Thursday, May 3rd 2012

Toast of the Town New York will be taking over the Oscar Hammerstein Ballroom with more than 500 wines, spirits & beers and 35 local restaurants on Thursday, May 3rd 2012. Hosted by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the Toast of the Town brings together thirty-five signature New York dishes, including bites by the likes of BLT Fish, Picholine, SD26 and Veritas all under one roof.

Satiate your inner oenophile with a light and fruity Riesling or an earthy Pinot Noir as you celebrate at the most anticipated wine event of the season. Mingle with NYC’s elite while enjoying the sounds of a live jazz band during this three-hour extravaganza. It promises to be one of the most memorable events of the year celebrating all things food, wine and The Big Apple.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.ToastoftheTown.com

For a full list of wineries please visit: http://www.toastofthetown.com/wineries

For a full list of restaurants please visit: http://www.toastofthetown.com/restaurants

Wine Enthusiast’s Toast of the Town New York

Thursday, May 3^rd 2012

Oscar Hammerstein Ballroom

311 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

VIP Tasting 6 PM – 10 PM ($169) Early Bird Pricing $149 (Save $20 per ticket thru April 29, 2012)

VIP Tickets include early entrance to the event, exclusive access to hundreds of reserve wines, the opportunity to talk one-on-wine with the wine makers and interact with the restaurateurs

Grand Tasting 7PM – 10 PM ($109) Early Bird Pricing $99 (Save $10 per ticket thru April 29, 2012)

It’s 11-11-11, make a wish! If you wished for an amazing *FREE* tasting of 11 wines from around the world at an adorable boutique wine store, it has come true! Harlem Vintage also offering 11% off off any 11 bottles and will be staying open until 11pm. The tasting is from 4-8 but the party continues next door at their bar Nectar where the “wine whisperer” Cynthia will be satisfying all your libation needs. Get the Manchego stuffed dates wrapped in Pancetta… it will blow your mind!

Here are a few examples of what you will be sampling at the tasting:

Fuentenarro “4 Months”

This lovely Tempranillo is a creamy mix of redcurrant, blueberry, plums and ripe peach fill the palate. A medium bodied wine, with sweet ripe tannins, well structured, showing great potential.

Santa Vincenzo Ventoso Morellino di Scansano

This is ablend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo and 5% Alicante. It features very outgoing aromas of smoky cherry, violets and leather. In the mouth, it has bright medium-bodied cherryish fruit and finishes very long.

Baglio Dosa Nero d’Avola

A warm and plummy red wine with a touch of raisins and a hint of almonds in the flavor. There’s sufficient acidity to give it structure, but the overall impression is soft as velvet. Although the finish isn’t overly long, ripe and appealing fruit and surprising complexity hold up as a food wine perfectly paired with a juicy brisket or Hungarian stew.

Hannah Nicole Syrah

This powerful Syrah comes from Contra County California in the same region as Turley and Rosenblum which is famous for Zins and Syrahs. This wine explodes with fresh black pepper. Flavorful and rich, it is lush and abounding with flavor, with hints of smoke, cherry and fig.

Hope to see you all there!

The highlight of the event  was the Austrian section featuring Forstreiter, Andau, Fritsch, Stadlmann, Weninger and Nittnaus. I spent the majority of the afternoon there savoring each Gruner and Zweigelt but the most exciting part was meeting Toni Silver from Grooner.  She is the spritely spokesperson for the brand and is pictured on the bottles. Visit our Facebook page for pictures of the event.

Tickets are still available for Eat.Drink.End.Hunger in NYC from September 29th-October 2nd. 100% of the net proceeds from the Festival benefit the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength®

To get tickets, click here to visit NYC Wine & Food Festival or call 866.969.2933.

Follow @FoodBankNYC & @ShareStrength on Twitter

• Cute Puppies: In addition to all of the precious pups in the store, Animal Haven will be on site with some irresistible faces that you may just want to take home with you. We’ll also be doing a raffle to benefit this wonderful organization.
• Doggy Portraits: You can get one for your pooch!
• Tickets To Astor Center Classes: Astor is giving away tickets to two of their popular wine and spirits classes.
• Wine & Cocktail Tastings: We’ll be pouring some special wines that will be on sale and preparing canine-themed cocktails.
• Food: Tasty treats will be served!

http://patrickbucklew.com/

Fischl tells The Herald Sun that Miss Louisa knows if a glass or barrel of wine is off due to tainted corks just by raising a nostril at it. Daniel says, “Most wineries rely on the human nose but that is time-consuming, costly and nowhere near as reliable as Belle, whose nose is 2000 times more sensitive than ours.” Miss Louisa’s nose can also sniff out mildew leaves on vines and faulty corks.

Coming from a long line of search-and-rescue dogs, Miss Belle has a keen sense of smell, but opted to abandon the family profession for sniffing wine. We’re sure her lineage of superior olfactory sense sure comes in handy!

For all you dog loving oenophiles you don’t have to travel to Australia to incorporate the two. This Wednesday, you can help mans best friend and enjoy some delicious wines!

Bideawee is collaborating with 67 Wine for a summer wine tasting event on August 10, 2011 from 4:00 – 7:00PM to raise funds to help support that wide variety of programs that Bideawee offers pets and the people that love them. Below is the information Bidawee has put out about the event:

The partnership between Bideawee and 67 Wine brings together two New York City mainstays to offer pet lovers the opportunity to taste three distinct styles of wines from the Les Compagnons collection from Gabriella Wines at 67 Wine’s Columbus Avenue location on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. At this pet friendly event, attendees will also enjoy light snacks and the pleasure of mingling with other pet lovers and their dogs. To commemorate the event each guest will receive a Bideawee wine glass and 67 Wine will donate $1.00 for each bottle of wine purchased during the event to Bideawee. Raffle drawings and prizes for wine enthusiasts and dog loving attendees will be held throughout the evening.

Bideawee adoptable dogs will be on site in hopes of finding a new forever home.

67 Wine
179 Columbus Avenue (at 68th Street)

Wine tasting event fee is a $10.00 donation to Bideawee. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and will receive complimentary treats and gifts from The New York Dog Shop.

For more information, contact Amy Hraniotis, Bideawee Event Manager, at (516) 785-4687, ext. 369

Maybe you’ll find a Miss Louisa Belle of your own!

"That batch has got to go!"

Wine Australia is using social networking to present an opportunity for Australian wineries to connect with some of their core audience and also donate profits to a great cause.

First, they have hooked up with the Open Space Alliance of North Brooklyn (OSA) for the Williamsburg Waterfront concert series taking place through September (this is their 3rd year running!). Wine Australia, the sole wine sponsor for these sold-out summer events, will serve a total of 19 Australian wines, in rotation, at the concerts. (100%of the profits from the wine sales at the concerts goes directly to OSA’s park developments and greening of the urban landscape in Brooklyn.)

In addition, this year you can actually find one or more of these 19 wines at participating retailers (see list below). What’s more, if you “check-in” via foursquare and also buy a bottle of one of the participating wines, you’ll get a Wine Australia gift-pack (take away glass and corkscrew) to go with your wine.

Picture yourself sipping on an ice cold glass of Woop Woop Verdelho while getting your boots dirty to Sonic Youth. Maybe the bold and spicy Running with Bulls Tempranillo is more your speed during Widespread Panic.

And remember to check in with Foursquare at one of the participating wine shops, get a few “tips” on the program as well as insider info on Australian wine and let your friends know where you got this special gift… or leave your own tip?

This is going on ALL summer so there are lots of chances for you to try different wines from Australia whether or not you actually get to a concert or not.  Whatever the case may be, this is an event not to missed.

Here’s the lowdown:

Remaining AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER Concerts:

Peter in his favorite section: Sancerre

America is known as the melting pot of the world, NYC is known as the melting pot of America, Astoria Queens is known as the melting pot of NYC and Grand Wines and Liquors is certainly the melting pot of diverse wines in Astoria.

Peter Panayiotou is the manager of the long standing establishment. So long standing in fact, that they have been in business since 1932! Grand Wines chooses wines from all areas, as the residents of Astoria come from all backgrounds, so there is something for everyone. Within their 900 labels you can find everything from your typical Napa Cab to an indigenous varietal from Nigeria or Thailand. You can spend $4.99 a bottle or splurge on a premium bottle for $499.00.

Panayiotou shares that over the years less gallon jugs and lower end wines are being sold; while more small vineyard, boutique and cellar bottles are being purchased. Especially since, after 9-11, a younger crowd started moving to Astoria: and as Williamsburg keeps getting more and more expensive, many Brooklynites have been migrating to Astoria to find a higher quality of life.  In turn, this neighborhood shop has been catering to this new crowd by stocking the shelves with hipper items.

Don’t know how to choose from over 900 different wines from every corner of the earth? Join Grand at their weekly tasting every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-8.

Grand Wines & Liquor

30-05 31st St (Off 30th Ave)

Astoria NY 11102

718-728-2520

Hell’s Kitchen Wine Bars

French Mediterranean

653 Ninth Ave. 10002
Cross Streets: 46th & 47th St.
Phone: 212-333-5100

Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2am

Come to Hell’s Kitchen for Happy Hour, brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks at this new wine bar.

The wines spread of over 100+ vintages and the savory dishes created by owner and chef Al Rineh: also founder of the international L’Ybane Restaurants. “We want create the experience of Nice with the essence of classic New York for our customers–that they taste and feel the richness of life found in southern France, immersed in the friendly and relaxed environment of our own La Carafe.”

More to come on wines and pricing. They serve a variety of hot and cold appetizers–spiced chickpea fritters, grilled merguez, eggplant caviar–and specialty pasta, seafood and Mediterranean entrees.

La Carafe’s floor seats up to 30 with its wood tables and copper covered bar aglow with oil candles. Customers can take in the charming details back dropped by funky lamps and shelved rows of wine accenting the exposed brick wall.

Midtown East Wine Bars

Cheese

590 Madison Ave., 10022
Cross Streets: 56th & 57th St.
212-355 -2217

Hours: Weekdays 7am-6pm, Weekends 9am-6pm

For a while, the midtown Manhattan mozzarella bar, In the public atrium at the IBM Building allowed you to enjoy bufala at its finest; now you can have it with a nice glass of wine. It was only a matter of time as not having wine has been the only serious criticism of Obika.

Now they offer a wide range of Italian wines, the perfect complement to the other ingredients served.  So, along with the much buzzed about fresh mozzarella and pasta fare, expect wine options from Campagnia, Veneto,Tuscany and Puglia, and “a few surprises.” More to come on wines and prices.

This is a nice place to go and avoid the heavily touristy fare nearby and enjoy a complete wine and cheese experience.

Midtown West Wine Bars

Italian

1496 2nd Ave. 10075
Cross Streets: 77th & 78th St.
212-249-1010

Hours: Sun-Tue Noon-11pm, Wed-Thu Noon-Midnight, Fri-Sat Noon-3am

Sister to Bocca di Bacco in Hell’s Kitchen, Bocca (as the uptown offshoot is being called) will offer communal dining and feature 45 wines by the glass (housed in a air-compression chamber to preserve their freshness).  In fact, they have an incredibly extensive Italian wine list (over 500 by the bottle) where you can order many by the glass or even 1/2 glass.

This outpost will have 80 seats, plus 45 outside. The menu and decor will be the same, but  they’ll be adding lunch and brunch items like panini and frittatas. Wine list, prices and atmosphere updates to come.

With wine barrels hanging from the wall, bottles of wine outlining every corner, and dim lighting, it is a great after work, relaxing wine spot where sitting at the bar splitting dishes and a bottle of wine is enjoyable and casual!  They offer snacks such as mixed olives, meat and cheese plates, and little nibbles like rice balls and marinated sardines.

Italian

77 2nd Ave., 10003
Cross Streets: 4th & 5th St.
212-228-2969

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-Midnight

Named after the current-day markets in Italy, Ballarò is an updated take on a modern, Sicilian deli, crossed with a rustically cool wine bar. In layman’s terms: A place for coffee in the morning, followed by easy-to-eat Paninis and crisp, refreshing wine ’til you think you might burst.

As the sun sets, cheese-and-salami plates make their appearance – free to sample with a purchase of a glass of wine (6-7:30pm). The wine list, covering all regions of Italy, starts around $8.

They actually have a nice selection of between the 40 to 50 Italian and California wines (owner Giusto Priola says the California selection is in there because we are, after all, in America).  Or go for the “wine tasting”. For $20 you get to choose 5 wines from any wine by the glass offered (you end up with a nice pour of each). A great way to explore the wine list.

They list 23 signature Paninis: with freshly carved meats and cheeses, brought in straight from Italy, not to mention plenty of veggies and four types of bread to choose from, the build-your-own option is awfully appealing too… like speck, buffala mozzarella, Gorgonzola, arugula and tomato on ciabatta.

The rustic décor is warm, yet somehow modern…with exposed brick walls; and clusters of garlic and peppers hanging over the bar.

Note: Cash only.

Williamsburg Wine Bars

International

232 N 12 St. 11211
Cross Streets: Driggs and Roebling St.
718-486-3900

Hours: tbd

American/ European tapas bar offering a diverse (and ambitious) menu and a fantastic selection of wines. More info on venue and wines to come.

Nestled in the menu of a wide-ranging but well-priced list of small plates are wood-fired thin-crust pizzas. The pies are all named for chart-topping tunes, like Let the Good Times Roll (mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, sweet and hot sausages) and Heart of Gold (mozzarella, spinach, artichokes, mushrooms, peppers, tomato sauce). The rest of the tapas menu includes items such as pumpkin ravioli, a hummus plate and garlic shrimp—along with sandwiches and salads.  Most ingredients are organic or natural from sustainable sources.

Moomba seems perfectly positioned to accommodate larger groups looking for a family-style meal sharing experience.

Mediterranean

811 9th Ave., 10019
Cross Streets: 53rd & 54th St.
212-586-1201

Hours:  Mon-Thur 5pm-Midnight, Fri 5pm-1am, Sat-Sun  11am-11pm

Were you thinking bites/
mezze/ tapas/ small plates complemented with valued wines? You thought right.

Once a local paint shop, this newcomer hosts a heavy Western European/Mediterranean wine list with more than the usual Italian, French and Spanish suspects — such as bottles from Lebanon, Croatia and Israel. They actually have about 25 white wines to choose from and over 50 reds from many regions, including: Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Montenegro, Lebanon, Israel, and more.  Major points for the inclusion of several $6 – $7 glasses on the menu.

The food is based on the different areas of the mediterranean cuisine culture, with a bit of fusion flare mixed in. Menus arrive on rustic, wood planks and feature European-Mediterranean tapas like lamb albondigas ($6), a small bowl of meatballs with pine nuts and raisins in a spicy red wine sauce, and the piquant marinated anchovy plate ($6). There’s also a short list of full-on entrées (rack of lamb, Cornish hen).

It’s an open vibe; in fact with an open kitchen
with a small counter where anyone can have a “quick cooking class”, a great large bar
and welcoming dining area. Or check out their lovely and somewhat secretive “wine cellar” that sports a big communal table; which is accommodating for private wine and food events, but can work out as a very cool
romantic dating spot if you don’t mind sharing an 11 ft long table with someone else.

Their website says they’ll soon will have a green and peaceful garden
space in the back? (spring 2011?)

Italian

310 Bleecker St., 10014
Cross Streets: Grove & Barrow St.
212-675-2009

Hours: tbd

A casual Italian joint cum wine bar cum espresso bar, set up as an outpost to it’s more formal restaurant in the space next door.

The focus here is on simple and savory bar bites, but the house cocktails like a michelada, as well as an all-Italian wine list of over two-dozen vinos (all available by the glass) add some buzz to the bite.

The stuzzichini menu is split among meats (bone marrow sformato, prosciutto with almonds), seafood (crudo with smoked chili and kiwi) and veggies (eggplant caponata with currants), along with a selection of cheeses and desserts.

Caffe Muzio is phase 1 of the overhaul of the once Choptank space, which has now been divided into two sections. The second section, next door, will feature a more formal Italian restaurant concept.

More to come on venue, wine list and atmosphere.

Soho Wine Bars

Italian

105 Thompson St., 10012
Cross Streets: Spring & Prince St.
212-226-1146

Hours: tbd

A smaller outpost of Vincent Cherico’s uptown spot Vai opened Spring 2011.  Without an actual bar, it is more a wine spot: with high tables lining one wall, a good wine selection and tasty small plates options.

This wine-centric small plate spot is serving up serious flavors. Each table has a place setting set with three wine glasses, to be filled with a combo of their 20 “by-the” offerings to make an appropriate tasting flight to pair with your light bites.  More to come on the wine list.

