Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages is Washington DC's leading retailer and importer of fine wines and spirits. Over the years we have garnered the reputation as one of America's best wine merchants by importing wines directly from Europe and reselling them to private clients throughout the United States and the world.

MacArthur Beverages was founded in 1957 by Addy & Ruth Bassin and is located at 4877 MacArthur Boulevard NW in Washington, DC. We have been at our current address since 1962. Addy & Ruth's two daughters are now the sole owners of MacArthur Beverages. Addy Bassin made 'front page' news in 1977 when he set the world record for the highest price ever paid for a single bottle of wine, an 1806 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, for $14,450.00. 

In 1985 MacArthur Beverages became the first and only store to offer California Wine Futures. This addition has been extremely successful for the vintners, our customers, and our futures program. With our commitment to bringing our customer the best wines at the best price, our innovation and dedication continues. 

We are Direct Importers:

• We own a Federal Import Permit which allows direct importation without the assistance of an intermediary or agent, i.e., a wholesaler. 
• Retailers in the District of Columbia and California are allowed to hold import permits. No other states allow retailers this ability. 
• We buy directly from producers and negociants. We buy at the best possible price to sell at the best possible price. This creates a distinct price advantage where savings go directly to our customers.
• Importing wine directly from the source also gives us a reliability advantage. We do not depend on other importers or wholesalers to deliver our wines.
• With respect to Bordeaux, we buy directly from Bordeaux negociants, many of whom have been in business over 100 years! We organize containers (always refrigerated) and ship them directly to our temperature-controlled warehouse in Washington, DC.

Charitable Contributions / Community Involvement:

MacArthur Beverage is the proud founder and sponsor of two high profile charity events in Washington DC. In 2010 we held the 25th annual California Barrel Tasting to benefit the Addy Bassin Cancer Fund and the 11th annual Heart's Delight Wine Tasting and Auction for the American Heart Association. These events have raised over $9 million in net donations for the two charities. In September 2009, Ruth Bassin was given the Philanthropic award for community service by Wine Spectator's Market Watch magazine.

We are also a two-time winner of Market Watch's "Retail Leadership Award" and Washingtonian magazine's "Best Wine Shop in DC" award. Our reputation as a leader in fine wine is well known throughout the wine industry and we are quoted on a regular basis in wine journals such as Wine Spectator and Decanter. 

Reliability & Price are the two fundamental reasons to purchase wines & wine futures from MacArthur Beverages.

We are established.
We've been in business for over 65 years.
We out-right own the building, the property and over $5 million worth of fine wine inventory.
We look forward to the next 50 years and having you as a client (customer). 

Visit us at our Washington, DC location:

Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages
4877 MacArthur Boulevard NW
Washington, DC 20007

For generations, MacArthur Beverages has been a cornerstone of fine wine retail in Washington, D.C. Located in the Palisades neighborhood just north of Georgetown, MacArthur — or “Bassins,” as we are fondly known — has built its reputation on a simple but powerful idea: offer the greatest wines in the world at the most competitive prices, and back it up with knowledge, integrity, and personal service.

A Family Tradition

MacArthur Beverages was founded with a clear vision: to create a serious wine merchant’s shop — not just a liquor store. From the beginning, the focus was on Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy, and California — regions that reward deep relationships and long-term commitment.

Our founder, Addy Bassin, was far ahead of his time. He was among the first merchants in the United States to offer Bordeaux futures, helping collectors secure great wines before they ever reached American soil. He also pioneered California barrel tastings, helping elevate California wines into the global fine wine conversation.

In 1979, Bruce Bassin, son of Addy and Ruth Bassin, joined the family business after college. Like his father, Bruce embraced French wines — especially Bordeaux — along with the people, culture, and language of France. His passion and energy left a lasting mark on the store. Tragically, Bruce passed away from a massive heart attack at the age of 40. In his memory, the Heart’s Delight Wine Auction was founded, an event that now raises millions of dollars for the American Heart Association.

For many years, our matriarch, the legendary Ruth Bassin, greeted customers daily from the front counter and played an instrumental role in the growth and character of MacArthur Beverages. Today, the store remains proudly family-owned, with Addy’s daughters, Gail and Barbara, continuing the tradition and values that have defined MacArthur for decades.

Unlike many retailers that shifted toward corporate models, MacArthur has always remained personal. Customers are greeted by name. Collectors discuss vintages at the counter. Cases are stacked high with discoveries from small growers alongside First Growth Bordeaux and cult California Cabernets.

Building Direct Relationships

A defining part of MacArthur’s history has been its direct-import model. Long before it was fashionable, the store cultivated relationships with producers and négociants in France and Italy, allowing wines to be brought in directly by the container. This approach:

• Ensures sharper pricing
• Secures allocations of hard-to-find wines
• Provides greater control over provenance

Over time, MacArthur became known nationally for the depth of its Burgundy selection and the seriousness of its Bordeaux offerings — often rivaling major New York and West Coast retailers.

A Reputation Among Collectors

MacArthur has developed a loyal following among Washington’s most discerning collectors — from Capitol Hill to Embassy Row. The store earned trust by:

• Pricing transparently and competitively
• Storing wines carefully
• Standing behind every bottle

Rather than chasing trends, the buying philosophy has always emphasized classic regions, benchmark producers, and vintages with aging potential. The result is a cellar-worthy selection that appeals equally to new enthusiasts and seasoned collectors.

Evolving With the Times

While grounded in tradition, MacArthur has continually evolved. Email offers, curated web selections, and special tasting events have allowed the store to reach customers far beyond Washington. Carefully written offers and detailed vintage notes reflect the same expertise found at the counter.

Today, MacArthur Beverages remains what it has always been: a serious wine merchant devoted to value, authenticity, and long-term relationships — proudly serving Washington and wine lovers everywhere.