Wine, oh wine — dearest elixir of life, how do we love thee? Well, we pretty much drink the good stuff like it’s going out of style. After all, vino was the drink of the gods, so we’ll take a full-bodied Merlot over beer or booze any night of the week.
And, while a comfy couch and full glass is our usual M.O., sometimes we want to imbibe in a more social setting than our living room. The solution? Find a watering hole that specializes in our own particular poison. Luckily, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a novice who wants to expand her palate, the DMV has an impressive roster of amazing wine bars. We rounded up 10 of our well-stocked favorites, so you’ve got plenty of options the next time you want to enjoy a glass (or two) somewhere with a little more ambience. Cheers!
Barcelona Wine Bar
If you want to escape D.C., but don’t have time to take a true vacation, head to Barcelona Wine Bar in Logan Circle. The spacious, rustic-industrial venue has a decidedly European vibe, with an outstanding patio for warm-weather imbibing. The experience is so old-world Spain — from the wines to the tapas to visuals — that you might even forget you’re still in the DMV.
1622 14th Street NW; 202-588-5500.
Eno Wine Bar
Nestled next to the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, Eno is the perfect destination for a romantic date with your S.O. The cozy, two-level spot features many local wines, along with local charcuterie and cheese pairings. Bonus: The wine room offers tasting classes and musical programming.
2810 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; 202-295-2826.
Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar
Sonoma might be the go-to neighborhood wine bar for Capitol Hill residents, but it’s well worth a trip from the ‘burbs and beyond. Inspired primarily by Italian cuisine, the menu offers no shortage of antipasti, pizzas, and wine pairings that will put you in the sharing spirit.
223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; 202-544-8088.
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room is a no-brainer destination for an after-work glass of Cabernet with colleagues. Situated just outside the Friendship Heights Metro station, it’s an intimate space with a Monday-through-Thursday happy hour. Plus, it’s an actual wine shop, so you can pop in to sample a flight and walk out with a bottle. Our kind of place!
5330A Western Avenue, Chevy Chase; 301-664-9494.
Cork Wine Bar
we’ll be honest: Cork has fantastic wine, but we’re equally addicted to the small plates, like the famous avocado toast. (You won’t be able to stop at just one order.) Crave-worthy dishes aside, the cozy venue offers more than 50 wines by the glass, and staffers are happy to assist you with pairings that make the most of the diverse menu.
1720 14th Street NW; 202-265-2675.
Veritas
Veritas means “truth” in Latin, and this Dupont wine bar promises authenticity in its wine program. Choose from over 70 wines by the glass, served through a sophisticated, temperature-controlled tap system. Seriously, this place doesn’t mess around with the good stuff. Insider tip: On Sundays and Mondays after 5 p.m., share a staff-selected bottle with your bestie at half price.
2031 Florida Avenue NW; 202-265-6270.
Dickson Wine Bar
Fans of organic food and drink will rejoice in the selections available at Dickson Wine Bar, an artsy-casual venue on U Street. The global menu boasts everything from bánh mì sandwiches and crab croquettes to organic wines hailing from France, Italy, and Greece. And, we have to say that the floor-to-ceiling wine bottle installation makes for an awesome visual. DIY design project, anyone?
903 U Street NW; 202-332-1779.
Vinoteca
When you’re craving a longer, slower evening of wine drinking, Vinoteca is the name to know. With an elegant and inviting ambiance, plus budget-friendly prices, it’s the kind of place that compels you to stay for hours. Start with the $5-a-glass happy-hour special and keep the fun going with a phenomenal dinner — and more wine, obviously.
1940 11th Street NW; 202-332-9463.
Flight Wine Bar
Newly opened in Penn Quarter, Flight Wine Bar offers a classy place to wet your whistle, whether you’re fueling up for the night or winding down. Try the beet salad and glazed lamb chops with a glass of Argentinian Malbec. Much better than beer and fries, no?
777 6th Street NW; 202-864-6445.
Proof
Hardcore wine connoisseurs would do well to dine at Proof, one of the city’s best wine-centric restaurants. Helmed by proprietor Mark Kuller (a true wine enthusiast who has collected over 7,000 bottles for his personal cellar), Proof aims to bring patrons world-class wines, along with exciting, unique dishes perfect for pairing.
775 G Street, NW; 202-737-7663.
BY: ALINA GONZALEZ
***Grabbed from: http://www.refinery29.com/dc-wine-bars