Liberally pulling from French, Italian, and Spanish culinary traditions of honest Mediterranean food, the evolving menu is built for exploration and is broken into categories like Formaggi, Crudo and Lightly Cooked offerings… including chili-sauced Alaskan king crab legs!  The dishes are elaborate, like tuna tartare and himachi crudo, bacalao salad (confit salted cod, cauliflower and potato puree), halibut and guancile cannellini bean cassoulet and roasted bone marrow.

The space is seriously intimate, as they only have room for tables on one of the walls.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will soon be served.

12 North 5th St., 11211
Cross Streets: Kent Ave.
718-384-1275

Hours: Mon 4pm-9pm; Tue-Thu 1pm-10pm; Fri 1pm-11pm; Sat 12pm-11pm; Sun 12pm-9pm

A nice little wine shop right by the pier sandwiched by luxury condos. The boutique wine shop has a select portfolio of wines and spirits that reflect the evolving tastes of the Williamsburg neighborhood. The owners have been Williamsburg locals for years and enjoy engaging with the friends and families of the neighborhood.

Locals are pleased that the staff is friendly, they know their wines and can recommend wines for a dinner or aperitif – and within a price range. The owners say they love to share the stories that exist from soil to store shelves to dinner tables.

The unique interior design is thanks to the owners dad (who also designed a restaurant in Sag Harbor and the Science Playground (New York Hall of Science, Queens, NY)

Stop by on Friday evenings for weekly tastings.  It’s a dog friendly establishment too.  Water and biscuits for the pup!

South African

1614 3rd Ave., 10128
Cross Streets: 90th & 91st St.
phone

Hours: tbd

Opened Spring 2011. A farm to table inspired wine bar with a New World southern hemisphere winelist and craft beer.

KAIA means Hut in Zulu,and means some variation of “house” or “home” in most of South African’s 11 officially recognized languages.

The wine list is New World in style – South Africa (about 25% of the list), New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay, Chile, New York, Oregon, Argentina: serving up 14 whites/13 reds. Every wine is available by the glass and range from between $9 to $13 – for a good pour.  They are proudly unique in their choice of underexposed vintages: the wine list is happily off-the-beaten-path style.  Such as a wine made from Counoise, a minor red-wine grape grown in the southern Rhone Valley of France, used in red wine blends to add aroma, spice and freshness. Most bottles are under $50, and all are available by the glass, along with a list of craft beers.

They are also sharing some wines more close to home as they are pouring two “draught” vintages from the Gotham Project on the North Fork of Long Island—a Riesling and The Fork, a Merlot-based red blend.

The mixed Zulu and English on the menu, a multicultural mix that is also the trademark of the cuisine. (South African influences means lots of spices and complex aromas.) They serve a tight menu of small plates; heavy on meats and spices. According to the website, they use only locally 
sourced organic cured meat and cheese.

Music from the country plays in the background, and the décor is low-lit, exposed-brick spot with a nod to the rich culture and cuisine of South Africa.

The owners hail from Sfoglia and Babbo; and their background in hospitality shows… Kaia is the kind of place with the casual friendliness to make you feel like a regular customer from your very first visit.

Italian

1102 Bedford St., 11216
Cross Streets: Lexinton Ave. & Quincy St.
718-484-8474

Hours:

The most common grapes of the region include Chardonnay and Savagnin for whites and Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir for reds. The region also offers Cremant du Jura – sparkling whites usually made entirely of Chardonnay.

However, the whites are quite similar to Sherry because of the method of aging…. but don’t go running, these are whites with an attitude. Focused, rich, nutty with just the right amount of citrus backbone to carve smiles onto your face when drinking them.

“Namely the wines are aged in barrels for years under a film of natural yeast, known as voile in France, or flor in Jerez (region in Spain where Sherry is produced). This film allows a slow oxidation. The difference is that the voile is more beneficial for producing low alcohol wines than Spanish flor….”

“The reds are very similar to those in Burgundy in structure and balance. The wines are silky in texture, very elegant and need to be opened for about 2-3 hours before consuming. The most important fact of this region is that most of the producers make natural wines, ‘at the vineyard’, rather than ‘in the winery’.” (Taken from the Murray Hill Wine Blog. Read more about Jura wines - here.)

Being from the cooler, somewhat-northerly Western area of France, on the boarder of Switzerland, Jura has been a sleeper of a wine region to most of us, as it is one of the smallest wine regions in France. Only those in the know were enjoying the fruits of the Jura winemaker’s labors. And all of those Jurans drinking their own wines of course.

With the influx of wine imports, the increase of wine bars and wine shops around town, the elevated sense of personal wine exploration and the heightened awareness that wines from around the world are truly wonders of their own, we now are able to experience the flavors of the old country of France.

A quick search using the term “Jura” on Wine-Searcher, shows us that (even on the free version) there are numerous wine shops in town that carry a variety of Jura wines. From bubblies to flavorful whites to focused reds, you have plenty of places to scout out one of these unique wines.

Since there is not a simple search site that helps us find what wines are in our local wine bars (until we create one!), to find a Jura wine would require a little more thinking and follow through. A quick Google search turns up that Lelabar, Terroir, Anfora and Bubble Lounge have a Jura wine or two on their wine menus. And, knowing that Jura wines typically follow a “natural” winemaking process, it would be safe to assume that the Natural wine bars around town would carry a Jura or two – either year round or from time to time; so check in with The Ten Bells, Tangled Vine or Thirstbaràvin. Or stop by one of the French wine bars around town; maybe such as Pierre Loti, Adour, Le Bateau Ivre or Domaine Bar a Vins as a few suggestions to start.

As we discover these wines in New York City, we’ll be sure to let you know.  Do you know of any Jura wines in your neighborhood wine shop or wine bar?

FunWithWine.com
Presents
Spring Fling Wine Party

Date and Time:            Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Location:                        to be announced, NYC

Description:                   Join Funwithwine for one of our classic and renown wine parties.

This will be a walk-around event, with many great wines organized according to a TBD theme and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

This event will run from 7:30 to 10:30.

Cost:

$40. special early bird reservation price, which will rise to $60 during the week of the event.

RSVP & Cancellation Policy

You may pay online with VISA or Mastercard.

Cancellations are accepted until March 30th. After March 30th, cancellations are accepted provided a replacement can be found. All cancellations are subject to a $15 handling charge.

Celebrating Spring with Fine Wine

April 1, 2011 (Fri)
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Learn how to unravel and appreciate wine’s complexities of 12 Wines (Rated 90+) (led by a certified Sommelier); munch on delectable cheeses; and meet a BUNCH OF WINE LOVERS – at an artsy venue.

Brief History

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day started because the Irish wanted to honor Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland. (It is said he was called to Ireland, to Christianise the Irish. Folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. – wikipedia.org

Over the years, people of all backgrounds have joined the celebration on March 17, the religious feast day and anniversary of St. Patrick’s death.  People dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs – or the “wearing of the green” – have become a ubiquitous feature of the day.  They represent a celebration of national, religious and political history to many.

Parades

The oldest parade was organized by the Irish Society of Boston: the first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the colonies as well as the first recorded Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the world on 18 March 1737.  (The first parade in Ireland did not occur until 1931 in Dublin. – wikipedia.org)

However, NYC holds the claim to be the longest-running (and largest) US based St. Patrick’s Day Parade, as it was inaugurated on March 17, 1762.  Today, that parade is the world ‘s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly three million people line the 1.5-mile parade route to watch the procession, which takes more than five hours.

Contrarily, the shortest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs.

Wine tastings, instead of beer guzzling, on St. Patrick’s Day?

So, what does any of this have to do with wine? Well, wine is a social beverage and this is a social celebration. Furthermore, if the traditional meal is cabbage and sausage, though beer is quite an acceptable pairing, wouldn’t a crisp wine with good acidity to balance the richness and flavors be even better? We think so.

So we found a few wine events that are being held on March 17 that you can hit up after you wave on your fellow Irish friends and family down the parade route…. or forgo the green nuttiness and go straight to gold with one of these alternatively festive options:

Austrian Wines

Kurt Gutenbrunner is hosting an Austrian wine tasting, featuring winemakers, and wines from more than 13 wineries. Join them at Cafe Kristall and you will get a chance to ask the winemakers questions while sampling a few of the best wines, in one of the Best Austrian Restaurant in NYC. Chef will be creating some lite bites to taste with the wines. RSVP today (info@weygandtselections.com), March 15, and get in for just $5. (Note: for those of you unsure of your ability to make it so far south into Soho from the UES, you may be able to hit up the door between 4-7pm and get in for $10.)

Cafe Kristall
70 Mercer St., Soho – between Spring and Broome
4-7pm ($5 if RSVP by March 15, $10 at the door)

South African Wines

UPDATE: Unfortunately, we see that the eventbright link says it’s sold out, but if this sounds too fabulous, email tastings@snooth.com or hello@generalassemb.ly to see if there are any last minute cancellations and/or to find out when the next event will be held.

The people behind the online wine behemoth, Snooth have joined up with General Assembly, an urban campus for entrepreneurs, and are hosting a special wine tasting with a South African winemaker, because… well because drinking with the winemaker is cool.  Enter: Rijk Melck, winemaker from 300 year old estate in Simonsberg-Stellenbosch South Africa.

You’ll enjoy a sparkling wine reception at the kick off the evening, followed by a tasting of 6 more wines (Chardonnay, White Blend, Red Blend, Pinot Noir, Shiraz & a Vintage Port) served with light food.

General Assembly
902 Broadway, 4th Floor – between 20th & 21st St.

Dirty Wines

Leave the mess on the streets and Irish Bars of Manhattan and get thee to City Winery. At the Dirty Wines Gone Dirt Cheap event, you’ll experience pay dirt – in wines that is.  There’s nothing dirty about these wines except the soil they were grown in.  Vestry Wines’ (Tribeca) fabulously keen manager, Cynthia Sexton, will lead a tasting of six ‘dirty wines’ that reflect aspects of the soil and environment in which they’re grown.

Let your palate experience what “they” really mean when they claim a wine has flavors of wet stones or road tar or chalky sea-fossil soils.  A flavor exploration not to miss. And thanks to City Winery and LocalWineEvents.com you can attend this tasting for only $32.50 (50% off original price…. true representation of the theme!)

The Wines:: Marie Noelle Ledru Champagne Brut 2006 (welcome wine with appetizers), Pepiere Muscadet 2009, Clothilde Davenne Chablis (08 or 09), Terres Dorees Beaujolais Cuvee Ancien VV 2009, Descendientes de Jose Palacios Bierzo ‘Petalos’ 2008, Chateau LaRoque Pic Saint Loup VV 2006, St. Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra) 2005

City Winery NYC
155 Varick Street – between Spring & Vandam
7-9pm

Italy North to South

For you couples out there who want to escape the random revelers in Chelsea, check out this wine class that will give you a tasteful exploration of Italian wines: From North to South. From the minerally perfumed whites of the Tre Venezie and Val d’Aosta to the dark, powerful reds of Sicily and Campania, Italy’s thousands of grape varieties will certainly leave you always in discovery. The North provides big, brooding, tannic reds and crisp, focused whites – where the South brings richer tastes of flowers, spice, juiciness and pepper….

Includes artisanal cheeses & cured hams to pair.

$90/ per person. (Note: the majority of attendees to these events are couples.)

NYC Wine Class
167 West 23rd Street
7-9:30pm

Other Tastings Around Town:

Brooklyn Winery Spring 2011 Winemaking Open House Tours

The Spring 2011 winemaking program is just around the corner (it starts in April). If you want to find out what the “make your own wine” fuss is check out this open house and find out 1.) what’s involved in making wine at Brooklyn Winery and 2.) get all the details on their winemaking packages. If a barrel of wines will be too much to handle on your own open house tours are a great chance to meet other wine enthusiasts and sign up to share a barrel with them.

They are also hosting Flight Night Thursday Flight Night Thursday… buy a flight and then enjoy a free glass of the wine that you liked best! All night.

Brooklyn Winery
213 North 8th Street

67 Wines Tasting Series

Join them for an informal discussion, stories and sips – led by buyer Ben Wood. They’ll pop open exclusive bottles of “orange” wine, that you can sample without having to spend a dime. Get a glass in hand, under your nose and discover some exceptional wines with us. Featured wines are always 10% off during the tasting. 4-7pm

Orange wines to taste: Tocai Friulano “Jakot” Radikon (Friuli) 2004, Ribolla Gialla, “Lunar” Movia (Slovenia) 2007, Cistercensi Coenobiaum “Rusticum” (Lazio) 2008

67 Wines
179 Columbus Ave.
4-7pm

Tasting of Chateau Guiraud Premier Grand Cru Classe Sauternes via localwineevents.com

Augustin Lacaille, Chateau Guiraud Brand Ambassador, will handle the tasting. He will explain how Sauternes wines are made and how they can be paired creatively with food… 6-8pm

Sauternes to taste: Chateau Guiraud 2009: RP (94-96) and WS 95-98, Chateau Guiraud 2006: RP 92 and WS 93, Chateau Guiraud 1998: RP 92 and WS 89

Millesime
1355 2nd Ave.
6-8pm

Paul Grieco, wine guy behind Hearth (& Terroir wine bars) – establishments that know a thing or two about wine and food pairings – will be joined by beer man, David Flaherty of Grapes and Grain… and both will step into the arena to battle: beer vs wine + food.

With the number of craft beers coming in the market, the number of beer pubs, beer-only retail stores and beer loving epicureans appearing in the NYC drink scene, it is no surprise we will soon see more valid standoffs between food’s top beverage partners.

The ‘funnest’ part? You’ll decide which is the ultimate food pairing: grape or grain (more information and full menu here – via Grapes&Grain).

Organic grape growing means that no pesticides or chemicals are used in the vineyard.

Biodynamic grape growing is a type of organic viticulture that uses special preparations of herbal sprays and composts, and time their applications according to the lunar calendar.

Natural wines are wines made with the least possible use of chemicals, additives and overly technological procedures. That includes chemicals in the field, such as pesticides, as well things like like sulfur or any of the almost 200 allowed additives that are legally permitted in wine. And it includes many technological manipulations of wine that erase the individuality of the product and the place it comes from–the terroir. Think of the definition of natural wine as similar to the German purity laws of beer making, which say that beer can be made only of water barley and hops. Purely natural wine is made of grape juice and little else… it must be also be vinified as naturally as possible. After the grapes have been cultivated organically or biodynamically, there must be a minimum use of additives and technological manipulations. (jenny & françois)

See for yourself if it makes a difference.

15 natural, organic, biodynamic winemakers have come to NYC from France, Italy, Spain and California to share their wine with us for the next week and a half at wine dinners, free tastings and educational events around town.

Here’s the schedule via jenny & françois selections’ “Natural Winemaker’s Week 2011 New York City.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: (Click on each event for more specific details)

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

Free tasting with the first winemaker to arrive! Come start off the week with us:

5:30-7:30pm: Sussex Wine & Spirits, 300 E. 42nd St. (2nd Ave.), 212.867.5838.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

Free tastings with winemakers at the following locations:

5-8pm: White Star, 907 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn NY, 718.389.4520.

5-8pm: Winfield-Flynn, 558 3rd Ave., NYC, 212.679.4455.

6-8pm: Fermented Grapes, 651 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, 718.230.3216.

6-9pm: September Wines, 100 Stanton St. @ Ludlow, NYC, 212.388.0770.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

3-6pm: Astor Center Grand Tasting (upstairs), 399 Lafayette St.@4th St.,212.674.7501. $20 includes seminars, meeting 15 winemakers, tasting over 30 wines. Please reserve: www.astorcenternyc.com. Sells out fast!

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

Dinners, classes & tastings:

6-9pm: Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost St., Brooklyn, 718.389.2982. American Natural Winemakers team up with Meat Hook butchers for a natural wine/sausage making class. Reservations: www.thebrooklynkitchen.com, $60.

7:30pm: Tangled Vine, 434 Amsterdam Ave. @ 81st St., NYC, 646.863.3896. Mediterranean Winemaker dinner. Unlimited food & wine. Reservations, $49.

8pm: Egg, 135 N 5th St., Brooklyn, 718.302.5151. 4 course French wine & rabbit pairing dinner. Reservations, $65.

8pm: Thirst Bar, 629 Classon Ave., Brooklyn, 718.857.9227. 3 course wine dinner. Reservations, $45.

Free tastings with winemakers at the following locations:

4-7pm: Appellation Wines, 156 10th Ave., NYC, 212.741.9474.

4-7pm: West Side Wine, 481 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212.874.2900.

