American Wine Bars that Offer
Selection with Style
Since ancient times, wine has been an antidote to daily doldrums--lifting
the spirits, creating community and, in general, softening the edges
of raw reality. Greeks gathered joyously at tavernos—earlier
versions of modern wine bars —to socialize, discuss the matters
of the day and to sip and savor Dionysus’ gift to man.
Today, the wine bar culture is enjoying a renaissance of
sorts with a new breed of younger, more diverse wine enthusiasts
in search of setting, selection and savings. Hit any of
the wine bar hotspots across the globe and the demographic
has shifted: studied, 50-something vinophiles are invariably rubbing
elbows with hip Gen X’ers seeking affordable wines, unpretentious service and
an approachable but eclectic wine list (think small producers from
focused worldwide regions). An energetic social scene is an additional
must.
We chose six wine bars across the country that are creatively
meeting the needs of this new breed of patron, while at
the same time continuing to attract the more traditional wine lover:
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SAN FRANCISCO
LONDON WINE BAR
415 SANSOME STREET, SF
PH: 415.788.4811
 VINO VENUE
686 MISSION STREET, SF
PH: 415.341.1930
NEW YORK
‘INOTECA
98 RIVINGTON STREET, NY
PH: 212.614.0473
LOS
ANGELES
 A.O.C.
8022 W. THIRD ST, L.A.
PH: 323.653.6359
CHICAGO
AVEC
615 W. RANDOLPH, CHICAGO
PH: 312.377.2002
DALLAS
 CRU, A WINE BAR
3699 MCKINNEY AVE, DALLAS
214.526.9463PH: 972.702.9463
ADDIDTIONAL WINEBAR LISTINGS
WINE STORAGE
Dedicated wine bars and wine-oriented eateries know
that storing and protecting the stock is top priority.
Find
out more>>
TIPS FOR A TERRIFIC HOME WINE BAR
Whether your taste is grounded or grand, a few essentials
will ensure your home wine bar is primed for the long
haul
Find
out more>> |
SAN FRANCISCO
London Wine Bar. San Francisco has a reputation for the
eccentric, and this wine bar delivers on that reputation with
an ambiance that appears to have changed little since its opening
in 1974. Metallic grapevine wallpaper, wooden paneling and booths,
and a homey menu featuring cheese plates, chips and fondue creates
a dusty, down-to-earth setting ideal for first-time wine drinkers
or old-school enthusiasts with a need for nostalgia. The wine
list offers 40 to 50 wines by the glass and is focused mainly
on affordable California wines from small producers, easing novices
into the world of wine without breaking the bank. Claiming to
be the oldest wine bar in the U.S., the London also offers substantial
deals on bottles and cases.
Vino Venue. Technology meets tradition in this new wine lounge/retail
shop offering 104 esoteric wines from around the world and the chance
to “try before you buy.” Guests purchase a tasting card
and insert it into an automated wine station that dispenses one-ounce,
individually priced (from $1 to $28) pours of the wines. The card
also tracks the taster’s activity and keeps a record of what
has been tasted. The user-friendly ambiance continues with on-site
sommelier Catherine Fallis’ straightforward suggestions and
a regular series of vertical, horizontal and regional tastings.
NEW YORK
‘inoteca. Wine lovers are flung lovingly into the canon of Italian
varietals at this wildly popular, Lower East Side bar and restaurant
opened in 2003. In addition to its trendy location, cozy interior
and in-the-know clientele, the hotspot offers 315 Italian wines (30
of them available by glass or carafe) and a zippy wait staff without
a hint of attitude eager to guide patrons through the list. The list
is diverse in selection and price—so feel free to drop $200
or $30 on a bottle—and perfectly paired with award-winning small
plates of fried olives, panini and cured meats. The upbeat vibe here
makes wine tasting an unpretentious treat.
CHICAGO
Avec. Wine drinking breeds community, and this intimate
gathering place (meant to resemble the inside of a wine barrel)
is sure to gain patrons some fun new friends on their wine tasting
adventures. Light cedar slats, hickory floors and oak benches
typify the modern space that houses just five eight-person communal
tables and a 15-person bar, and to add to the charm, the 150-bottle,
30-wine-by-the-glass list specializes in unusual, small-producers
from Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. Chef de cuisine Koren
Grieveson turns out an array of creative offerings like roasted
rabbit and homemade sopressata salami, so you and your new pals
can play around by pairing your Chateau Coupe-Roses with an equally
unique bite to eat.
LOS ANGELES
A.O.C. L.A. scenesters love this sleek spot for its Hollywood
glitz and celebrity cachet—turn to your left at the buzzing
bar and you might find Giselle sipping a Cote-Rotie alongside
you. But the wine list is equally stellar at this classy bistro
run by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, the ladies behind Lucques.
A.O.C. thrives on selection—they offer 50 dry wines by the
glass alone—and guests can experiment with half-glasses,
carafes or flights from a wide-ranging list featuring everything
from on-the-rise Spanish varietals to Pinots from Central California.
Though attracting a tony crowd, A.O.C. is equally inviting to
the adventurous novice willing to pay for the privilege of sipping
and swirling with the stars. Mediterranean mini-entrees add to
the fun.
DALLAS
Cru A Wine Bar. More than 500 wines by the bottle, glass
or flight are on hand at this trendy West Village bar where flickering
candles, wine label murals and a mahogany bar attract well-heeled
couples, old school enthusiasts and fledgling wine fans. Located
next to the Angelika Theater, the newly-opened bar is a magnet
for indie-film hipsters who can conclude an evening with a flight
of Rosés on the outdoor patio. Its lengthy wine list and
impressive menu offerings (think beef tenderloin or crab cakes)
easily please most tastes. Flights change daily, inspiring guests
to check in frequently for the newest find.
ADDIDTIONAL
WINEBAR LISTINGS | WINE
STORAGE | TIPS
FOR HOME WINE BAR
