When you pull into the parking lot on Commercial Drive, you aren't just visiting a liquor store. Honestly, you're stepping into a piece of Mohawk Valley history that survived the Great Depression, the chaos of Prohibition, and the rise of big-box retail. Bremers Liquors New Hartford NY is a local institution that somehow manages to feel like a cozy neighborhood shop despite being a massive 20,000-square-foot warehouse of booze.
Most people around here just call it "Bremer's." It’s the kind of place where the staff actually knows the difference between a dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes and a budget bottle that’ll give you a headache.
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Why Bremers Liquors New Hartford NY Still Matters
It’s easy to think a liquor store is just a liquor store. You walk in, grab a bottle of Tito's, and leave. But Bremer’s is different because they were literally the first. When Prohibition ended in 1933, they were granted the very first retail liquor license in Oneida County. That was June 30, 1933. Think about that for a second. While the rest of the country was just figuring out how to legally sell a drink again, the Bremer family was already setting up shop.
Now, Eric Bremer runs the show as the sole proprietor after his brother Tim retired in 2022. It’s the fourth generation of the family. You don't see that much anymore. Most local spots get swallowed by national chains or just fade away when the kids move to the city.
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The current location at 4684 Commercial Drive is huge. It used to be a furniture store—Dresher’s, for those who remember. Moving there in the early 2000s changed everything. It gave them the space to carry more than just the basics. They claim to have the largest selection between Albany and Rochester. Is that true? Well, if you’ve ever tried to find a specific, obscure Japanese whisky or a niche Italian amaro in Central New York, you know Bremer’s is usually the only place that actually has it on the shelf.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Selection
A common misconception is that a store this big must be more expensive than the grocery store or a smaller boutique. Kinda the opposite, actually. Because they have so much square footage, they buy in massive quantities. They pass those savings down.
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Then there's the "90+ Point" section.
Some people find wine ratings intimidating. They think "90 points" means "too expensive for Tuesday night."
The reality?
They keep a ton of highly-rated wines that are under $20.
They basically do the homework for you.
If you aren't sure what to buy, look for the "Staff Picks." Eric and his team—people like Gianna—constantly update these. In January 2026, Eric was pushing a Lanciola Chianti Classico. It’s not just random marketing; it’s usually stuff they’ve actually tasted and liked.
The Services Nobody Talks About
Sure, you can walk in and browse. But in 2026, people are busy. Bremer's has leaned hard into delivery and tech.
- DoorDash and Instacart: You can literally get a bottle of bourbon delivered to your couch.
- The App: They have their own mobile app where first-time users usually get a discount—historically around $5 off.
- The Vintage Card: This is their free loyalty program. The best part isn't even the discounts; it’s that they track your history. If you bought a wine three years ago that you loved but forgot the name of, they can look it up.
They also do tastings almost every weekend. For example, right now in late January 2026, they’ve got Tito’s and Jack Daniel’s tastings scheduled. It’s a low-pressure way to try something before you drop $40 on a bottle.
Giving Back to New Hartford
Local business is about more than just transactions. Over the decades, the Bremers have poured money back into the community. We're talking about the American Heart Association, The House of the Good Shepherd, and Thea Bowman House. They even host seminars where the "admission fee" is actually a donation to one of these charities. It makes spending your money there feel a little better than giving it to a massive corporate conglomerate.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
- Check the Website First: They often post "Bremer’s Buzz" or coupons that give you 10% off your entire purchase during certain weeks.
- Pet Friendly: This is a big one. They are known for being pet-friendly and often have treats behind the counter for your dog.
- The "Ask" Rule: If you don't see it, ask. They have 130+ years of collective staff experience and will often special order a bottle if it's available in New York.
- Bulk Savings: If you're planning a wedding or a big party, talk to them about case discounts. It’s a huge way to save on volume.
- Parking: Use the side entrance if Commercial Drive is a mess during rush hour. It's much easier to get in and out.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Whether you're a wine snob or just looking for a 12-pack of seltzer, it’s worth the stop.