You don’t have to travel all the way to wine country to find your next bottle. The city has lots of wine bars that offer great selections for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. From sophisticated lounges that showcase French vintages to laid-back spaces perfect for a casual afternoon, these NYC wine tasting places offer a wonderful experience for every palate and preference.
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, Midtown
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar was designed by the master sommelier of the legendary Le Bernardin. The Midtown gem offers a “living room” vibe and over 40 by the glass and 200 by the bottle options, as well as a monthly flight program. Whether you’re getting pre-theater drinks or want to escape the bustle of Times Square, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is a great first choice.
City Winery, Pier 57
Part entertainment venue, part eatery and part winery, City Winery is one of those go-to spots for a night out. But they also offer a sensational wine tasting experience of five wines led by a wine expert. What’s more, if you want to celebrate the season of renewal, you can also get the Spring Wine 6-Pack that combines bright whites and easy-drinking reds for the perfect spring day with your friends.
Arlo Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Known for its stylish spaces and communal energy, Arlo Williamsburg features the full-service restaurant Sungold and a sleek lobby bar boasting an extensive wine list. Staying true to their reputation for creative programming, the boutique hotel is currently home to An Idiot’s Guide to Wine. This unique experience blends a comedy set with a guided tasting of six premium pours, from fresh whites to bold reds — all within a welcoming, hilarious and pretension-free environment.
The Red Hook Winery, Brooklyn
In 2008, founder Mark Snyder launched The Red Hook Winery with a clear mission: to create a dedicated stage for the premier vineyards of New York and all their wine is produced from grape to bottle at their winery in Brooklyn on Pier 41. From private to shared tastings, glasses to bottles, each experience is curated by their wine professionals showcasing the quality of New York’s home-grown grapes.
La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, So Ho
Part of the Experimental Group that has multiple destinations across the world, La Compagnie de Vin Surnaturels in NYC has two locations: in Flatiron and on Centre St. It is another great option for wine tasting as it boasts a collection of over 1000 exceptional French wines from independent and small producers, and references from Lebanon, Greece, Hungary and Brazil. If you want to learn more about wine and savor different varieties, book their Wine Bootcamp, an hour-long tasting of four wines alongside a food pairing, guided by a seasoned sommelier.
Hound’s Tree, Williamsburg
Another Williamsburg gem, Hound’s Tree holds the title of the “first and only estate winery and tasting room in New York City”. Their wine tasting experiences are all shaped by their passion to showcase the quality of East Coast wines. Special vintages, crisp Riesling from Finger Lakes and Merlot-based Bordeaux blends from North Fork —- their selection is extensive for every taste.
Ruffian, East Village
Dedicated to displaying the beauty of Eastern European natural wines, Ruffian is one of our favorite wine spots. You can opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the sunny weather or sit at the bar and try their menu of locally & seasonally inspired plates. From tasting and à la carte menus to curated flights and wine classes inspired by their list of more than 250 bottles, you can’t go wrong with this East Village must-hit spot.
