Introduction to Liquor Shop LE
Liquor Shop LE, direct from Ueno Station, provides an innovative wine shopping experience that starts with labels and the little details that inspire you to select a bottle. Set to open on January 2, 2026, inside the Atre Ueno, this shop promises to make wine selection fun and accessible for everyone.
Wine Selection Based on Personal Interest
At Liquor Shop LE, the philosophy revolves around bridging the gap between buyers and wines. Instead of being tied down by knowledge of regions or ratings, customers are encouraged to appreciate the design, ambiance, and emotional connection they find in each bottle. The aim is for visitors to take their newfound experience home, making wine selection a personal and enjoyable endeavor.
With around 600 wines available, the shop offers a unique ‘jacket buying’ approach where customers can pick bottles based solely on their labels. This makes even the novice wine drinker feel confident in their selections.
Expert Selections by Ginza Lequin’s Sommelier Team
The wine selection is curated by the sommelier team from Ginza Lequin, who bring their wealth of experience to the shop. The team does not prioritize wine selection based merely on popularity or price. Instead, they focus on lesser-known producers and authentic wines that are yet to be discovered. Visitors can encounter hidden gems that may have escaped the attention of mainstream wine enthusiasts, providing a unique advantage of shopping here.
The sommelier team collaborates to pool their knowledge and expertise, which helps in providing fitting recommendations that consider pairings with food and suitability for various occasions. By relying on collective insights rather than individual experiences, they create a remarkable perspective for everyday wine selection.
An Experience Beyond Just Shopping
Choosing a wine at Liquor Shop LE is viewed as an integral part of an overall experience. By incorporating a standing bar style, the shop allows customers to taste wines selected by the sommelier, creating opportunities to connect with bottles in a meaningful way.
Additionally, customers can bring their purchased wines to enjoy at the adjacent restaurant, “The Arts Fusion by L’écrin,” allowing for a seamless transition from selection to dining. This clever setup not only enriches the wine shopping experience but connects it to the culinary offerings at the restaurant, helping patrons appreciate the harmony between food and wine.
The Arts Fusion by L’écrin Restaurant
Located right next to Liquor Shop LE, The Arts Fusion by L’écrin features a menu that combines art and culinary delights. The restaurant showcases various art installations, including murals painted by artist Masatarou Sanada, and offers a mix of modern and classic dining spaces. This sets a relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy their wine and meals together.
By constructing a flow from wine selection to dining, patrons are free to enjoy the wine they’ve selected in a welcoming environment without any pressure or pomp.
An Extensive Range of Wine and Craft Beer
Liquor Shop LE stocks over 600 types of wine, with prices starting in the 3,000 yen range, making it easy for customers to find bottles for casual drinking or gifting. The thoughtful balance between price and selection ensures that even those without in-depth wine knowledge can pick a bottle easily based on what draws them in. High-end classic wines are also available as part of the range.
In addition to wine, the shop features a selection of rare Japanese sake and over 20 types of craft beer from local breweries, emphasizing a wide array of choices suited for everyone.
Conclusion
Liquor Shop LE aspires to be an approachable and relatable wine shop located conveniently at Ueno Station. Whether you are on your way home from work or taking a detour to indulge in exceptional wines, the shop encourages all visitors to drop by. With its unique concept and expert curation from the Ginza Lequin team, it promises to transform your wine experience into something truly memorable.