Our Story

For more than 85 years, Triphammer Wines & Spirits has been dedicated to one simple mission: providing an exceptional customer experience through knowledgeable service, carefully curated selections, and a welcoming atmosphere.

From the beginning, we've believed that buying wine and spirits should be more than a transaction. It should be an opportunity to discover something new. That's why we continue to offer educational tastings, expert recommendations, and one of the Finger Lakes region's most extensive selections of local, domestic, and imported wines and spirits—all at competitive prices and backed by a passionate, highly trained staff.

More Than a Liquor Store

One of the things that has always set Triphammer Wines & Spirits apart is our commitment to education and community. Every Friday from 4–7 PM, we host complimentary wine tastings in our wine bar, giving customers the chance to explore new wines, meet producers, and enjoy 10% off featured selections. It's a tradition that has introduced thousands of customers to their next favorite bottle.

A Tradition That Began in the 1870s

The roots of Triphammer Wines & Spirits stretch back to the 1870s, when Timothy Crowley immigrated to Ithaca and established what would become a multi-generational family legacy in the community.

The family's first business wasn't a liquor store at all. In 1919, following his military service, Al Crowley opened Crowley's Restaurant & Grill in downtown Ithaca. The restaurant became a local favorite before the family entered the wine and spirits business two decades later.

In 1941, Al and Margaret Crowley opened Crowley's Liquor Store at 222½ South Cayuga Street. The small downtown shop laid the foundation for what would become one of the Finger Lakes' best-known wine retailers.

When Al's health declined, his son Bob Crowley joined the business. In 1962, Bob relocated the store to Triphammer Plaza in Lansing and renamed it Triphammer Liquor. Over the next five decades, he transformed the business into a destination for wine enthusiasts, expanding the selection of imported wines while becoming an early champion of the rapidly growing Finger Lakes wine industry. Customers remember Bob not only for his expertise but also for the genuine relationships he built with generations of shoppers.

In 2002, the business entered its next chapter when Julie Crowley assumed leadership and rebranded the store as Triphammer Wines & Spirits. She expanded the store's educational focus by introducing a dedicated tasting bar, regular wine events, and innovative tasting programs while continuing the family's tradition of knowledgeable service and exceptional selection.

Today, Triphammer Wines & Spirits continues to build on that foundation. While ownership has evolved, the values that have guided the business for more than eight decades remain unchanged: outstanding customer service, an exceptional selection of wines and spirits, support for local wineries and producers, and a commitment to helping every customer discover something they'll enjoy.

We are proud to carry forward the legacy built by the Crowley family while continuing to serve the Finger Lakes community for generations to come.