5-7pm: Thirst, 187 DeKalb Ave @ Carlton, Brooklyn, 718.596.7643.

6:30-8:30pm: Discovery Wines, 10 Avenue A, NYC, 212.674.7833.

MONDAY, MARCH 7

10am-5pm: Jenny & François Portfolio Tasting (trade & press only – please RSVP) *NOTE THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED* The Smith Restaurant, 55 3rd Avenue, Manhattan. Call 646.775.6400 or email: info@jennyandfrancois.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

5pm-2am: Anfora Winemaker Night, 34 8th Ave., NYC, 212.518.2722.

7:30pm: Crave Wine Bar, 570 Henry Street, Brooklyn, 718.643.0361. Natural California. Reservations, $65.

7-9pm: City Winery: 155 Varick St, NYC, 212.608.0555. Women & Wine: Organic & Biodynamic Wines, panel discussion & dinner. See website for details: www.citywinery.com

10pm-2:30am: Blue Ribbon Wine Bar, 34 Downing St., 212.691-0404.

Free tastings with winemakers at the following locations:

5-8pm: Natural Wine Company, 211 North 11th St., Brooklyn, 646.397.9463.

6-8pm: Maslow 6, 211 W. Broadway, NYC, 212.226.3127.

6-9pm: DOC, 147 Broadway, Brooklyn, 718.388.0087.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

6-8:30pm: Ten Bells, 247 Broome St., NYC, 212.228.4450. $25 flight of 8 wines & charcuterie, back room.  2 seatings @ 6.30 & 7.30, 20 seats each.
Make your reservation @ 212 228 4450.

6:30pm or 9pm (2 seatings): Northeast Kingdom, 18 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn, 718.386.3864. Winemaker dinner. Reservations, $50.

7:30pm: Rouge Tomate, 10 East 60th St., NYC, 646.237-8977. Reservations required, $150 per person includes 3 courses and amuse bouche.

Free wine tasting with winemakers at the following locations:

4-7pm: 67 Wine & Spirits: 179 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212.724.6767.

5-7pm: Chamber’s Street, 148 Chambers St., NYC, 212.227.1434.

6-8pm: UVA, 199 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 718.963.3939.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

Free wine tasting with winemakers:

5-8pm: Natural Wine Company, 211 North 11th St., Brooklyn, 646.397.9463.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

Free wine tasting with winemakers at the following locations:

5-7pm: West Side Wine, 481 Columbus Ave., NYC, 212.874-2900.

5:30-8:30pm: Dry Dock, 424 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, 718.852.3625.

Saturday March 12

4-6pm: Heights Chateau, 123 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn NY 718.330.0963.

6:30-8:30pm: Gnarly Vines Wines and Spirits, 350 Myrtle Avenue 718.797.3183.

For info call: 646.775.6400

info@jennyandfrancois.com

Now that’s what I call a pretty sweet deal.  Especially, because, according to Nearsay “There will even be opportunities to try pricey wines that don’t always get included in large-scale tastings, like Amarone, Barolo and Chauteauneuf-du-Pape.”

“A Taste of Spring: Wines From Around the World.”

•  Sip on Old World and New World varietals, expect to find wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile and South Africa, including high-end Amarone, Barolo, Rioja, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and Priorat; one of the planet’s only chocolate wines; and the “Best Carmenere in the World.”

•  Taste meats-and-cheeses courtesy of Salumeria Rosi and Murray’s Cheese

•  Mingle with other hot and hip New York City wine lovers

The Altman Building, located at 135 West 18th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenue

Thurs., Mar 10th, 6-9p

Not sure how many tickets are available, but on the site they say: Spaces are limited.

If you, which I’m assuming you are, are one of these givers, here’s a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish that ranks among them all…. The Wine & Wishes wine tasting event (presented by The Charmer Sunbelt Group). Since inception, Wine & Wishes has raised over 3 million dollars – helping grant the wishes of local children with life-threatening medical conditions.  (Thanks to the generosity of some of the country’s best sponsors, guests and the participating restaurants, caterers and wineries.)

Enjoy an evening of exquisite wines and gourmet food from many generous sponsors.

Join the bidding during the live and silent auction.

Participating restaurants include Abigail Kirsch, Beekman Hotel, Benjamin Steakhouse, Bridgewaters, Butterfield 8, The Capital Grille, Cercle Rouge, Culinary Institute of America, EE Cookies, EN Japanese Brasserie, Fig & Olive, Honest Tea, Kellari Taverna, Lola’s Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chef Dave Martin from Top Chef, The Melting Pot, Pescatore, Public House NY, Thalassa, Tonnie’s Minis, Trattoria L’incontro, Tribeca Grill, and Twenty Four Fifth.

VIP ticketholders gain access to “Coveted Corks” – a private tasting, featuring vintages from Archery Summit, Banfi Vintners, Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Far Niente, Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Luce della Vite, Penfolds Grange, Pine Ridge Fortis, Robert Kacher Selections, Silver Oak and Tenuta dell’Ornellaia.

Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers
23rd Street and the Hudson River
New York, NY

Event Schedule:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
6:00pm- General Tasting, VIP Tasting, & Silent Auction

8:30 to 9:15pm- Live Auction
10:00pm- Tasting Ends

Tickets:
General Admission: $250 ($150 is tax deductible)
VIP Tickets: $1,000 ($750 is tax deductible)

Event website: www.wineandwishesnyc.kintera.org
Twitter: @winewishesnyc

If you would like additional information on sponsorship opportunities, how to reserve a restaurant or winery table for tasting or to donate an auction item, please contact
Amy Epstein at 212-957-9474 or aepstein@metrony.wish.org

Just recently we came across this fundraiser, Wine Tasting for a Cause, hosted by Tangled Vine, on Saturday, Feb. 26 (from 3-6pm) to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society…. and we think it has value from a variety of angles.

The most important value is that they are donating 100% of the proceeds to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If we can get enough wine lovers to stop by, that’s a lot of juice to share and money to give.  The suggested minimum is $50… really not a bad price for a regular wine event… not to mention a fundraiser.

The other more tangible values are: you will have access to tasting 20 different wines from all over the globe… and because Tangled Vine specializes in Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable wines, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn a little more about how these production processes can deliver wines with some unique flavor profiles.  Of course, Mediterranean inspired food will be passed around for pairing ideas and stomach filling.

Here’s why we think this is a good wine fundraising event. The importers of some very prestigious wine producers will be on hand serving up some of their favorite wines. This means the cost of that wine is covered… more money for charity!  We bet Tangled Vine is covering their kitchen/ staff labor and overhead costs, so hopefully the only costs taken out of your donation is food and other event related tack on costs.  A good deal all around.

Attendance will be limited. Reservations are required.

Please call 646.863.3896  or  email fundraiser@tangledvinebar.com

Well, according to Wikipedia: The Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was killed in 44 B.C…. and supposedly it is also the day that General George Washington quelled a mutiny of his Officers in 1783.

OK, so overall, it’s a festive day. If the Roman Hash House Harriers can run down the streets in their togas on this day, we can drink the most festive of drinks – Champagne and sparkling wines. The bubbles themselves can lift the spirits of most.

This is the third installment of the NYGS events. They always pack the house, so getting in early with tickets secures your space…. and for over 50% off, that itself may be reason to celebrate. It’s a Tuesday, so don’t say we didn’t warn you to watch how much you try…. otherwise, you may need to heed the warning: beware of the ides of march this time around.

1.) Brunch: with a pair of entrees and a glass of champagne each… for two. $24

2.) Dinner for two: two appetizers, two entrees, one dessert—and two glasses of wine. $54

We’re always game to check out a new wine spot…. Even more so – or at least more sooner than later – when they offer such a nice special. (Even us wine lovers need a little push to get to all of the wine options around town!)

We commend and thank all of our friends in the business who show compassion and the desire to give back. Just recently we came across this fundraiser, hosted by Bottlerocket for Kiva.org, on Saturday, Feb. 26 (from 6-8m), to support their local endeavor; Kiva New York Team Fund….. a collection of funds donated by New Yorkers.

Kiva’s mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty. Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

$40 gets you tastings of six different wines from South Africa and Chile, countries that are currently supported by Kiva.org. Tickets are available HERE.

If this is they type of philanthropic engagement you’d like to learn about, why not stop by Bottlerocket to find out more?   Presentation begins at 6:15pm with the Kiva New York Team introducing itself, Gabe Francis, an ex-Kiva Fellow, explaining the process of Kiva briefly for those unfamiliar with it, before the presentation and tasting of the wines.

All money raised goes toward the Fund, which so far has supported over 400 business owners.

BottleRocket is located at 5 West 19th St., New York, NY, 10011

As mentioned previously, when highlighting the upcoming Kosher Wine and Food experience, NYC is seeing a trendy boom in Kosher wine bars, Kosher wines shops and Kosher wine events.  With the growing number of global wine lovers living in the city metro… many who are exploring more wine with open palates… this is a trend that is truly seeing the start of it’s cycle, indeed.

The Kosher Wine and Food Experience is expecting over 1,500 attendees to sample over 200 Kosher wines.  If you want to go, it’s $90 (use code sl2011 for the $10 off) and be prepared to be wowed beyond your expectations.

However, if you want to just dip your toe in the Kosher water (pardon the bad pun?), why not start with the upcoming Israeli Wine Lover’s meet up groups Kosher wine tasting event on February 23?

For $36 you get to try 9 wines and meet 2 winemakers… while noshing some tasty hummus and other mediterranean snacks. This is a great time to have a more intimate discussion with the people behind the wines, and really find out what is going on that has changed the quality of Kosher wines.

Why we think is cool: they encourage participation at this event. From the attendees, they will collect tasting notes and other sundry tidbits and put them together in a succinct newsletter for all guests. So, you don’t have to worry about writing furiously flavor notes and likes and dislikes, and you really can enjoy the spirit and engagement of the evening. And, you can use the newsletter to help you shop for Kosher wines on your own time.

Or, better yet, why not go to both?

Not to be outdone, Maialino has taken their specialized hyper-focused wine bar idea to the next stage – now showcasing some great winter red wines – from Italy… Northern Italy to be exact.  If we were asked to name some Northern Italian wines, we would most likely would say some of the following: Barolo and Barbaresco (from the Nebbiolo grape), Barbera (becoming a better known approachable red wine from the Piedmont), Dolcetto (the little sister red of the Piedmont), Gavi (white wine from the Cortese grape), Valpolicella and Amarone (versions of a Corvina, Rondinella and Molinera blend from the Veneto), Prosecco (affordable sparkling wine from Veneto), Pinot Grigio (no explanation needed), Soave (another fresh white wine)… and maybe Friuli (formerly known as the white wine Tocai).

But, now, you can explore more of the unknown.

Of course, you might see some of those better “known” varietals;  more likely, though, you’ll discover some super unique, interesting indigenous wines you may have a hard time pronouncing: like Lagrein, Iugum and Schioppettino.

Without needing a plane ticket you can taste the soil and the land of Northern Italy from your barstool. Expect distinctive wines that carry a salivating sweet-sour, even bitter, taste, wonderfully overlapped with flavors such as sour cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, spice, roses, tar, ripe strawberry, truffle, minerals, cocoa, spice and earth….

We know you are an explorer at heart. So why not check out Maialino and tour the tastes of Northern Italy reds. You can sample them by the glass, quartino (about one-third of a bottle), bottle or even a half-glass.

(Important note: Italians make their wines to go with food. That is why when you grab a glass of red at an Italian wine bar when meeting a friend, it might not taste the same as it did when you had dinner the other night at a rustic Italian hideaway with the same wine. The food transcends the wine (and the wine transcends the food) to a point where the producers intend to take you. So, please, order a snack or two and release your taste buds.)

In the spring, news is they will change this concept to White Wines of Northern Italy.

(Find more on  NYWineSalon and photo.)

237 W. 13th St. 10011
Cross Streets: Greenwich Ave & 7th Ave.
212-255-8870

Hours: Mon-Wed Noon-8pm, Thu-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun Noon-7pm

A boutique, under the radar, wine shop in the heart of the West Village serving up collectable and vintage wines; specializing in obscure and hard-to-find wines.

The owner, Matt C. Franco, is extremely well-informed liaison between the world of good wine and the discerning customer.  He has almost a religious fervor about wine. “I sell wines I firmly believe in,” he says. “Wines that I find to be of true quality — wines that are authentic, honest and soulful.”

This is a place you can go where — after thoughtful consideration of you as a person — you can really discover something special.  Stop by with an occasion, food, or mood in mind, and he’ll help you find a great pairing, no matter your budget.

1 7th Ave. South, 10014
Cross Streets:  Carmine & Leroy St.
212- 255-9935

Hours: Noon-5pm, 6pm-2am

Small cozy place with wines from “Globe to Globe”.  More to come on wine list and prices.

Serving affordable tapas style plates, house cured and pickled items, cheese, panini, bone marrow bruschetta, served alongside a selection of beer and wine.

Executive chef Solange Johnson worked under Todd English and then at 202 in the Chelsea Market.

Check out the range of flavors this grape can produce at one of our fave little quaint wine bars, Wine Spot on February 19. Get tickets/ info here.  Their wine classes, dubbed Wine University, cover the gamut of what’s hot and what’s under the radar.

For $45, this is a great way to try new flavors, grapes, regions and meet others who feel the same.

If you’ve found yourself ever describing the flavors of wine in a similar manner, this deal is for you.

Because Best Cellars classifies its bottles by taste and style instead of grape or origin, you will receive 3 reds and 3 whites based on your answer to the question, “What kind of wine do you like?”

Why we like this deal: It doesn’t seem like it’s 6 “pre-determined” bottles. And it works out to be around $7+ a bottle…. that’s less than a glass of wine at a local wine bar, so now you can share more tastes with others for less.

147 Flatbush Avenue Extension, 11201
Cross Streets:  Tech Pl. & Gold St.
646-495-1520

Hours: Mon 5pm-10pm, Tue-Sat Noon-10pm, Sun Noon-8pm

New wine shop in the neighborhood with a helpful and knowledgeable staff.

They carry an nice range of foreign and domestic small-vineyard, family-run wineries. Keep an eye out for hard-to-find bottles and unusual varieties from around the world; some not the standard issue wines you see everywhere else. They have a pretty nice selection that fall within reasonable price ranges (from $10 to $25 on avg.).

More to come on wine selection.

Beer, Wine, Cheese

1259 Park Ave., 10029
Cross Streets: 97th & 98th St.
212-289-1581

Hours: tbd

**Fine Cheese-Related Comfort Foods**

**Draft and Canned Craft Beers**

**Growlers to Go**

**Organic Wines**

This Upper East Side spot from the owner of Vinyl Wine Shop is bringin a much needed dose of reasonably priced bar snacks, craft beer, cheese and organic wine to the neighborhood.

More to come on wine selection and prices.

Spanish

1668 3rd Ave., 10128
Cross Streets: 93rd & 94th St.
212-426-1416

Hours:  tbd

In a neighborhood full of sports bar, Irish bars and small café appears a space that is a combination of rustic with original brick walls and wood floors and modern with curvy leather upholstery and sultry lighting. A welcome oasis of a wine bar, serving up a solid UES wine list and Spanish tapas.

More on the wine selection and prices to come.

The menu may be a little full of itself, featuring over 20 different tapas, imported meats (like an 18th-month cured Serrano ham), cheeses and Paella – therefore the food may suffer during it’s first few growing pains. But the atmosphere is comfortable and the wine list delivers. So go for the drinks and company.

Mediterranean

181 Essex St., 10002
Cross Streets: East Houston & Stanton St.

Hours: Sun-Mon 11am -Midnight, Tue-Thurs 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-3.30am

A Mediterranean wine and tapas joint has taken over the old Essex Ale House, transforming the space from classic dive bar status into a cozy spot with chandeliers and exposed brick.

The 120 varieties of wine and beer lists cover the world with heavy concentration on the Mediterranean: including Italy, Greece, Turkey and Israel (including kosher options) France, Argentina and California. They also offer Mead (a honey wine) on tap, arguably the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man.  Apparently, Mead is not offered anywhere else in the city.  They carry select beers in bottle, including a gluten-free beer from Spain, and several on tap.

Menu items include modest priced small plates – such as hummus and tzatziki dips and halumi cheese, salads, a variety of crostini at 3 for $9, salmon carpaccio, spinach crepes and chicken samosas; traditional meze plates; and heartier skirt steaks and salmon ($18). Patrons will dine at communal tables with barstool seating, enough for roughly fifty people.

