A new liquor mega-store recently opened on my side of town: Total Wine. The store is the size of a small grocery store, and has a great selection of wine, as well as beer and spirits.
The store is well laid out and it is easy to find what you are looking for. A map is provided at the front of the store, as well as a buying guide. There are wines from all regions of the world, each taking at least an aisle worth. Additionally, there are several aisles of different varietals. The store has a generous selection of imported and craft beers in divers styles. Total Wine has a good selection of exotic liquor such as arak and absinthe, and I was able to find my preferred amaretto (Lazzaroni). They also have a humidor and wine tasting (which I have not had the opportunity to try).
How does this new liquor store compare to other liquor stores in Tucson? Plaza on Campbell has a distinct ethos created by narrow aisles and tight spaces. Although it may not be the case, Plaza seems like it has a larger selection of craft and imported beer. BevMo is another liquor mega-store chain and it seems on first visit the prices are comparable. BevMo (at least the one in town on Broadway and Wilmot) is somewhat smaller. Total Wine does have a larger selection of wine, but seems to have a somewhat smaller selection of spirits. Interestingly enough a new BevMo is being built a mile north of Total Wine.
Overall, I enjoyed my short visit and am sure I will be back again.
