As much as we love grabbing a bottle and cozying up at home, sometimes, heading out for a night of wine on the town is just what the evening calls for. Most of the team at Verve call New York City home, and are excited to share our favorites with you. There are plenty of great wine bars scattered all over New York City, brimming with savory snacks, killer ambiances, and of course, excellent wine. Here are eleven of our favorite places to post up and grab a bottle in NYC:
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
SOHO
We may be biased, but simply meeting the crew behind the magic at Compagnie merits a trip to the bar. Over 25 wines are offered by the glass, ranging in colors, styles, and regions-- we recommend taking a stab at the blind-tasting Mystery Wine, for a chance to win a full bottle! The bar’s cozy ambiance and meticulously crafted snacks simply add to the already excellent experience provided by the team. Stop by during happy hour for select $5 snacks and $5 wines by the glass.
Ruffian
EAST VILLAGE
Located in the heart of the East Village, Ruffian’s 250+ bottle list focuses on natural wines from small producers, with a strong emphasis on Eastern Europe, skin contact wines, and an array of up and coming producers. Although the bar’s tiny, 19-seat room is on the smaller side, cramming in is definitely worth it. Ruffian’s list is constantly changing, offering various seasonal and themed selections, paired with Mediterranean inspired snacks.
Corkbuzz
UNION SQUARE & CHELSEA MARKET
Founded by our friend, Laura Maniec MS, Corkbuzz perfectly combines education, dining, and imbibing. With two locations across the city (Union Square + Chelsea Market), hitting the bar from either side of the city is the perfect stop for both East and West siders. Corkbuzz offers over 35 wines BTG and 250 bottle selections, from a variety of Old and New world regions. Don’t miss the house made ricotta toast or steak tartare-- and be sure to inquire about upcoming classes and events!
Four Horsemen
WILLIAMSBURG
This Williamsburg based wine bar is definitely worth leaving Manhattan for. Co-founded by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, this natural-focused selection offers one of the best-priced lists in the city, making it a favorite amongst novices and industry professionals alike. The bar’s 40-seat space serves up delicious small plates and dozens of by the glass options, all within a cozy yet bustling ambiance. A large selection of biodynamically produced wines, as well as skin-contact selections, are also available; a great wine-focused destination for date night or small gatherings amongst friends!
http://www.fourhorsemenbk.com/
The Ten Bells
LOWER EAST SIDE
Shortly after its opening just over ten years ago, The Ten Bells quickly became a Lower East Side institution, highlighting organic, biodynamic, and minimal intervention wines produced all over the world. Over 30 BTG options are available at all times, with a ridiculously long bottle list. Snacks are served tapa style, though we recommend heading over for Happy Hour (until 7PM), for dollar oysters and $15 carafes of wine. Whether you’re looking for Georgian wine, obscure sparklers, or rare western European finds, The Ten Bells is your spot.
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
MIDTOWN
Founded by Austrian native (and our dear friend) Aldo Sohm, this namesake wine bar comes to us as an annex of Le Bernardin, offering a more casual, no reservations/formal attire required than it neighboring restaurant, yet still offers the same elegance and meticulous attention to hospitality. Dishes are made to be shared and paired; we recommend the whole roasted cauliflower and truffle pasta. And don’t be afraid to ask the stellar sommelier team for a wine rec; their knowledge is out of this world. A true Midtown gem!
June
COBBLE HILL
The ambiance of this Cobble Hill hotspot is to die for; cozy and intimate, with warm booths, dim lights, and abundant wood accents. The natural wine focused selection is perfect for Brooklynites looking to drink well, without having to head into Manhattan. June is as comfortable as it is reasonably priced; we recommend grabbing the mushroom tempura or charcuterie board. And don’t miss the $7 wines by the glass for happy hour!
Terroir
TRIBECA
In addition to Terroir’s summer-only High Line location, the bar’s home base, year-round location is situated right in the heart of Tribeca, offering a huge global selection of wines, many of which are available in half glass or full glass portions. The eccentrically written list, a brainchild of founder Paul Grieco, is as entertaining as it is extensive, offering hilarious blurbs, tasting notes, and helpful guidance through navigating its pages. Best of all? Terroir is located just a few blocks from our Verve NYC location!
Anfora
WEST VILLAGE
Co-founded by our friend Joe Campanale, Anfora’s quaint West Village location is perfect for those exploring NYC’s downtown neighborhoods, offering an array of natural wines and cocktails, perfect for sipping on before or after dinner. Cheese and charcuterie are available, though for larger food options, we recommend hitting dell’anima, located just next door, owned and operated by the same folks. Don’t forget to ask about upcoming classes and events!
Tannat
INWOOD
For our friends located Uptown, the need to travel for great wine no longer exists, thanks to Tannat. Recently opened in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood, this natural wine focused bar highlights a farm to table menu, focused on genuine ingredients, seasonal dining, and an adventurous, off the beaten path wine list. It's also located close to The Met Cloisters. An extensive list of amphora aged, native yeast fermented, and minimal intervention wines dominate this weekly changing wine list, ‘available by the splash, glass, or bottle.’ Plus, the prices are insane; a three course chef’s dinner will only run you 25 bucks a pop!
Racines
TRIBECA
With locations in both New York and Paris, this part-fine dining, part wine bistro setting boasts an extensive (60+ pages!) natural wine list, curated by owner-sommelier, Arnaud Tronche and partner-sommelier, our friend Pascaline Lepeltier MS. Snack on seasonal ingredient based dishes, in this bustling, dimly lit ambiance, transporting yourself to a Parisian wine bistro feel, if only for a moment. Grab a dish a la carte and ask our friends for their latest wine recommendations-- they’re sure to not disappoint.