401 E 76th St. 10021
Cross Streets: 1st & York Ave.
212-249-2700

Hours: tbd

The address was once a foundry that turned out manhole covers when the UES was more “country” style, and called Jones Wood: so the owners wanted to create something you’d find in the countryside. OK, if this is a British food-centric pub on the Upper East Side that doesn’t want to be acquainted with the term “Gastropub,” how is it on a wine bar list?

True, many might go in for their craft beer selection, which is focused on a UK/Euro-centric brew program — Skullsplitter, Chimay, Fuller’s, etc. — highlighted by oddballs like a St. Feuillien Triple 9L Salmanazar (the “largest beer bottle in the world”), or the JWF-exclusive Six Point brewed using barley from Perthshire, Scotland.

However, the wine selection is pretty spectacular for a pub.  Beer prices start at $7 and wines by the glass start at $8 (avg around $12+). Because they are close to a school, they’ll make do with a beer and wine license by developing an interesting cocktail list such as First Bloom (Sauvignon Blanc, Elderflower Cordial, Lemon Juice, Club Soda) and some creative recipes using vermouth.

More on the wine selection to come.

Pair any beer or wine with the cheese plate at $14; or heartier fare, such as steak and kidney, and curry chicken pies, poached haddock with potatoes, two kinds of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Lancashire hot pot —  and you’ll have a winner place to start or finish your night… or like at many British pub patrons, stay the whole night.

Wine, Beer and Cheese

362 1/2 West 23rd St. 10011
Cross Streets: 8th & 9th Ave.
646-863-7291

Hours: tbd

Do you like wine and cheese or would you rather have beer with your grilled cheese sandwich?  Thanks to the folks hailing from Klee Brasserie, you don’t have to decide until the last minute… or you can choose both.

Little Cheese Pub splits the traditional wine-and-cheese route and co-highlights cheeses other tasty companion, beer. However, both wine and beer lists provide optimum flavor support to the menu’s rustic ode to cheese.

The beer list offers up almost 40 options in drafts, cans and bottles (even large formats)… certainly a wide enough selection to pair with swiss raclette or italian pecorino.  Not to be outdone, there are 8 whites served by the glass or the taste, 8 reds by the glass or taste and almost 30 well priced global by the bottle selections…. Both the beers and wines are sourced from all over the world, many from the same regions of the cheeses presented.

Choose from grilled cheese sandwiches, numerous varieties of mac-n-cheese, mix and match your own cheese plates from more than a dozen options – at three for $13 and five for $20 – or choose one of the themed cheese plates, such as the “Proud to be American” ($13), which includes three distinct cheeses from American creameries.  (They do have some non-cheese focused snacks, such as generous sized dips and salads.) And, yes, they do have cheesecake to round out your cheese tipplings.

It’s important to note: the space is small and not especially good for groups. But if you can crowd around a table, the flavor fusions are worth the tight squeeze.

And, since the whole world is going green (from NBC to your local rooftop-gardened restaurant) maybe this is a good time to find out what everyone is talking about when it comes to Natural, Biodynamic, Green, Sustainable, or Organic wines.

Actually, plan to come taste and talk… because 15 of these natural wine’s winemakers will be on hand to not only serve you their pride and joys, but also answer whatever questions you may have – like, do biodynamic farmers really plant only on a full moon and bury a bovine skull nearby?  (Yeah, I don’t think I am quite clear on those techniques either, so I shall be bringing my pad and pen.)

Best of all, these are wines imported by Jenny and Francois, a charming duet who focus mainly on French Organic style wines. So, you will be tasting wines directly from the winemakers of Burgundy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux and the South of France.

Not sure if this will be a sell out, so we’ll suggest you secure your tickets early enough. The room at Astor Center is pretty roomy, but they do have a fire code to follow.

Some say there’s a budding Kosher wine scene happening here in NYC.  Don’t believe me?  Why, then, could there be a sell out event, with hundreds of interested wine lovers trying over 200+ Kosher wines, for 5 years running.  (Last year they say there were almost 1,500 people who attended!)

In fact, we are we seeing Kosher wine bars and Kosher wine shops popping up all around town, like:

V-Note Wine Bar on the Upper East Side serves both Vegan and Kosher wines.

Basil Pizza & Wine in Crown Heights serving a variety of kosher wines, gourmet pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes under the supervision of OK Kosher Certification.

The Cellar at Darma (the city’s first wine bar nestled in a Kosher Moroccan Restaurant) opens late night on the Upper West Side, serving from an all Kosher wine/bar list.

Terroir Wine Bars also offers a list of kosher wines.

L’Chiam Kosher Wines Shop in Williamsburg sells Kosher Merlots, Cabernets, Shiraz & Rieslings.

T.B. Ackerson Wine Merchants in Flatbush go green with choices including organic, bio-dynamic and kosher wines.

Also, Murray Hill Wines, Windsor Court Wine Shop, Union Square Wines, Astor Place Wines, Bowery and Vine, Embassy Wines, Gotham Wine and First & Vine all claim to have an ample (or perhaps obscure) tasty selection of Kosher wines from which to check out.

So, it may just be time to start believing that the new regimen has arrived on the scene led by numerous smart, talented and savvy producers making Kosher wines that can stand up to others in competitions and blind tastings. You should try for yourself before you make another rash judgement that all Kosher wines taste like grape jelly: with options sourcing from France to South Africa, Israel to Australia, Argentina to California.

Go here to get your ticket ($100) to explore something new. Use code sl2011 for $10 off the ticket price ($90).

Small Producers

765 Fulton St., 11217
Cross Streets:  S Portland Ave & S Oxford St.
718-797-9463

Hours: Mon-Wed/ Sun Noon-9pm, Thu-Sat Noon-10pm

Petite wine shop that focuses on small estates and vineyards throughout the world; a huge variety of both familiar and exotic flavors.  This outpost brings in extra finds from NY state for the locally minded. Favors bottles from $20 or less. Customers like the ‘rewards system’ that keeps track of their purchases. There’s a bottle open everyday for tasting; cases are 15% off.

Sister wine shop to Greene Grape downtown FiDi area.

306 East 86th St., 10028
Cross Streets: 2nd & 1st Ave.
212-396-3535

Hours:  Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 1pm-11pm

OK selection at this basic wine and liquor shop.  The English Bulldog adds a touch of charm. Stop by on Saturday afternoons for a free tasting (5-8pm).

1375 First Ave., 10021
Cross Streets: 73rd & 74th St.
212-288-0100

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am-9:30pm, Sun Noon-8pm

Small, under the radar, wine shop serving vino to the neighborhood with brotherly love (the owners are brothers). It’s a local shop for locals: with a large selection of wines and liquors. The brothers know wine, know their business, are genuinely nice and helpful – and enjoy suggesting wines you might not have wouldn’t otherwise found.

There’s also a decent selection for under $20 and it’s easy to find a great bottle for $10 or so if you’re on a budget. Wine tasting on Thursdays.

Do you need to update your wine glass selection?

Are you unsure of what to get your father-in-law who loves wine?

Here’s a pretty good deal then: pay $25 and get $55 worth of wine ware through WineEnthusiast.com.  Glassware, corkscrews, foil cutters and other wine accessories for $30 off the asking price… basically.

Thanks to the peeps at Buywithme.com. Buy the deal here.

OK, we have a few trends heating up on the wine scene lately.  Wines on tap, wines by the half of bottle and self-serve enomatic wine bars.  The latter, you’ll find at Clo wine bar in Time Warner Center, the new Bar Basque in the Eventi Hotel and at SD26 (wine bar/ restaurant headed up by the owners of the late San Domenico fame).

The SD26 program allows you to buy a “tasting card” that allows you to buy wine at their front wine lounge in 1, 2, and 5 ounce pours, so you can try a wine before you commit to a full glass. Located in the mod lounge area, it makes 24 perfectly preserved vintages available for swillers to self-serve at their leisure. (Note: the prices of these pours might start at a few dollars for a 1 oz pour, but can soar pretty high for more premium options. Which is WHY this deal is SUCH a good one. You can sample wines you might not have considered before, with freedom.)

Thanks to Daily Candy for this deal: buy their Enomatic SmartCard now for $50 now and get $100 to use at your leisure. Because the other cool thing is you can use it when you want – without expiration – in their automatic wine dispensing machine.

A lesser known fave in the lower Soho/LES area, Tapeo 29 is offering 50% off their fare.

Tapeo 29 serves up true Spanish tapas – their recipes are devoted to authenticity - and has some fun wine options to pair with them. Mixed with the underground vibe (hip people and dark ambiance) and great music, you have yourself a destination for tonight.  Not to mention you’ll be able to taste some of the most flavorful stuffed dates (Datiles Rellenos: cheese-stuffed, Serrano ham-wrapped dates) we’ve put into our mouths. Yes, we ordered thirds the last time we went. And, if you are even remotely interesting in Sangria, sample some of the city’s finest here. (There are contenders around town, don’t get us wrong, but these guys can make Sangria that tastes more like the true wine cocktail it should be rather than a fruit punch.)

New wine bar Tolani wants you to come and check them out.  Get the deal here via CBS Local. (Valid Sun-Wed only.)

Tolani
410 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024

After their first few months of growing pains, they are offering a menu of small plates (from Greek, Carribean, North African, Brazilian or Thai) and a vast international wine list. The by the glass program skews a bit more “new world” palate – bigger fruit and fullness. (20 wines are offered by the glass, priced from $9-$18.) However, if you have a more earthy, rustic palate, they have a full on by the bottle wine list that offers a worldly range of options: with bottles priced from $30-$80.

This is just the reason you need, if you haven’t checked this space out before, to go. It may become your local fave too, even if you don’t live in Tribeca!  We agree with the Scoutmob team – the owner, Stacy’s energy and vibe is gregarious and welcoming. We experienced it when we happened by after a wine event and had the same immediate connection to the place.

For wine lovers: Their mostly Argentinean, Portuguese and Spanish wine selection, often from boutique and family wine makers and displayed in a wall-sized floor-to-ceiling shelving unit in the main dining room, is constantly changing, so as to keep all you regulars (yes, that includes you—it’s only a matter of time) on your toes. With about 10 reds and 10 whites at any given time, plus a couple of ridiculously low-priced reserves (nothing crosses over the $70 mark), the longstanding staff can help you find something to pair perfectly with even your dessert.

McCabe’s Wine
1347 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10075

Good through 2/22/2011

Now, supposedly, a new wine decanter has been uncovered – from Starbucks!?

Starbucks Trenta cup: this new super-duper-larger-then-large cup of java also holds a full bottle of wine.

As a passionate wine enthusiast, I frequently attend wine tastings and wine themed events here in New York City.  Though I’m not a professional in the wine industry, I do consider myself to be an “advanced amateur.”  In fact, lately I can be found behind the table, pouring at events organized by professional colleagues and friends.

I recently checked out the latest installment of City Winery’s ongoing wine and live music-pairing series, “Drink Your Own Way” – featuring the music of Fleetwood Mac (performed by the Fleetwood Mac cover band “Fleetwood Maxx”).

The “music and wine pairing” concept, though a bit anomalous, intrigued me.  Clearly such a concept was meant to be a fun and light-hearted premise with which to enjoy some good wines, not a serious discipline? (Actually, I’ll embrace any excuse to drink wine.  “It’s Monday!”)   Plus, I’m a big fan of Fleetwood Mac.  I pretty much know all the songs of the Buckingham-Nicks-McVie era.  I’ve been a fan since their 1987 “Tango in the Night” album.  Unfortunately, they were already past their peak in 1987—much like a left-bank Bordeaux from that same year is today.  (OK, so I had to look that one up.)

If you’ve never been to a concert at City Winery, it’s a great venue performance space—very intimate, not a bad seat in the house.  As I scanned the crowd throughout the performance, I noticed most attendees ranged in age from mid-thirties to early fifties, representative of when (the actual) Fleetwood Mac was at its height in popularity.

The event featured twenty songs in eight “sets” of 2-3 songs, each accompanied by a specific wine.  Handy placements laid out the complete wine and music lineup.  Roger, our faceless announcer, introduced each wine over the PA system prior to the respective performances, providing background information about both the songs and the wines, with a ‘hook’ linking the two.   Prior to the band’s entrance on stage we were poured a glass of the first wine, Cristalino Cava.  Throughout the show servers poured two wines at a time, ensuring that we had the appropriate wine as each new set began.

Many of the music and wine pairings were a rather tenuous at best.  But I liken it to food and wine pairing—while there are rules of thumb and guiding conventions, at the end of the day you drink what you like with the food that you like.  Perhaps the same applies here.  I very much enjoyed the music, and when the wine I was drinking was particularly appealing, the marriage of the two made the moment all the more pleasurable.

Do I buy into the music and wine pairings concept?  Not completely.  Would I go again?  Absolutely.

Here’s the rundown of the wines and songs they were paired with:

The band opened with an instrumental of “Tusk”, then segued into “Gold Dust Woman”, the latter from the iconic “Rumors” album.  While I’m a big fan of cava (sparkling wine from the Penedes region of Spain), I tend to frown upon the mass produced stuff in favor of the small production, artisanal offerings from that region.  This cava, available in almost any wine & spirits store, was unspectacular, with dry, crisp, citrus and apple flavors.

I was quite intrigued by the second wine, And Co. Sauvignon Blanc “Supernatural” 2009 from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. I would never have guessed it was a Sauvignon Blanc.  I found it to have an intense, floral nose with a creamy, smoky taste, along with the more traditional citrus and melon flavors.  As the announcer explained: “The citrus, yet smoky, rich, opulent notes harmonizes well with Christine McVie’s sultry voice on ‘Say You Love Me’”.  Who could argue with that…?

Perhaps my favorite wine of the night was the Daniel Barraud Macon-Vergisson ‘La Roche’ 2008, a white burgundy.  This soft, smooth chardonnay had lemon-butter and citrus notes, with a hint of oak.  This wine paired well with a soft, tender rendition of “Landslide”, a Fleetwood Mac classic.  The band’s rendition of “Over My Head” followed, which seemed a bit “off” to me in the beginning, like an unbalance wine.  But by the end of the song the vocals and accompaniment improved.  Perhaps the song just needed time to “open up”.

The next set featured Urano Malbec Rosé 2009from Argentina.  I’ve had quite a few rosés in my day, but this one was quite possibly the most bold, dense, full-bodied one I’ve ever had.  I generally love rosés, but this one reminded me of Vick’s cough syrup—an association I could not shake.  Paired with Fleetwood Mac’s signature tune “The Chain” it held up surprisingly well, though I might’ve gone with a full-bodied spicy red for that song.

The wine continued to flow with two reds that I found particularly enjoyable, Elio Altare Dolcetto d’Alba 2008 and Domaine Duseigneur Lirac ‘Antares’ 2007, the latter being a GSM blend from the Rhone Valley.  The Dolcetto was paired with “Silver Springs”, one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac songs.  The Rhone blend had black raspberry and black cherry flavors, and as a big, spicy wine with a punch, it paired well with the band’s excellent cover of Stevie Nick’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”.

The seventh wine was a Pinotage blend from South Africa, paired with “Blue Letter”, an obscure but catchy tune from the 1982 Mirage album, “Gypsy” from the same album, and Stevie Nick’s solo duet “Leather & Lace”.  The final wine was a sweet wine from Argentina, Santa Julia Late Harvest Torrontes.  I’m not a fan of the Torrontes grape in its dry form, but I enjoyed this dessert wine version paired with the classics “Don’t Stop” and “Rhiannon”.  (Interestingly enough, I’ve been to the winery that produced this wine, Familia Zuccardi in Mendoza.)

And on Friday night, February 25th or Saturday afternoon, February 26th you can see how much you can cover.  In fact, this is a great way to taste the “old world” wines of Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Spain and Portugal and compare them to the “new world” wines of South America, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Save $10 on Friday Grand Tasting Tickets with Promo Code: WINE.  Purchase tickets here. (Discount ticket offer good through February 18, 2011.)

For you more studious drinkers – or for those who want to experience great wine without the potential massive hangover – they are offering separate seminars and classes – sold separately – covering topics such as grape regions: Rhone Valley wines or Wines from Navarra or Wine Basics: How to taste or Wine 101. Class tickets are just $25-$30 for a 1-hour seminar style tasting. (Seminar presenters include Gloria Maroti Frazee, who oversees Wine Spectator School; Leslie Sbrocco, award winning author, and Founder of “Thirsty Girl” a multi-media company focused on wine, food and travel; and Mark Oldman, best-selling author of Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine.)

Tickets can be purchased here.

$85 for Friday night – 4 hours (6pm-10pm)
$95 for Saturday afternoon – 4 hours (2pm-6pm)

Why the extra $10 on Saturday afternoon vs Friday night? We really don’t know. But, we’ll assume it’s either because more people will get there on time, so more consumption OR more people would opt for Saturday, so they post a slightly lower price for the Friday night session…..

