If you’re headed to New York for a trip or just looking for a new date night spot, this is the list you won’t want to miss.
We’ve put together the top ten best places to drink wine in NYC right now. No matter your experience with wine drinking, this list has a place, and wine, for everyone.
Contents
The Best Wine Bars in New York City
Aldo Sohm
Located in Midtown, Aldo Sohm is a can’t miss wine bar.
The space is designed to feel like a mix of an art museum and the wine director Aldo’s living room. It’s cozy, and the wine list includes a large selection of ever-changing wines.
Plus, the food menu is designed to complement the drink and offers many small plate options.
- Location: 151 W. 51st St, New York, NY 10019
La Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels, AKA ‘Compagnie’
Compagnie is best known for being the go-to bar for industry professionals just getting off a shift, located in Downtown Manhattan.
The cozy and rustic atmosphere makes it a great place to hang out. The wine list features selections from regions all around the world.
And the food menu is French and Mediterranean-inspired small plates. The best part is a mystery wine challenge every month – guess the wine, win the bottle!
- Location: 249 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
Gem Wine
Just one of many wine bars on the Lower East Side, Gem Wine is a great option for wine drinkers of any level.
It’s a mix of bar and restaurant with a continuously changing menu featuring options for both small and larger portions.
There’s no wine list, instead friendly and helpful servers to guide you in the right direction. Glasses are reasonably priced, with a handful of selections including red, white, sparkling, rose, and orange, starting at $15.
- Location: 116 Forsyth St, New York, NY 10002
June
This natural wine bar located in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn is a great place for a date. The knowledgeable and helpful staff are there to offer great recommendations.
The food menu consists of seasonal dishes that complement the wine and include options like meats, cheeses, fish, and veggies. They also offer crafted cocktails, in case you want to switch things up.
- Location: 231 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Kaia Wine Bar
Notably one of the few, if not only, South African wine bars in the city. The Kaia Wine Bar is casual but takes its wine menu seriously.
They offer over 50 wines from the South African Region, and samples or tastings are encouraged. With wines served by the glass or bottle, you’ll want to try them all.
Be sure to try their Chemin Blanc or Pinotage styles specific to the South African region. Then pair them with a menu designed to compliment and pay homage to that wine-growing area.
- Location: 1614 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128
ONE19 Wine Bar
This wine bar on the Lower East Side could be considered a speakeasy. You have to cross through a fake cafe to enter, which makes it fun for parties or gatherings.
One19 is reasonably priced, with bottles ranging from $40-50. All their wine is on tap, and they have flight options for lots of sampling opportunities.
The atmosphere is small and cozy, with a full food menu curated to compliment the wine, they offer pizza and other Italian-inspired dishes.
- Location: 119 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Place Des Fetes
If you’re into Spanish-inspired cuisine and wine, Place des Fetes is perfect.
The wine selection is predominately from Spain and Chile, which also inspires the food.
While the menu is limited, it is a great spot for a small bite with charcuterie-like and seafood options.
They have a great atmosphere with a large bar that offers seating in front of their open kitchen. It’s a great date-night spot.
- Location: 212 Greene Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Rhodora
Rhodora focuses on small-scale, naturally processed wine and has a sustainable mission to produce zero-waste.
The farm-to-table atmosphere comes across on both their food menu and wine list alike. The food consists of conservas (tinned fish), snacking veggies, and cheeses.
While wine selection includes natural options from Germany, Austria, and Southeastern France.
- Location: 197 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Ruffian
If you’re looking for another place that has options no matter your wine experience, this is a great choice.
With over 250 natural wines on their list, they focus on selections from small producers.
Mainly focused on wines from Southern and Eastern Europe. The staff is easy-going and knowledgeable to aid in your selection.
They offer patio seating and a food menu with a heavy Mediterranean influence to complement the wine selection, of course.
- Location: 125 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Terroir Tribeca
If you find yourself in Tribeca, this is a must-stop location. Terroir has a laid-back atmosphere but takes wine very seriously.
The selections include over 83 by-the-glass options and even more bottles. The list is full of various regions and styles, plus you’ll find explanations and clever comments in the margins.
You can get either 3 or 6 oz pours, and they even have a discounted happy hour. If you need help choosing, the staff is ready with great recommendations.
- Location: 24 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013
Final Thoughts
It’s clear to see, whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s a wine bar to represent almost every region and style.
So the next time you go out for a small bite and a glass of wine, keep this list in mind. You may just find a new favorite spot and a new favorite wine.