8 Major Updates & Secrets You Need To Know About Fine Wine And Good Spirits In 2025
The landscape of wine and spirits retail in Pennsylvania is constantly evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of significant change and expansion for Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS). As the retail arm of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), FW&GS continues to refine its operations, introduce new customer-focused programs, and expand its physical and digital footprint to better serve consumers across the Commonwealth. This article dives into the most critical, fresh, and up-to-date information you need to know as of December 24, 2025, covering everything from massive state contributions to the secrets behind securing a bottle of rare bourbon.
For connoisseurs, casual shoppers, and those curious about the state-run system, understanding these recent developments is crucial. From new store concepts in major urban centers to significant investments in customer experience technology, the PLCB is demonstrating a clear commitment to modernization and maximizing its fiscal impact. The following is a detailed look at the major updates, exclusive programs, and financial milestones defining the FW&GS experience in 2025.
The PLCB's Massive Impact and Financial Milestones for 2025
The role of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board extends far beyond operating retail stores; it acts as a major financial engine for the state. The unaudited financial results for the fiscal year 2024-25 highlight the massive scale of its operation and the significant financial contribution it makes to Pennsylvania's budget and various state programs.
Record-Breaking State Contribution
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the PLCB reported a substantial financial contribution to state and local governments and other beneficiaries. This contribution, generated through the sale of wine and spirits, reached an impressive $876.6 million, as reported on November 19, 2025. This figure underscores the importance of the PLCB’s operations to the Commonwealth's financial health, funding everything from the General Fund to local law enforcement efforts.
Legislative and Regulatory Shifts in 2025
Regulatory changes are a constant in a control state, and 2025 is no exception. A significant internal change includes updates to the Spirits Division, which became effective on January 6, 2025. Furthermore, the legislative environment is addressing past issues, with the Pennsylvania Senate approving legislation in September 2025 to expunge punitive COVID-related citations that were previously issued by the PLCB against small businesses. This move signals a post-pandemic effort to support licensees and improve relations with the broader business community.
New Retail Footprint and Customer Experience Upgrades
The physical presence of Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores is expanding and modernizing, with several high-profile grand openings and relocations planned for 2025. These new locations often feature a contemporary design, expanded selections, and a focus on local products.
Major Store Openings and Relocations
The retail footprint saw several key additions throughout 2025, demonstrating an investment in premium locations and store experiences:
- Schuylkill Yards Community: FW&GS is set to open a new location at 3151 Market St., joining other high-profile retailers in this growing urban community.
- North Atherton Street Grand Opening: A major relocation and grand opening took place on March 7, 2025, at 1536 N. Atherton Street, a move that involved a substantial effort from the FW&GS team to rebrand and restock the new, modern facility.
- Store #611 Debut: Another grand opening for a new location, Store #611, was celebrated on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. These new-concept stores typically feature thousands of wines and spirits, including dedicated sections for "Made in Pennsylvania" products.
- Pittsburgh Reopening: The store at 2947 W. Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, reopened on September 8, 2025, following a renovation or relocation, further enhancing the retail presence in the western part of the state.
Commitment to Enhanced Customer Service
Beyond new stores, the PLCB is actively investing in technology to improve the overall customer experience, a key objective for the organization. The PLCB is committed to improving customer relations, with internal projections expecting this focus to boost the bottom line by $8.5 million.
- Technology Upgrades: Significant resources are being devoted to procuring new technologies, including the implementation of a new PLCB ID card system (prox technology) and software upgrades to the ServiceNow environment to establish a more robust customer service platform.
- Licensee Service: The PLCB is also prioritizing improvements to the efficiency of regulatory services for licensees, aiming to yield superior customer service to the business community.
The Secrets to Securing Exclusive Bottles: Chairman's Selection and Limited-Release Lotteries
Two of the most popular and highly sought-after programs at Fine Wine & Good Spirits are the Chairman's Selection® and the Limited-Release Lotteries. These programs are essential for enthusiasts looking for exceptional value and rare, highly allocated spirits.
The Value of Chairman's Selection® Wines
The Chairman's Selection® program remains a cornerstone of the FW&GS offering, providing high-quality wines at exceptional prices. These imported and domestic wines are hand-picked for their quality and value, often selling for a fraction of their nationally quoted prices.
- Exclusive Deals: The program is designed to bring undiscovered gems and new favorites to consumers, representing some of the best prices nationwide.
- Tasting Events: To promote these special offerings, FW&GS regularly hosts tasting events. For example, a tasting event featuring imported Chairman's Selection wines was scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Clarks Summit location.
Navigating the Highly Allocated Limited-Release Lottery
For collectors of premium whiskey and bourbon, the Limited-Release Lottery is the only way to acquire highly allocated spirits that are otherwise impossible to find. These lotteries are regularly conducted by the PLCB and are a major source of excitement and competition among spirits enthusiasts.
- Sought-After Spirits: The lotteries award registrants the opportunity to purchase rare and sought-after items, including highly allocated whiskeys like Buffalo Trace products.
- Extreme Value Range: The value of the bottles offered in these lotteries can vary dramatically, with some recent rounds featuring bottles ranging from $60 up to $7,500.
- Summer 2025 Lottery: The PLCB continues to conduct these draws, including the highly anticipated Summer 2025 Lottery for rare bourbons, providing details on how residents 21 and over can enter to win the right to purchase these exclusive items.
Online Shopping, Sales, and Store Operations in 2025
The digital experience and day-to-day operations of FW&GS stores are crucial for the modern consumer. The PLCB has maintained a strong focus on its online platform and providing flexible shopping options.
FW&GS Online and Delivery Services
The online store remains a vital channel, offering a wide selection of wine and spirits, including exclusive Chairman's Programs and local PA products.
- Delivery Options: Customers shopping online can choose from various delivery options to find the best place for their package to be shipped.
- Clearance and Sales: In addition to thousands of items on sale every day, the website and stores are stocked with clearance items, providing opportunities to find top-rated wines and spirits at reduced prices. The current sale list runs from December 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026, offering seasonal discounts.
Understanding Store Hours and Availability
Store hours for Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations across the state continue to vary significantly based on location and store size. While some stores may operate with extended hours (e.g., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), others may have shorter schedules (e.g., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Customers are always advised to check the official FW&GS website for the most accurate and up-to-date store timings, especially around holidays when special hours are often in effect.
These eight major updates—from financial contributions and new store concepts to the highly competitive lottery system and customer service technology—confirm that Fine Wine & Good Spirits is actively adapting to meet the demands of a modern retail environment in 2025. For the Pennsylvania consumer, this means better access, greater selection, and a more streamlined shopping experience for fine wine, rare bourbon, and everyday good spirits.
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