By the way, per the website, Your Admission To The New York Wine Expo:

• *  Includes a souvenir glass that is yours to keep…. this is one you will be tasting from all day.
• *  Includes a show program outlining all the exhibitors that are present and where to locate them, plus schedules for the guided tastings/seminars along with other show facts.
• *  Takes place in the Special Events Hall at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
• *  Will have countries and wine regions grouped together on the show floor.
• *  Will be showcasing the latest wine accessories and specialty food companies at the Grand Tasting.

We would assume there should be plenty of specialty foods to help fill your stomach to balance the wine intake. However, we recommend that you plan your food: wine ratio ahead of time… and accordingly.

The food and wine prices are affordable and the selection alluring enough to try a second glass.  With this offer, you can even explore more of the hearty European white wines from Austria, Germany or even Greece, that you may never considered with blind ambition. Or if you are a red only wine lover, fear not, they have plenty of exciting reds, both light and full bodied options, to tempt your palate.

Vyne is a true way to explore the flavors of Europe without leaving the West Village.

Note:  The price for two glasses will equal half the bottle price.

From kgb deals.

This West Village tapas/ win bar is headed up by Chef Franco Barrio, previously of Casa Mono and Boqueria.  Spanish-fusion cuisine that blends the great tastes of New York brunch with traditional Spanish ingredients.

Choose from classics like Eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, or banana pancakes with thick-cut smoked bacon, or try smoked lox with spicy goat cheese, caper and piquillo relish, the chorizo and fried egg sandwich with salsa verde, or the LBLT (lamb bacon, mixed greens, tomatoes, herbed yogurt, and home fries).  Is that a hint of truffle in the hash browns?

hy·brid \ˈhī-brəd\ noun: Something having two kinds of components that together produce the same or better results; such as a vehicle powered by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

The concept of hybrids is hotter than ever and we’re sure to see more combo- deviations in the coming years, such as these:

• A hybrid work out can wake up a stale routine as well as challenge your muscles, such as the yoga hybrid, Koga (yoga meets kickboxing).

• A hybrid bike—a mixture of a road bike and mountain bike—has become the popular choice when riding in and around Central Park roads and terrain.

• A hybrid shoe offers both style and comfort, so you can wear sexy heels without the high heel pain… i.e., Cole Haan Nike Air – a high heel utilizing Nike Air cushioning.

And now the coffee shop-wine bar establishment is having the same hybrid trend success.  They may seem counter intuitive, but they’re really the best of both worlds. They move gracefully from morning to evening, espresso to Bordeaux, muffins to tapas.

These newly hip spots offer you a place to get out – morning or evening – to get a drink, read a book, keep to your own company or meet others. Many even offer wi-fi so you can do research for your novel during the day and do some character research at night.  (Even Starbucks knows a good thing when they taste it as they have opened a pilot store in Seattle that has beer and wine sales.)

And a recently released AXE survey (related to the “science of attraction”) found that most NYC women “are apparently most attracted to male dates if they sense a coffee aroma.”  So, maybe the dreaded first date coffee or a drink thing could be taken care of with a simple order: Glass of wine with an espresso chaser?

As NYC was on the forefront of this trend there are plenty options to visit around town. Here are a few of our faves:

Ost (441 E 12th St) is a quaint European coffee shop-wine bar hybrid that serves up delicious espresso all day, yet in the evening they specialize in serving Austrian wines such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch.

Cocoa Bar (2 locations: 19 Clinton St. and 228 7th Ave; Park Slope) embodies decadence with velvet drapes, homemade chocolates and classy live music. Wine and beer is served alongside espressos, lattes and of course numerous chocolate concoctions.

VBar (2 locations: 225 Sullivan St. and 132 First Ave) is known for their solid, well priced coffee, free wifi, quiet atmosphere, classical music in the mornings and indie in the afternoon, sunlit space during the day, candlelit tables at night, and extensive wine (a rotating 30 wines by the glass program) and beer selection.

Tarallucci e Vino ( 3 locations: 163 1st Ave, 15 E 18th St, 475 Columbus Ave) serves breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. In the evenings, it becomes a wine bar (featuring 25 varieties by the glass from small-producers) with a small-plates menu.

Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd, LIC) is a unique artistic coffee/wine bar/ performance space that overlooks the city of Manhattan.  Locals socialize with friends, relax with a book, study for an exam, or simply chill with a glass of their famous sangria.

Zora Space (315 4th Avenue, Park Slope) is a combination coffee shop/wine bar/art gallery; with a charming spot with a gallery/ storefront, and it also sports a backyard patio.

Tazza (2 locations: 311 Henry Street and 72 Clark Street; Brooklyn Heights) is a charming favorite because besides serving awesome coffee and delicious baked goods (from Baked and Balthazar, etc), they have a great wine list.

Others to note:  Village Tart, The Red Room Vinoteca, Oro Bakery & Bar, Gray Dog, Doma.

Do you have any favorite hybrid Coffee/ Wine Bars? Please share with us!

$45 for 16 wines and 10 tasting dishes! Great Value! (Original price $75.)

Our friends at HDL Enhancement have a great upcoming tasting and have offered an exclusive deal that we came across and want to share!

A tasting that will match deliciously rich and flavorful wines with the creative Savory & Sweet cuisine of Mark Fahrer Caterers in an exclusive engagement at The Estonian House.

February 10, 2011 (Thu)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Estonian House

243 East 34th Street
New York, NY 10016

What’s the deal?

If you weren’t lucky enough to attend any of the La Paulée events here in NYC this year, fear not, you still may be able to taste some of the greatest wines of Burgundy. Shhh, hears the word from City Winery… send an RSVP to concierge@citywinery.com before Feb 8th to secure an invitation to an exclusive late-night after party.

What’s going on?

Enjoy live music, meet the winemakers behind some of the best wines in Burgundy, network with other wine professionals and keep the spirit of La Paulée alive with an assortment of Daniel Johnnes Selection wines being poured by the glass to enjoy.

Who’s the live music?

Musette Explosion – Live French Jazz group that explores and expands on French musette, dancehall music of the 1930s and 1940s that often merged with swing and Gypsy guitar music.  They are a lineup of accordion, guitar, and tuba that bring a fiery rhythmic sense, a love of improvisation, and their own luminous original compositions to the table. Sounds trés fun!

What is La Paulée?

Between February 10 and 12 2011, New York will host the legendary wine gathering La Paulée, produced by James Beard Award-winning sommelier Daniel Johnnes. More than thirty of the most sought-after Domaines of Burgundy will be in New York to share the newest releases and older vintage wines sourced directly from their cellars during a series of truly distinctive wine tastings and dinners.

This Burgundian wine celebration is steeped in rich tradition. The original event, La Paulée de Meursault, is an annual gathering where winemakers and their guests come together to celebrate the harvest and share wines from their cellars. Today it has become the most sought-after ticket for lovers of great Burgundy.

Johnnes says, “La Paulée de New York is my homage to the original event held in Meursault and the traditions of Burgundy. It is my humble attempt to transport the Burgundy spirit of generosity and camaraderie to an enthusiastic and passionate wine loving community.”

La Paulée de New York is proud to host over fifty of our nation’s finest sommeliers, who will handle the wine service throughout the event.

At the La Soirée des Grands Crus, the wines from 23 Grands Crus & Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux Estates ranged from tight and edgy to smokey and aggressive.  The vintages presented ranged throughout the late 2000s, but if lucky you were able to find a 2001 to compare to the coveted 2005. No matter, you were bound to find a style and flavor profile to adore. The blending ratios varied enough from producer to producer – to best match the terroir (place and climate where the grapes were grown) and style (personal taste) of the winemaker. I always find it interesting to talk to the crowd and find that everyone has a favorite, yet few overlapped. That is a true testament to these skilled young gentlemen.

There were sponsors from Brietling to Hugo Boss dispersed throughout the space, but if you were there for the wine (although in appreciation of their participation to bring you the event), you noticed nothing else, because you were in Bordeaux’s house for one night.

For more information on the event and the participants, visit www.lasoireedesgrandscrus.com

For some detailed tasting notes, check out our friend, wine writer Karen Ulrich’s review on Imbibe New York.

The next day, in conjunction with the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux and Zachy’s Wine, gave opportunity to trade and consumer to get a sneak peak of the 2008 vintage of Grand Cru Bordeaux.  With almost 100 Chateaux showing, from the best of the best areas in Bordeaux – St. Emilion, Pomerol, Listrac-Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estephe and Sauternes – again, one would find it hard not to discover a wine or two to want to take away.

The 2008 vintage has been talked about to be a “weaker” one than the 2007, the 2006 and certainly the heralded 2005. And even lesser so to the now acclaimed 2009 vintage. Even so, many of the 2008s stood strong on their own.

Admittedly, it seemed to be a better year for Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot, the typical dominant grapes that are used in the Bordeaux blend. The Cabs showed a lot of fruit and seemingly less assertive tannins while the Merlot harnessed restrained fruit and aggressive astringency.

This is where the true skill of the winemaker’s house takes the lead in the game. Knowing the grape’s strengths and having the keen sense of ability to blend, several winemakers showed promise in their wines.  Though some seemed almost ready to drink now, many showed enough edginess and fight to make us trust they could age with grace and finesse.

I’d be remiss not to mention the white Bordeaux. Though there were only 3 or 4, they all showed a heightened sense of minerality with a feathery whisper of refreshing citrus.

Only time will tell which of these strong players will beat the dealer.

Haute Living gives a nice, succinct review of one of the city’s first Organic focused wine bars, The Ten Bells.

And, here is Part 1 of an interview with Philippe Essome (aka Fifi), the wine buyer at Ten Bells wine bar, talking about serving French natural wines. We especially love this quote: “With experience you learn that natural wine doesn’t have to smell like the ass of a cow…”

If you enjoyed that, read on about the state of natural wines from one local Frenchman’s point of view in the follow up post.

With at least a dozen whites and more red options by the glass, all at affordable prices, the wine pairings with these menu items were probably as equally mouthwatering.

Conclusion: If you haven’t gone, you should.

The G Spot, The Titanic, Verdehlgold – punny French labels!

Since it is a common practice for many to buy unknown wines by triggers on the label, I think these triggers will certainly get traction here in New York City wine stores.

Unfortunately, it seems that these wines are still only found in France – from the Loire Valley.  Those Frenchmen are certainly using their time creatively.  However, I dare say there are some USA vintners who make take this as a challenge.  What great labels have you seen – in a wine bar or wine shop – lately?

We promise, if we see these (or other unique versions) come into the market, we’ll be sure to share the whens and wheres. I’d hazard a guess that the NYC wine shop that dares carry them will certainly see a ‘heightened sensation’ in sales – not a sinking one…. ba dump bump.

Lot18.com is a membership-by-invitation website offering unmatched deals on premium wines.  You can get an invite through tippr (hosting this deal) or feel free to ask us for an invite.

Lot18.com works closely with the most exclusive wineries to make their coveted creations available at irresistible discounts.

Soho Wine Bars

French

69 Thompson St. 10012
Cross Streets: Spring & Broome St.
212-431-3330

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Authentically French in the best way…. This is a wine bar to go with a friend or two and try some small production French wines the way the French do… by sharing a bottle with friends.  In fact, with only a few by the glass options, think of this spot as more a wine by the bottle wine bar.  Though there aren’t many wines by the glass, the by the bottle list boasts over 30 options are $40 or less. It’s an all-French wine list of interesting picks, that pairs well with its short French food menu.

The kitchen releases unfussy French cooking, but immensely flavorful dishes. French classics with an American twist.  Or go simple and try the cheese plate, which has a generous portion of three cheeses accompanied by slices of apple, grapes, dried plums, and nuts.   The breadsticks are fresh and warm, like mini baguettes.  And, looking at many reviews, most people seem to enjoy the weekend brunch as well.

The setting is both handsome and comfortable, as the atmosphere seems to match the neighborhood & the crowd.

What could be simpler than Wine and Flowers?

40 Exchange Place. 10005
Cross Streets: Williams & Broad St.
212-361-0007

Hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-9pm Fri/Sat 9:30am-10pm Sun Noon-8pm

Tucked in the shadow of the recently converted residential tower 20 Exchange Place. The store caters to a new and growing residential community, offering a diverse array of fine wines and spirits at reasonable prices.

According to their site, they are “committed to helping you find the right wines and spirits to suit your taste and budget.”

Everything about Rosetta Wines feels more like an old living room than a Wall Street wine shop. The charming woodwork, quiet, relaxed feel, and low-key music—they’re all part of what owner Shermon Peters is hoping to achieve.

“We buy what we like to drink,” Peters said. “We like to be able to say ‘we’ve had that.’ It makes people feel comfortable.”

Soho Wine Shops

Spanish

410 Broome St., 10013
Cross Streets: Lafayette & Centre St.
212-219-1550

Hours: tbd

The newest expansion of long time Spanish imports store Despaña is a compact but extremely well-stocked wine shop, right next door. The floor-to-ceiling shelves hold about 400 different wines – grouped according to region – and has the deepest txakoli, cava, and sherry selection of any wine store seen in the city… with 30 sherries, and more than 30 sparkling wines (and even several ciders).

Prices start at around $8, with more than 60% of the wines selling for less than $25.  Though, at the high end, you will find bottles of Pingus and Vega Sicilia Unico (upwards of $700). The adjacent food shop makes it easy to provide tastings with cheeses, cured meats and other tidbits.

The store’s sherry category will be “the most challenging but nevertheless fun category;” ranging in price from $7 to $113 a bottle, although half of that number are wines that cost less than $25.  Interestingly, they sell “about three or four bottles of Sherry a week;” including that $113.00 one.

Despana also offers educational tastings, to help widen their customers’ knowledge. There will be free tastings of wine and food pairings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Find the deal on Bloomspot.

Interesting note: the pairing wine is a Rosé from Jura. VERY unique, but VERY on trend for wines. Rosé consumption is up 26% this year. Most likely because they are great pairing wines, but also because we are getting exposed to fabulous dry, rich and even powerful rosés from around the world. (Dare not think about White Zinfandel again! Completely different animals.)

4-Course Tasting Menu:

Amuse-bouche:

Gougeres

Shot of Soup du Jour

First Course:

Haricot Vert Salad with Smoked Trout, Dill-Crème Fraiche, Mustard Vinaigrette

Second Course:

Sauteed Skate Wing with Blood Orange Grenobloise, Cauliflower

Third Course:

Bavette Steak Frites

Fourth Course:

Crème Brulee “Le Cirque”

Paired Wine:

2 glasses of Frederic Lornet Cremant du Jura Rose

Get this

An edgy-esque wine and tapas joint from Alessandro Peluso (Bocca and Cacio e Pepe) and Alessandro Piliego (the House) serves all things Spanish influenced, from the wine to the small plates to the design.

Includes choice of four drinks and two tapas for two people
P.S. AmEx or cash only.

Taste Over 95 Bordeaux at One Time

Ticket Price: $45 per person (ticket proceeds benefit HANY)
Tastings of this caliber and scale usually cost up to $125—

The UGC (Union des Grand Cru) Bordeaux Tasting and Zachy’s is holding another a out of this world tasting (similar to the one they did 2 years ago), right here in the heart of NYC. Why fly to France when you can take a cab?

The UGC is a group of Top Name Bordeaux Chateaux that are coming personally to showcase the upcoming releases! This year’s tasting focus is the terrific 2008 Vintage.

The 2008s are just starting to arrive and now is the perfect time to taste wines and see how they have progressed in bottle.

Did we already mention that there will be over 95 different Chateaux showcasing their wines!?! There will be over 150 Bordeaux open to taste and you will have the chance to meet over 95 of Bordeaux’s best Chateau owners and winemakers. This is a don’t miss tasting opportunity!

Purchase your tickets via this link on Zachy’s website.

Date: Friday, January, 28, 2011

Location: Metropolitan Pavillon
110 West 19th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)

She is quite impressive with her wine knowledge. We even tried to stump her ( asking crazy, off the mark, wine questions), yet she was still able to correct our (seemingly) wayward notions… in a very laid back and nice manner.

Turns out, she is also teaching a Wine 101 type of class at Abigail Café & Wine Bar in Brooklyn this weekend. I think it’s the first class of many that will be set up in on-going series hosted by this establishment.

So, if you want a laid back atmosphere, some great wines and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable wine steward to be your guide, check out this class. At $40, where you get to taste 4 whites and 4 reds, that sounds like a pretty darned good deal, too.

Get tickets here. Starts at 4pm.

