About Us

Our philosophy is simple: locate the best small vineyards in the world’s greatest wine regions; buy the wines directly from importers, avoiding middleman markup; pass the savings directly on our consumers. This strategy enables each of you to enjoy hand-crafted, artisan wines at reasonable prices, since they are paying for the steak rather than the sizzle.

Maurice Amiel, Owner

Monsieur Maurice Amiel is a veteran of over 45 years in the wine industry, with three decades of success in Manhattan and Westchester before relocating to Palm Beach 15 years ago. Originally intending to retire, Maurice quickly noticed the absence of his favorite wines—affordably priced, food-friendly selections from the world’s greatest regions—and couldn’t resist coming out of retirement to open The French Wine Merchant.

In his 15 years on Palm Beach Island, Maurice has become a well-known and respected figure, with his shop regularly featured in prestigious magazines, newspapers, and industry articles. He is highly praised for his expert knowledge and personal touch, contributing his expertise at wine tasting events and meticulously hand-picking each wine to ensure it represents the best from small, renowned vineyards. His commitment to quality and affordability has made The French Wine Merchant a beloved staple of the Palm Beach community.

Location

Located in the Paramount Building on the fabulous Palm Beach island , The French Wine Merchant is an elegant enclave where our customers can browse hundreds of distinctive wines.

Our shop is your Palm Beach private cave

Our shop is your Palm Beach private cave

Monsieur Maurice’s Selection

Every bottle in the store has been personally tasted and selected by Maurice; our long time customers have come to rely on him as their personal wine adviser.

Veteran of three decades in the wine trade

Veteran of three decades in the wine trade

All about wine

Whether the occasion is a dinner party for a small group of guests, a large reception or a romantic evening for two, Maurice is adept at guiding our customers toward the perfect wine.