exclusively to wine and began hosting wine auctions in 1993, further cementing its status as a premier destination for wine aficionados.
John Kapon, third generation owner of Acker Wines, stated, 'If you could afford it, you were shopping at Acker because everyone knew how quality it was, the reputation was that strong.'
Acker pivoted business operations to meet customer demand while satisfying government requirements, successfully shifting its focus to strictly wine over the years.
Since the 1930s, Acker's Manhattan store has captivated residents and clientele like Babe Ruth, cementing its status in American luxury goods.
The family's commitment to quality and reliability has established Acker as one of the dearest wine shops in America, thriving for over 200 years.
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