And if you go, get back to us and tell us what you thought. Happy Exploring!

Many of these wines are giving our French cousins a run for their money.  And, with the caliber of the top wineries and producers that are showcasing their wines here in NYC, this is the best way (besides flying out there yourself) to explore the gold standard flavors.

Participating Wineries:

Balboa Winery, Cadaretta, Foundry Vineyards, L’Ecole N0 41, Long Shadows Vintners, Northstar, Rasa Vineyards, Reynvaan, Seven Hills Winery, Sleight of Hand Cellars, Spring Valley Vineyard, Tertulia Cellars, Three Rivers Winery, Waterbrook Winery, Waters Winery and Woodward Canyon.

When:

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where:

Astor Center
399 Lafayette Street, New York

Tickets here are $50

BUT, tickets here are $26.50 through January 31st!  (No reason NOT to buy, now!)

Many times you barely find a discount of 10% off a case… so 20% off 3 bottles is awesome.

Note, you must print out the coupon online and take in with you.

*750 m/l/m. Excludes sale items. In store only. Cash & carry. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. With Valpak® coupon only. Coupon void if altered. Expires 02/10/2011

McCabes is on 1347 3rd Avenue, between 76th & 77th streets.

For its small size -it is packed floor to ceiling with all sorts of wines from around the globe at all price points.

We filtered all wine and food events coming up in NYC and found there are 100 events posted for the near future.

Just another event finder making life a little more simple.

Thanks, Eventbright!

If you have been looking for something different to do, that’s unique, fun, tasty and full of intrigue, Thursday night is the night for NYC wine enthusiasts.  Take a one night journey to Bordeaux.

… and if you use the code BORDEAUX you get $50 off the ticket price. (Trust us, this is a value.)

Twenty-three Grands Crus & Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux Estates are joining the First Annual Soiree des Grands Crus to create this premier social event:  a vintage wine tasting and the opportunity to meet 17 young, hip and dynamic Châteaux owners – certainly names that will be known around the wine circuit from this point forward.

New to wine or not, this is a chance for you to be one of the first to know what’s happening in one of the most prestigious wine regions of the world….  Even if you’re well versed in these wines, we can guarantee you’ll learn something new.

To have this opportunity any other way, you’d have to fly yourself over to France, contact a Bordeaux representative that can get you in front of these vintners and hope you can taste just a few of these spectacular wines.

However, on this one night, 82 Mercer will be transformed into a modern wine cellar; where you can have the rare opportunity to connect with these new generation owners of Bordeaux chateaux and experience their passion, knowledge and, of course, enjoy 23 of their latest fine wines from Bordeaux.

The wines showcased at the event can also be ordered onsite, via LeDu’s Wines Store.

What you can expect:

• *  Meeting 17 young Bordeaux chateau owners/ winemakers
• *  Tasting 23 wines showcased from both the Left Bank (Pessac-Léognan, Margaux, Saint-Éstèphe, and Saint-Julien) and the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol) of the Garonne River
• *  Enjoying Bordeaux-inspired hors d’oeuvres and cheeses to pair with your wines
• *  Sampling a selection of chocolates from third generation Patissier and Chocolatier, Francois Payard
• *  The Breitling Grand Cru Challenge, a blind tasting event for guests to win fabulous prizes (see more below)

At the Breitling Grand Cru Challenge, guests will test their wine knowledge (blind!) to win prizes including a Breitling B01 Chronomat Watch and some fabulous magnums and double magnums of Bordeaux Wines for their personal collections.  A fabulous bunch of prizes anyone should try to win!!

For more info and to buy tickets, visit: www.lasoireedesgrandscrus.com.

General Admission (7:30-11p.m.) $185; ($135 if use the code BORDEAUX). Again, think of what you are getting!

WHERE:
82 Mercer, between Broome St & Spring St. Soho

WHEN:
Thursday, January 27

• VIP arrivals at 6:00 pm;
• General Admission: 7:30 pm.
• The Breitling Grand Cru Challenge from 8:45 -9:30 pm.

……..

Don’t worry, it’s confusing to most of us.

Turns out Sean Myles, a geneticist at Cornell University, developed a gene chip that tests for the genetic variation commonly found in grapes and found that 75% (of over 1,000 grape varieties tested) were as closely related as parent and child or brother and sister.

“Previously people thought there were several different families of grape,” Dr. Myles said. “Now we’ve found that all those families are interconnected and in essence there’s just one large family.”

Thus merlot is intimately related to cabernet franc, which is a parent of cabernet sauvignon, whose other parent is sauvignon blanc, the daughter of traminer, which is also a progenitor of pinot noir, a parent of chardonnay.

No wonder it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between one style to another… blindfolded or not!

Read the full article here at the NY Times.

Led by the knowledgeable and friendly top sommelier – Dominique Drevet (ex Bouley), who developed his palate working in 3-star Michelin restaurants – who conveys his extensive knowledge of these pairings to you as you sip your way through a variety of fine wines from the Languedoc, Rhone, and Bordeaux regions of France.

Once purchased, your name will be added to the guest list for the event. All events start at 7:00 p.m..

Looks like a replica of the Jules Bistro 5 course tasting that sold out BOTH times they hosted the offer.  A value because each tasting is limited to 25 people, which means a less noisy ambiance and the ability to hear and ask whatever questions you may hear yourself thinking.

See the Deal here

Wine Tasting with Food Pairings at Cercle Rouge for $29, February 8th at 7pm

Wine Tasting with Food Pairings at Cercle Rouge for $29, February 22nd at 7pm.

Wine Tasting with Chef’s Cassoulet Tasting at Cercle Rouge for $29, March 1 at 7pm.

6:00 pm

Bohemian National House
321 E. 73rd Street
New York, NY 10021

Ticket Prices

Non-members $35

Members $20

Purchase Tickets

The New York Gourmet Society

The New York Gourmet Society is founded on the idea that good food, good wine and good company are essential to living well. So, they must be affordable and enjoyed as often as possible.

They work with select wine companies and distributors to ensure high quality wines and beverages for modest prices by leveraging a network of venues and the power of our numbers. Taking advantage of these same strengths, they gain excellent values from food vendors. And then pass these values on to their network of venues—the “Friends of the New York Gourmet Society”. By arranging for their network of venues these advantages, they provide events for member’s enjoyment at very reasonable prices.

200+ Wines For Tasting
Special live jazz performance on stage

The wines are hand-selected and palette-approved by the staff at one of Manhattan’s popular local wine retailer, Bacchus Wines. Vintage, bold, crisp, refreshing; there will be wines for everyone.  Wines from all over the world – great Zinfandels from California…Super Tuscans from Italy…crisp Bordeaux from France…and some tasty wines from Latin America.

There will be tasting tables located throughout the venue. Expect selections from small boutique vineyards producing better quality wines at more affordable prices. Join in the excitement and let your taste-buds explore the vines less traveled by. LIVE jazz and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

There are two (2) sessions this year, afternoon and evening. That means more wine, more food and more room to stretch out and enjoy. And, every attendee will receive a FREE Riedel crystal stem from 
which to taste and to take home. A $10 VALUE.

TICKETS

Through January 30th: $75.00

January 31st-February 5th: $84.00

Saturday, February 5, 2011 Afternoon Session @ 3:00PM

Saturday, February 5, 2011 Evening Session @ 8:00PM

OR BY CALLING 866-811-4111

at Best Buy Theatre Times Square
1515 Broadway at W. 44th St.
New York, NY 10036

They’ll be opening well over 20 bottles, including 2 magnums, from the greatest producers in Germany: AJ Adam, Helmut Dönnhoff, Fritz Haag, Florian Lauer, Egon Müller, Schäfer-Fröhlich, Zilliken and more…

“the signature of 2009 is ripe, fresh, fall-off-the-damn-tree-right-into-your-hand fruit. Imagine a small army of people prepping for the photo shoot: A green apple, a melon, peach and pear placed artfully on a pedestal, buffed down until they all glow radiantly, every blemish polished squeaky clean. The fruit shivers under the mist of ice-cold water that a technician artfully sprays onto it. Perfect.”

http://www.crushwineco.com/monthly-tastings.htm

Upper West Side Wine Bars

Italian

475 Columbus Ave., 10024
Cross Streets: 82nd & 83rd St.
212-362-5454

Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30am-11pm Fri 7:30am-1am Sat 8am-1am Sun 8am-11am

Modeled after the Italian café and wine bar, this chainlet has two downtown locations, this outlet will serve a counter-service breakfast in the morning (as usual, all baked goods will be made from scratch, on location), lunch, and weekend brunch. In the evenings, it will become a wine bar offering a small-plates menu.

The wine list (featuring 25 varieties by the glass) will boast mostly small producers, hopefully like it’s sisters, offering largely muscular choices from Italy and Spain – including a sparkling red Lambrusco.  Luckily they’ll be using a “Vinify” system that keeps the oxygen from filtrating the wine bottles which will keep them fresh longer.

Most should be paired with something off the the menu of assaggi (Italian tapas, essentially) such as a panini, cheese plate or heavier fares such asbaked polenta with duck sauce, hazelnut-crusted monkfish with eggplant, and grilled octopus with borlotti beans and crispy leeks. Along with the namesake vino and tarallucci (the savory semolina cookies that accompany wine) you can sample an iced espresso vigorously shaken in authentic Italian fashion or a rich hot chocolate.

The space has an open twenty-seat room (with an additional fourteen seats around the bar).

West Village Wine Bars

577 Hudson St., 10014
Cross Streets: West 11th & Perry St.
Hours: tbd

West Village tapas bar headed up by Chef Franco Barrio, previously of Casa Mono and Boqueria.

Robert Sietsema says he was impressed by the inexpensive wine list, saying that Caliu is ”a place that turns the modern tapas formula on its head – by selling the booze cheap enough that you’ll probably stay for an entire meal.”  However, he was also quoted as saying he found some of the servings too small, given the price tags.

https://www.thedealist.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=2

Wine lovers? – check.

Plenty of wine? – check.

Plenty of food? – check.

An engaging wine leader? – check.

A new appreciation for a wine or several wines? – check.

Couples? – check.

Last Saturday afternoon, right as the winning-shift was happening at the Pittsburgh/ Seahawks playoff game, I was sitting at a two-top at Vero Wine Bar Midtown with my friend Whitney.  Surrounding us were tables of couples chatting it up and sipping wine (it was easily an 85/15% split couples to singles) and no one seemed interested in the game….

We were attending a wine class called “Supporting Actors: Grapes that should be in the spotlight, but aren’t.”  Kasi Shelton, ACWS, CSW, CS and former Wine Director of Vero, displayed infectious enthusiasm as she shared tidbits about single varietal wines made from grapes that are usually used for blending.  She knows her stuff.  If you want a wine class with a good amount of wine details that you actually can understand, go to one of her events.   She adds nuggets like: “Old world wines are anywhere there used to be a king. New world wines are like…. America.” (ha!) And when it comes to tannins, “… if it wraps around your gums, it’s from the grape. If it settles on your cheeks, it’s from oak.”

So, blending grapes are usually just that, meant to be used to balance a wine blend. Many times, on their own, they are disjointed and awkward, but sometimes, if nurtured just right, some can be good enough on their own – if they are given the opportunity.  It’s like the cast of Glee.  Each member brings a unique look, feel and sound to the ensemble.  Some characters are awesome on their own and are highlighted often (such as Chardonnay and Merlot), yet they also can blend in.  Others serve as support: they blend in, but are just a little awkward on their own. However, after some coaching and development, even they can hold their own in a solo.

It’s all about using the right base ingredient, the right nurturing and the right coach… or wine-maker.

The wines:

We first tried a Brokenwood Semillon ($24, find here) from Australia (some thought it was heavy and green/ lemongrassy, some thought it was like lemon pledge, some thought it had delicious cheese rind qualities). A pretty fun, zesty, mouth-watering white to start the tasting – and get our palates energized.

We moved to a 2010 Beaujolais Nouveau (producer unknown) and compared it to a 2009 Villa Ponciago Fleurie ($20, try here), Cru Beaujolais (both the Gamay grape). Typical notes of bubblegum and bright berries like raspberry and blueberry showed on the nose and palate of the Nouveau. Bright raspberry and cherry also carried through on the Cru Beaujolais, but there was no doubt this was the bigger sibling: it had a better grip on the palate and a more complex flavor profile, mixing in some earthy leaves, spice, vanilla and candy notes.  The side by side comparison of the same grape, from the same region, but picked from different “neighborhoods” and “brought up” differently was interesting.

The 2005 Tintara “The Custodian” Grenache from McLaren Vale ($15, try here) brought on the heavier, darker purple fruit and chocolate flavors. Grenache is typically used in blends for its alcoholic and tooth staining fruit abilities. On its own, done well, it is rich and almost focused. I couldn’t stop thinking chocolate laced blueberry pie.

The LI 2007 Duck Walk Pinot Meunier ($14, find here) was a bit of a teaser. At first it seemed intriguing. It smelled like smokey potatoes, cranberry sauce and sauteed mushrooms. (Pinot Meunier is used typically as one of the 3 grapes used in Champagne, bringing brightness with some floral smokiness.)  After a while, this wine started to fall apart after sitting in the glass. It became unbalanced and stinky… like wet ash.  It’s a finicky grape, rarely grown to create it’s own varietal. I get it.

The final wine was a 2009 Raats Cabernet Franc ($33, try here) from South Africa. Cab Franc usually brings a bit of green vegetable, spry red berry and good acid to balance out an overtly fruity or tannic wine. You’ll find it in many a Bordeaux blend.  This one, however, seemed to show its more secondary and tertiary flavors. The green was still there (I thought thyme or bay leaves, somebody else said habaneros.). But, it also displayed a mix of earthy tobacco leaves, soy sauce, chocolate and dark red juicy fruit. It was a fave around the tables near us. A nice balance of grip, juiciness, spiciness and drinkability.

So, the moral of this story is get out there and give the secondary characters, the wallflowers, a chance.  You might just find one that’s worthy of an Oscar.

Editor’s note: Thanks to Spencer Hill for his quote, “The best supporting actor since Cuba Gooding, Jr.”  A speech worthy of it’s own title!

Interested in attending a class at Vero Midtown? Their next 3 classes (at only $45, that’s a deal) are covering the following topics:

German Food & Wine
Pairing Wines with Vegetarian Fares
American Wines

(Wines in the City is not affiliated with Vero…. we’re just a guest, like you.)

Riesling

Malbec

Torrontes

Prosecco

Pinot Noir

West Side Wine

Alphabet City Wine Company

NY Vintners

Chambers Street Wines

Maslow 6 Wine Shop

Crush Wine Co.

Vino Fine Wine blog

Dandelion Wine blog

Green Grape Wine blog

67 Wine Shop Blog

Vestry Wines Blog

Via LivingSocial here til January 16, 2011.

Tickets here or here.

http://www.newyorkvintners.com/p-5514-wine-201the-diveristy-of-riesling-january-15-1pm-g.aspx

invino: Insider Access for Wine Lovers is donating a portion of each sale to the charity of YOUR choice thru January!

http://www.invino.com/uncork-and-support/

The trendiest wine in town this winter seems to be, again, Malbec. This trend hit the tongues of the masses a few years ago and has continued in what seems to be a never ending crescendo. Just look at a wine list around New York City (such as Craft, Terroir and DBGB – lists via Winechap) and you’ll most likely find a Malbec on it.

For you recent lovers of this grape, I’d suggest giving thanks to our Argentinian wine friends – who noticed it’s healthy growth and tasty success in their own country – and decided to share their wines abroad.  (A very good business move, indeed.)  And, true to assumptions, the Argentine Malbecs deliver what many seek… big, inky, dark fruit wines with enough structure to stay on the palate for those key seconds of pleasure. Furthermore, most of these Malbecs deliver wines we can enjoy with or without the accompaniment of food….

However, if you look to Malbecs from the Southwest of France, the wines have bigger personalities than their South American cousins.  Maybe it’s because this is its homeland… where its roots are.

Did you know Malbec was one of the original 5 grapes used in the big, powerful Bordeaux blends of the past?

However, after the mid-1900 phyloxerra (tiny, vine-eating insect) destruction of vineyards throughout Europe, growers were less inclined to replant Malbec as it was a testy grape that was difficult to cultivate compared to its other Bordeaux siblings.

But, in Cahors, just south of Bordeaux, the Malbec grape survived well in that region’s limestone soils and dry hot weather… a feat it continues to do today.  Interestingly, here is also where you’ll find the elusively rare black truffle as well. Two different species altogether, with yet a similar need for the terroir.  Check out the video put together by GrapeRadio on the connection that these two products have to the Cahors region… and how both deliver the scent of black.

