In a city that specializes in specialties, New York is a playground for those who love wine. Whether it’s an unknown Turkish wine you crave or a spicy Tinto Fino from the Ribera del Duero, we have it all. But in a place where your options are endless, the biggest challenge is selecting where to go. The good news is New York also happens to be the city that never sleeps. So with a desire for great unique wines and a few free nights, Gothamist sets out to find the best spots to bring a date, entertain some friends or just throw back a glass or two.
Best wines by the Glass: The Modern, 9 W 53rd St (btwn 5th & 6th Ave)
It’s often the case that when you are ordering wine by the glass you have to give up selection and quality. At The Modern, located inside MoMA, you sacrifice nothing. The wines by the glass options are constantly changing – offering excellent, top quality wines. The cost per glass may be a little higher than the average, but then again where else could you try a FX Pichler, Gruner Veltliner for $18? We can’t wait to see what they’ll have next.
Great selection of Italian Wines: ‘inoteca, 98 Rivington St
The great thing (ok, one of the great things) about Italian wines is you never get bored of them. The diversity in flavors and aromas from village to village – has something to satisfy just about anybody’s palette. ‘inoteca, captures all the flavors of Italy in an extensive wine list that covers every region. Come hungry though, because their extraordinary tapas and sliced Italian meats are the perfect accompaniment to the vino.
A little Jazz with your wine: Louis 649, 649 E. 9th St (btwn Ave B and C)
Drinking a glass of wine can be a sensory experience – you look, you smell, you taste and truly take in the personality and character of the wine. However there is one thing missing – entertainment for the ears. That’s where Louis comes in. While sipping a spicy and smoky Rhone, you can sit back and enjoy the great melodies of live jazz music. Somehow wine just tastes better when trumpets and drums are involved.
Cheese and wine nirvana: Artisanal, 2 Park Ave.
You can't talk about cheese and wine and not mention Artisanal. When you arrive, take a few minutes to chat with their cheese and wine expert and they’ll help you put together some pairings that are truly unbelievable. From triple-crème cheeses with champagne to fondue with Rioja , Artisanal has our favorite selection of great cheeses and wine.
Wine bar that doesn’t feel like a wine bar: Rhone, 63 Gansevoort St
It might be its meat-packing district roots, but as the night goes on, this wine bar starts rocking. While the wine selection is decent the real draw to this spot is the D.J. Rhone is a great place to go with some friends to enjoy wine (but not take it too seriously) and burn off those alcohol calories by dancing until the wee hours.
And a few more…
Wine bar to bring a date: Turks and Frogs and Punch & Judy
Great selection of Spanish wines: Bar Carrera and Bar Jamon
Friendly and knowledgeable Sommelier: Veritas
Killer Sangria: Tia Pol
The thing is, the list could really go on and on, but we tried to stay focused. With all these wine bars to choose from, Gothamist realized that a) we are so lucky…b) work is really getting in the way of our drinking time…and c) we probably left off a few great places (see point b.) We know you love to drink, what are your favorite wine spots?