The Scent of Black (Cahors) from GrapeVisions on Vimeo.

This video was discovered on this post by GrapeRadio.

A few highlight quotes from the reel that (although it gets a little wine geeky) really help translate in words what the flavors of these delectable treats will deliver on your palate.

“Sometimes when you smell Malbec wines you can get some truffle aromas… because there is a terroir… and on this terroir we have some truffles.”

“…smells are emotional…”

“…the colors are indicative of the flavor profile – black.”

And of course, now all I want is this: foie gras with black truffle marscapone and wilted greens… served with a Malbec from Cahors…..

Enjoy!

Park Slope Wine Bars

International

486 Sixth Ave. 11215
Cross Streets: 11th & 12th St.
718-369-4814

Hours: Brunch: Saturday – Sunday: 11:00am – 3:00pm.  Dinner: Sun/Mon/Wed/Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 4:30pm-9pm

The folks at catering company Soigne (former Culinary Arts at New York Institute of Technology study pals, Anthony Marzuillo and JoAnne Braganza) opened this wine bar/ restaurant in the former Magnolia space.  Soigne is French for “to take care of,” and kitchen slang for a VIP guest.  (French name, but the food is American….)

Labeled casual elegant, their intent is to emphasize high-end modern American cuisine that’s also affordable.

On the well-curated wine list, most bottles are under $25…. but more on the wine list and pricing to come.

The food is locally sourced, and the menu should change almost daily according to what’s fresh and in-season. Several items, such as the burger with aged cheddar, bacon-onion relish, and truffled fries, will be permanent. Pastry lead, JoAnne, crafts the $7 desserts; standouts are a melting brownie tart and fresh donuts with a trio of dipping sauces.

They’re offering a $27 3-course prix fixe on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Just one of the many sparklings from which to chose: Crémant de Bourgogne

____

Like most families, sparkling wines are all similar in design, but each is lovely and unique in its own way.

There used to be an automatic perception that Champagne must be better than all other sparkling wines, domestic or from other areas in the world. However, in recent years there has been an increased access to the numerous international varieties and qualities of sparkling wine available to us in New York City; and now we have an incredibly tasty choice in every price range and style.

And really, it’s all a matter of choice – akin to opting for Swiss Chocolate vs Belgian Chocolate!   We asked Kasi Shelton, Certified Sommelier and Wine Director of Vero Wine Bars, for tips on some interesting varieties to explore – appropriate for a heartfelt year-ending goodbye and an enticing welcome to the new year.

Meet some of the family

You’ll find excellent examples of bubblies at shops throughout the city – some of the best values are from Spain (Cava) and Italy (Prosecco).  (For a more detailed look at Cava, Prosecco and value Champagnes – the sparkling wines that are leading the trend in NYC bubbly consumption – check out Sparkling Up Your Holiday at online fashion pub, KENTon magazine.)

Crémant

But, if your heart is set on French sparkling wine, check out some of the great values from outside the appellation-controlled Champagne district. Look for Crémant, which is made in the champagne method and often cost half the price, from the Alsace, Burgundy, Loire, Jura or Limoux regions.

Champagne

If nothing but Champagne will do, skip the big names and go for a bottle with the code (usually in small print) “RM” on the label, which signifies a ‘grower’ Champagne: meaning that the person who grew the grapes also made the wine. You’ll have a distinctive wine that reflects the local land, imagination and craft of a passionate grower and winemaker. (The more popular brands usually buy grapes from many growers around the Champagne region and blend them all together.)

USA Sparklings

For a more local option, many American sparkling wines are made using similar grapes to those in Champagne (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), in the same traditional method (a 2nd fermentation occurs in the bottle). Depending on the style of the producer or the region of the grape, some of these wines have close similarities to Champagne while some have their own flavorful characteristics. If you’re looking for a value, the Gruet Winery in New Mexico, which follows the traditional method, produces a line of remarkable wines that can hold their own — for around $15. Not to mention, according to Robin Goldstein, editor of The Wine Trials books – where pricey wines are blind-tasted against inexpensive ones – legendary Champagnes are often beaten soundly by a $10 sparkler from Washington State….

Drink, Eat and Be Merry

Although New Year’s Eve is the time most of us drink sparklings than any other time of the year, it’s a shame it’s usually relegated to a celebration drink. Sparkling wines typically have relatively low alcohol and high acidity, which means they pair well with a wide range of foods – from popcorn and paté to shellfish and shortbread cookies (some rosés can even stand up to steak!).

And per Joe Campanale, certified wine educator and sommelier/ owner of the West Village’s dell’anima, L’Artusi and Anfora: “You can have it as an aperitif, with your food, as a palate cleanser between wines, or for sipping into the wee hours of the morning. It’s the only wine that I could enjoy from breakfast to nightcap, and every minute in between.”

So, which ones should you try? We say drink what your palate and your budget enjoys!

____

More sparkling tips

Helpful Terms

Flute: the uniquely shaped glass that’s primary purpose is to allow the wine’s bubbles to best materialize and take longer to dissipate… capturing the essence of the taste and experience.

Blanc de blancs: a sparkling wine made from only white grapes, typically Chardonnay. A blanc de blancs will taste more minerally, with notes of fresh bread or toast.

Blanc de noirs: a sparkling wine made from red grapes, such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A blanc de noirs will taste of a little more of a red fruit quality, sometimes with added depth.

Brut: a dry sparkling wine.

Extra dry: defying reason, this is actually a sweeter sparkling wine.

Spumante: Italy’s name for sparkling wine.

Non-vintage (or blended): a sparkling wine that is derived from a blend of grapes from different years or vintages – to keep consistency from year to year.

Bottle Design

Did you know: Cristal is made in crystal bottles because legend has it that it was Napoleon’s favorite Champagne and he was afraid that someone was going to poison him, so he had it made in a crystal bottle so that it would be easier to see if there were any impurities in the bottles.

Though sold in beautifully designed bottles, the construction of the Champagne bottle (and many other sparkling wine bottles) also plays a key role in providing safety while maintaining a romantic and classic look that Champagne demands.

Did you know: there’s more pressure inside a standard bottle of Champagne than a car’s tire?

History indicates that it was Dom Pérignon who first thickened the glass in the mid-1600s to contain what was often referred to as “the devil’s wine,” because its vessels exploded so often. Italian Prosecco and the various fizzy cousins made in the Charmat Method (the 2nd fermentation occurs in a tank vs bottle) have only about half the pressure of those made in the traditional Champagne method; but still enough to warrant a sturdily crafted bottle.

West Village Wine Bars

62 Carmine St. 10014
Cross Streets: 7th Ave & Bedford St.
212-242-2240

Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-11pm, Fri 8am-12:30am, Sat 11am-12:30am, Sun 11am-9pm

Dessert place [slash] wine bar?…. Instead of just selling sweetly frosted treats, Sweet Revenge pairs cupcakes with booze—either wine or beer—for an extra indulgent experience – serving up versions of cupcakes that most would usually trek to find in far corners of a neighborhood far away to purchase.

Though the wine list is short – offering an eclectic list for casual wine drinkers - the cross pairing experiments might require several return trips.

Possible pairings: “Pure” cupcake (vanilla cake with vanilla butter cream) and Principato Pinot Noir, Italy ($10 glass); ”Dirty” cupcake (Valrhona cake with dark chocolate truffle) and Campo Burgo Crianza Rioja, Spain ($10 glass); “Crimson & Cream” cupcake (raspberry red velvet cake with cream-cheese frosting) and raspberry bellini ($10). In the spring go for the Tart combo, a lemon vanilla cake with a lemon curd center and lemon butter-creme paired with an Italian Moscato Spumante; or with a belgium white beer, which plays nicely with the light citrusy essence of the cake.

The cupcakes ($3.50) are made on premise with ingredients ranging from valrhona chocolate, Mexican vanilla and fage Greek Yogurt. Other tasty options are a cinnamon chocolate buttercream; a black velvet (with cherry jam center and bordeaux cherry chocolate ganache); or the signature cupcake made with peanut butter cake, chocolate ganache filling with peanut butter fudge frosting (which an Argentine Malbec’s smooth medium body can nicely round out and soften the sweetness of the peanut butter).

If cupcakes really aren’t your thing there are plenty of other dessert options.  And patrons who may not have a sweet tooth can order savories like mesclun salad, soup or the Seville, which is a chorizo sausage and manchego cheesecake with romesco tapenade, which also pairs back to the Malbec.

If you go between 4pm & 8pm, Monday through Friday, you can get a glass of sangria, or wine, and a cupcake for only $10.  The restaurant can seat up to 50 and is ideal for any kind of event ranging from a birthday party to a going away party.

East Village Wine Bars

International

26 Astor Pl. 10009
Cross Streets: Lafayette and Bowery St.
212-260-2220

Hours: TBD

Looking for this cozy winebar tucked into the curving glass Gwathmey Siegel apartment building?… Insider’s note: the entrance is on Cooper Square… just around the corner for Manhattan mainstay Butter.

The name, Bahr Ché, refers to the French term for an above ground wine cellar. And how it is. They offer a nicely curated international wine list – served in quarter and half carafe sizes, as well as bottles – curated by master sommelier Fred Dexheimer and prominently displayed in a dramatic steel, 1,500-bottle wine wall.

Wines are sold by the bottle or ”carafe”, actually quartinos.  (Wine by the glass is not an option.) There are nine whites on the by the carafe list, including a Spanish Txakolina.  And of the ten reds on this list is a very interesting Austrian Zweigelt.  Once the rosés arrive, it will be a fun and varied list.

Bahr Che is suggested to be all about “wine, cheese and chocolate.”  Former Wall Streeter Camille Glickman is behind this sleek café-bar. Light fare will be served throughout the day—Intelligentsia coffee and Bouchon Bakery pastries in the morning; changing over to organic and farmstead cheeses, charcuterie (like prosciutto & pecorino), small plates (such as goat cheese salad with a baked tomato that compliments the bitter greens and tangy goat cheese) – other savory purveyors are Murray’s Cheese and D’Artagnan; while Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Bonnet from Tumbador Chocolate does the dessert and chocolate menu (some are from Black Hound New York).

With soft mood lighting and warm wood paneling the interior is small, although it feels roomy; so if “intimate wine bar” is your thing, Bahr Che is a good bet. (Word is the flowing curtains dont do much to prevent that icy chill of air in the winter if sitting near the doorway.)

Early reports say food service is spotty… but that can be said for most newly opened establishments.  However, go if you want to be served good wines, beer, cheese and charcuteire from around the world in an intimate setting.

Chocolate & Wine

228 7th Ave. 11215
Cross Streets: 3rd & 4th St.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-Midnight, Fri 7am-1am, Sat 8am-1am, Sun 8am-Midnight

You had us at “wine and chocolate.”  (Sister bar is on Clinton Street, near Houston, in the Lower East Side)

Serving up happy combos of coffee and cake by day, wine and chocolate by night (actually, whenever you want).  By day they offer a handful of sandwiches (like Smoked Salmon, Tuna and Mediterranean Chicken Salad), cheese boards of three selections and coffee drinks to laptop-toting Wi-Fi-using patrons.  But come 7 p.m., rules of the house mandate that all computers must be put away to make room for quieter, more relaxing space; when the candles are lit and corks are popped.

The short, but thoughtful wine list -filled with many easy-to-drink reds and whites (along with a few sparkling and dessert varieties) – rotates by the glass (from about $6 to $30) and bottle (from about $20 to $100), according to the owner’s personal taste.

With owners who are big believers in all things decadent, the relaxed and cozy atmosphere with plush armchairs and cozy 2-tops in the back room is something you can’t beat when looking for a good study or break spot. Beware if you go hungry or emotional; it is also filled with luscious scents of delicious, handcrafted treats from local vendors, such as Tumbador Chocolate (all Kosher) and Sweet Bliss…. so you may need to prepare some restraint.

If you’re in the mood for hot chocolate, taste any of the house made options or customize your own using such flavors as “spicy,” mint, dark chocolate and cinnamon. Or just go for the brass ring and get a Shot of Chocolate. ’nuff said.

Lower East Side Wine Bars

Chocolate & Wine

21 Clinton St. 10002
Cross Streets: Stanton & Houston St.

Hours: Sun-Wed 8am-Midnight, Thu-Sat 8am-2am

You had us at “wine and chocolate.”

By day they offer a handful of sandwiches (like Smoked Salmon, Tuna and Mediterranean Chicken Salad), cheese boards of three selections and coffee drinks to laptop-toting Wi-Fi-using patrons.  But come 7 p.m., rules of the house mandate that all computers must be put away to make room for quieter, more relaxing space; when the candles are lit and corks are popped.

The short, but thoughtful wine list -filled with many easy-to-drink reds and whites (along with a few sparkling and dessert varieties) – rotates by the glass (from about $6 to $30) and bottle (from about $20 to $100), according to the owner’s personal taste.

With owners who are big believers in all things decadent, the small, dark space is also filled with luscious scents of delicious, handcrafted treats from local vendors, such as Tumbador Chocolate (all Kosher) and Sweet Bliss.  The cookies are made by the owners.

If you’re in the mood for hot chocolate, taste any of the house made options or customize your own using such flavors as “spicy,” mint, dark chocolate and cinnamon. Or just go for the brass ring and get a Shot of Chocolate. ’nuff said.

Hells Kitchen Wine Bars

Small Producer, Seasonal

403 West 43rd St., 10036
Cross Streets: 9th & 10th Ave.
212-315-2121

Hours: Tue-Wed 5pm-11pm, Thu-Sat 5pm-Midnight

The team behind Casellula Cheese & Wine Café will open a second restaurant just nine blocks down Ninth Avenue, intended as a casual New American neighborhood restaurant featuring seasonal small-plate dishes.

The wine list is filled with delicious distinctive wines from lesser-known grapes and regions of the world.  There will also be wines on tap.  A nice twist is their option to “open any bottle” of wine so long as you order two glasses.  Pair them with a sample of the world’s finest artisanal cheeses (selected by fromager Dimitri Saad at sister restaurant, Casellula) which are enlivened by nontraditional condiment pairings. Or snack on flavored popcorn with horseradish or olive oil or lavender-rosemary.

In keeping with a commitment to local, seasonal, and sustainable food, they are using the back skylight to grow herbs for the shareable plates for their eccentric menu, such as smoked caviar with puffed rice and sea beans, like braised rabbit with a green olive demi-glace or baby beets with horseradish cream and chestnuts and rye-stuffed quail with chanterelle purée, salsify, and dandelion greens.

Though a more restaurant vibe, the front bar has stools fashioned out of old wine barrels – a hint at the proprietor’s wine bent. Don’t miss the quaint little garden room in the back.

Williamsburg Wine Bars

Cheese & meat pairings

286 Graham Ave., 11211
Cross Streets: Grand & Powers St.
718-388-7434

Hours: tbd

A cheese, meat & wine bar is happening in Williamsburg; with 15 rotating cheeses, and 5 cured and cooked meats that can be arranged with garnishes, a salad or two, and a full bar… including a selection of mostly small-batch European wines ($7–$10), 6 craft-beer drafts ($5–$6) and cocktail standards (martinis, Manhattans; $9–$12)…  more on the wines offered to come.

From Market Table Alum, Alicia Rebensdorf: her ode to cheese, meat, and wine.  Expect a bit of curds education (learn how their cinnamon-rubbed Roth Kase Sole Gran Queso from Wisconsin is a twist on Spanish Manchego). If you’re tasting a range of charcuterie and cheeses, ask for help finding a good wine pairing—such as a bright, berry-tinged beaujolais that’s a fine match for some pick-and-mix platters ($9–$30 for two to eight items).

The user-friendly black slate serving boards—each etched with numbers corresponding to items on the menu—make it easy to navigate your order.  The boards are also piled with extra goodies, like rich fig jam, tangy red-onion jelly and slices of raisin-and-fennel toast from Amy’s Bread.

Vintage sconces, flickering candles and soul standards on the speakers set a date-friendly mood, but Tuffet also lures patrons in love with their laptops. A homey back room, equipped with a communal wooden table, doubles as a free-for-all office space for Billyburg’s freelancing legions. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can start with Gimme! Coffee and move onto something stronger as the workday progresses.

Word on the street is that the staff is said to have a strong work ethic, a good attitude, an attention to detail.

Greenwich Village Wine Bars

Mediterranean/ International

41-43 Carmine Street 10014
Cross Streets: Bedford & Bleecker St.
212-933-0527

Hours: tbd

Opened Fall 2010.

(More wine list and menu selection information to come.)

Though this may fall into the “restaurant with a good wine list” rather than wine bar, it’s helmed by Noel Cruz, an alum from Punch & Judy wine bar, craftbar, Dani and Elettaria, and we think it will certainly have merit on our list.

Davis Anderson (formerly at Il Posto Accanto) built the wine list, a selection of curated wines from around the world international: including seasonally rotating New York selections on tap and even a prosecco on tap! For other taste buds, they also serve whiskey-barrel aged ale and era-gone-by cocktails.

Chef Joe Vigorito, who arrives via Lupa and dell’anima, has created a Mediterranean menu with global accents. How does a pork burger topped with bresaola “bacon” and served on a coriander bun or lovage (a spice similar to fennel seed) and bitter chocolate seasoned oxtail orecchiette sound?

This two-level space occupies the ground floor and basement with an upstairs bar and open kitchen cafe area and the cozier downstairs wine cellar-like dining room (serving the same menu). The old-timey decor (library ladder, sconces, mismatched antique china) are design elements that is meant to capture the essence of Carmine Street of the past: kind of an old social club.

French – Vietnamese

48 MacDougal 10012
Cross Streets: Prince & Houston St.
212-260-5757

Hours: Tue 9am-9:30am, 6pm-11pm; Wed-Sun 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-11pm

Though this may fall into the “restaurant with a good wine list” rather than wine bar, the meaning behind the name is an homage to the wines of France and to the classic Stendhal novel (Le Rouge et le Noir), so we’ll add it.

Rouge et Blanc transports you from the West Village to a cozy corner of colonial Vietnam. Low ceilings, hanging paper lanterns, vintage oriental decor, and an air of classical authenticity give Rouge et Blanc the look and feel of a French colonial tavern from 1940s Saigon.

Under the guidance of Thomas Cregan—former sommelier of Chanterelle and The Beacon—Rouge et Blanc also features an extensive wine list. With over 20 years of wine-tasting experience, they have compiled an exclusively French wine list, representing all of France’s premier wine-making areas, all to pair well with each course.  More wine list and menu selection information to come.

Helmed by chef Matt Rojas—formerly of Eleven Madison Park, Degustation, and Nobuo at Teeter House—Rouge et Blanc offers a skillfully-executed Franco-Vietnamese fusion menu, using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Try the crispy fried whole prawns on a bed of green papaya salad dressed with a curry-scented vinaigrette, or the full flavored mustard-marinated lamb ribs with roasted peppers, not to mention the flaky, delicate Malaysian roti canai flat bread.

With a Franco-Vietnamese inspired menu, and an extensive French wine list, Rouge et Blanc provides a exotic hideaway, a perfect respite from the seasonal weather.  The decor feels much like French colonial Saigon.

Williamsburg Wine Shops

Organic

34 North 7th St.  11211
Cross Streets:  Henry & Clinton St.

Hours: Mon-Sat Noon-9pm, Sun Noon-6pm

Opened in 2010, this wine shop is one of the first retailers in the newly finished The Edge, a mixed-use 1,000-plus-unit residential development on the waterfront in Williamsburg.

According to the owner, this is a wine shop for wine lovers, with hopes to share organic and hand-picked wines from all over the world with the neighborhood.

(More information on wine selection, service and price range to come.)

French

1136 1st Ave, 10065
Cross Streets: 62nd & 63rd
212-207-4900

Hours: tbd

French for “South Market,” this market/wine bar/bakery/restaurant hybrid sits in the former L’ybane space focuses on… well Southern French food and wines.  (Updated wine list information to come.) The rustic, U-shape space also includes a garden.  (Again, we wonder if this grocery/ wine bar hybrid concept is becoming a trend, after the seemingly successful gourmet-foods-market-in-the-front-and-wine-and-cheese-bar-in-the-back style shops of Hell’s Kitchen sisters Kashkaval and Balkanika, as well as Jeffrey’s Grocery & Wine Bar in the West Village.)

A bit more of a take-off of the French gourmet market restaurant concept, however, serving up homemade Southern French epicurean delicacies for dining at the restaurant or taking home, complete with a bakery and full-service wine bar and charcuterie station. It’s a nice alternative to the neighborhood’s Italian-laden options.

The atmosphere is light and airy; an open spot that’s equal parts casual and chic.  Step and and explore the gourmet French groceries and rustic fare such as tartare, anchovy paste, a variety of pates, foie gras and other duck delicacies or the thin and crispy Alsatian pizza – all to to eat in or take home.

The owners, Adil Fawzi and Anthony Raggeri, who also own Bistro 61 around the corner, know a thing or two about French cuisine: the have both studied at some of the top culinary schools in France, including La Cadennelle, Le Lycee Rene Auffray and Maxim’s School.

Williamsburg Wine Shops

Natural, Biodynamic, Organic

211 N. 11th St. 11211
Cross Streets: Driggs & Roebling St.
646-397-9463

Hours:  Mon-Fri Noon-9 pm, Sat 9 am-9 pm, Sun Noon-8 pm

Natural Wine Company joins the ranks of other wine shops and wine bars around town touting the charms of natural wine making.  They will carry wines made using organic farming principles, sustainable agriculture and minimal intervention at the winery; from small, artisanal producers around the world.

Popular in Europe, and growing in the states, the methods eschew chemicals in growing the grapes, and the wine itself is free of additives such as sugar, oak, no to low sulfites, and additional yeast. (Note: sulfites are a natural by-product of fermentation, and sulfites act as a preservative, so don’t be turned off by a little sulfite action in the bottle.)

They estimate, in fact, 70% of the initial selection will be natural wine, with the rest organic at minimum or biodynamic; mostly in the $10 to $20 range.

They will feature regular tastings hosted by natural winemakers and their knowledgeable staff of oenophiles. Some say you can certainly taste the difference in the glass of natural wine. Check them out and see for yourself.  Also as a nice touch for the neighborhood, located on the southside of McCarren park, they will proudly display works by local artists on its walls.

NY State

209 Wythe Ave. 11211
Cross Streets: N 3rd St & N 4th St.
718-599-1259

Hours:  Mon-Wed 2 pm-10pm, Thu 2pm-11pm, Fri 2pm-Midnight, Sat Noon-Midnight

Brooklyn Oenology has opened a tasting room…. actually, a tasting room and retail shop…. for their Brooklyn Oenology wines. Could this be the beginning of new trend?

As of December 2010, their current liquor license allows you to enjoy wine flights and bottles are available for purchase to. Wines by the glass are priced reasonably at $5-$11 per glass.

The staff are all willing to tell you anything you could possibly want to know about wines from NY State. (There is also a rotating selection of other New York State wines; and soon word is they will be serving up drinks made with liquor produced in NY State.)

There is a communal crescent shaped bar seems to allow easy service and interaction with the bartenders. The large room, which can accommodate up to 65 people, only has a few tables (made from old doors found in the basement of the building) and artwork from local Brooklyn-based artists…. in fact, if you look closely at their bottles, you’ll notice they display local art on the labels.

BTW, you can also find BOE wines throughout NYC or in Brooklyn.

[Oenology is the art and science of winemaking.  The aim of Brooklyn Oenology is to make wine, whenever possible, from grapes that are grown within New York State.  Currently BOE does not have its own vineyards; and they make their wines in Mattituck on the North Fork of Long Island. In the future, however, they plan to open a winery in Brooklyn.]

Austrian

102 Avenue C, 10009
Cross Streets: 6th & 7th Sts.
212-598-1040

Hours: tbd

The famed children’s story, Peter and the Wolf, reflects the moral: don’t be afraid to challenge established beliefs or to take risks…. Although not related to the fable at all – Edi is Eduard Frauneder and the Wolf is Wolfgang Ban, also partners of Seasonal – the sentiment could be similar. They’re opening an old-world Austrian wine bar in an eclectically urban NYC neighborhood.

It is designed to mirror their motherland’s Heurigers, or wine taverns, which are very rustic restaurants usually connected to a winery that serve very simple dishes (though this new spot lacks the requisite winery). Not to miss a detail, they bring a refreshingly focused wine list featuring an extensive array of Central European varieties like Riesling, Rotgipfler, and Grüner Veltliner.

Make no mistake, whites have been given the respect they deserve here. The list includes at least a dozen whites by-the-glass options, including a crisp mineral field blend by Zahel, a traditional winery within the borders of Vienna ($9); and a richer Rotgipfler by Freigut Thallern ($9). Not that red lovers should stay away: Germany and Austria have much to offer in the way of red wine.. There are also a few craft beers for good measure, like Czech Krusovice Dark and Weinhenstephan Hefeweizen.

The menu does what it is supposed to do at a wine tavern: highlight the wine without overshadowing it – and therefore is filled with classic Austrian comfort food. For instance have the salad of pickled sardine, apple, dill, pickled fennel and walnut calls with a crisp Riesling or Grüner. Or go for the creamy spätzle which stands up a Rotgipfler or even one of the reds. Check out the other sharable small plates of pork schnitzel to variously topped heartier flatbreads, honey & beer-covered baby backs and sea scallops over red beet pasta.

Its barn-style decor sums up the ‘from a time before’ atmosphere with a planked wood ceiling, military boot vases, 40-odd feet of old rope (supposedly salvaged from a church bell tower) draped above a distressed-copper bar and chandeliers & bar taps made from shell casings.

Fun with Wine Holiday Bash – Wines in the City discount $60 until Dec. 2

In the craze of this season’s holiday parties, Fun With Wine’s Holiday Bash is a special blend of social soiree mixed with a touch of wine insights. Friday, December 3, 2010. 7:30pm.

Celebrate the kickoff of the season with friends old and new; try wines you can enjoy today; taste wines that can age; discover wines that you’d be proud to give as gifts; explore impressive regions and vintages; and party along to great music…. all in one place… on one festive evening.

A night of fabulous variety: wines bursting with flavor, wine insights, live band, social wine lovers everywhere and some truly awesome valuable gems.   More than a $125+ value for $60 with this link.

Click here for RSVP

Cost: $60 with the Wines in the City discount until December 2 – then $70.

International

1728 2nd Ave. 10128
Cross Streets: 89th & 90th
212-426-0919

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-Midnight Fri 5pm-1am Sat Noon-1am Sun Noon-11pm

The first installment of the Cavatappo wine bar group is a COZY wine hang out for Upper East Siders who want a chill experience. Chalkboard menus offer the specials for snacks and wine.

Join strangers at the communal table or vie for one of the few outdoor tables in the warm weather months. Sunday nights they host half-price specials. 60 wines by the glass!?

Word is they have an awesome happy hour special: Two appetizers (i.e., prosciutto, goat cheese and kalamata on toast, or fresh bruschetta, or warm hummus, etc.) and a bottle of wine for $35….!

French/ Spanish

25 Canal St. 10002
Cross Streets: Division & Rutgers St.
212-475-5505

Hours: Daily 7pm-4am

Listed by NY Magazine as one of the top 5 casual wine bars in NYC in 2008.  It’s a neighborhood spot with a full bar, though it has a modest, yet potent selection of French and Spanish wines that take center stage at this tiny, under-the-radar destination on the edge of Chinatown.

Nibble on some French cheese with a friend or a special someone; the good news is that you can actually have a conversation here at a normal volume. Keep in mind there is no clear signage, so unless you’re up for a healthy jaunt, bring the address.  Amid the neighborhood’s karaoke bars and underground lounges, Clandestino is a quiet breath of fresh air.

127 Atlantic Ave.  11201
Cross Streets:  Henry & Clinton St.
718-855-7500

Hours: tbd

In an area on the side of Atlantic Avenue where previous choices were basically fish & chips, falafel and pizza, Brooklyn Heights will welcome a seasonal restaurant with a wine bar in the Winter of 2010.  (Funds to make this all happen were raised from using the help of online crowdfunding website, Kickstart.)

Expect there to be a focus on the trend of the times: “local, seasonal American cuisine with a definite bias to all things gastronomically Brooklyn” and a wine list that will be “unique yet super approachable and affordable.”

Chef Alex Sorenson, formerly of Mas (Farmhouse), cooks oysters Rockefeller, black risotto with crisp mushrooms and rabbit lasagna. And you probably should check out their adventurous dessert: foie gras doughnuts.

The space is bright and airy with high ceilings and lots of exposed brick… warm, comfortable and interesting.  As if sitting at a kitchen table, the chef prepares your meal right in front of you.  The owners, hailing from PUBLIC, believe that “watching the art of cooking while you dine is like a new kind of theater and can be truly inspirational, changing the way you think about the food you eat.”

As other’s have mused: maybe they’ll have help from former Monday Room sommelier Ruben to design their wine list. (Updated wine list information to come.)

520 Court St. 11231
Cross Streets:  Huntington & Nelson St.
718-407-0047

Hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-Midnight, Fri-Sat 5pm-1am

An edgy-esque wine and tapas joint from Alessandro Peluso (Bocca and Cacio e Pepe) and Alessandro Piliego (the House) is the newest comer onto this Carroll Cardens’ block.  And, they are serving all things Spanish influenced, from the wine to the small plates to the design.

If you are interested in trying sherry, they have about a dozen.  Affordable whites from the NorthWest, juicy reds from the SouthEast and maybe even a dense Garnacha from the NorthEast regions are on the list too.  You will even find a few beers to pair with your nibbles. But, you won’t find any hard liquor on the menu; just order one of the wine cocktails instead.

No matter, you’ll have enough delectable elixirs to help wash down the the assortment of traditional tapas – a menu full of charcuterie, meatballs, and sandwiches.  And just to keep things on edge, they’ll offer daily specials “with a little bit of flair,” such as today’s house-cured salmon carpaccio with watercress apples and horseradish.

Don’t forget to check out your surroundings… they built the 38-seat counter/ bar top with tiles from a 180-year-old church in Uruguay, the chandeliers are cast-iron, and there are even a few pieces by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero (yes, the same dude who created the large – undressed – Adam at the Time Warner Building). The seating is all bar height, with two communal tables up front and five or six two-tops in the back.

353 Graham Ave 11211
Cross Streets: Conselyea St. & Metropolitan Ave.
718-388-3924

Hours: tbd

No information for this wine shop yet.  Please comment with your own thoughts or updates.

494 Henry St. 11231
Cross Streets: Degraw & Sackett St.
718-858-1928

Hours: tbd

Decent place to grab a bottle of red for dinner at Lucali a few blocks away.  Good selection if you’re looking for several types of reasonably priced chianti or mass brand labels.   The staff seem quite capable and want to be helpful in selecting a wine to accompany your pizza … or just fill your glass.

Word is they also host 2x yearly free wine tasting with food pairings. (Check with shop… most likely Spring and Fall.)

Thoughts on this wine shop?

Kosher

348 Roebling St. 11211
Cross Streets: Division & S 9th St.
718-599-0074

Hours:

Great place to go for the weekday, the weekend or the holidays.

Sweet wines are most appropriate for the holiday, and proprietor David Wolhendler recommends the Tanya blends of merlot and cabernet (between $48 and $55) or the HaChavit cabernet sauvignon at $25. For less expensive options, the Five Stones Shiraz at $18 and the Charisma merlot, cabernet, or Riesling bottles at $12.50 are good bets.

Soon, you too will be toasting L’Chaim with everyone at your holiday dinner party — with a little help from Lee Avenue.

Spanish

Eventi Hotel
851 6th Ave. 10001
Cross Streets: 30th & 31st St.
646-600-7150

Hours: Dinner/ Sun-Thu 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-Midnight

Jeffrey Chodorow’s wacky second floor restaurant in the Eventi Hotel and the counterpart to his high-tech food court FoodParc. Although not a true wine bar, the wine bar is enough of a gimmick to list here.  Think Clo Jr.  Kind of.

BB boasts a Spanish-heavy wine list. But the crowd draw centers around a 30-plus-variety automatic wine dispensing station that requires you input a card and select between a $ 4/7/15 sized pour. A self-serve trend in wine? Fear not, the have roving sommeliers, too. (The staff can point you in the direction of good $40 and $50 options, or whatever you please.)

Emmanuel Pena, the sommelier, has built a wine list that offers both surprises and values. For less than $50 a bottle, find a refreshing Txakolis and rustic Tempranillos, along with tantalizing Garnachas and rich Godellos.

The chef is trained in both French and Spanish fare, and he puts out a menu of pintxos bite-size morsels (like spicy fried olives, creamy cod-stuffed grilled peppers…) and house cured meats, along with apps such as diver scallops w/ truffled cauliflower/crispy jowl/lardo, along with entrees from crispy suckling pig on potato & ‘shroom risotto, to creamy sweetbread-/lamb shoulder croquettes-sided baby lamb chops.

Also skewed is the decor. Designed byBlade Runner’s Syd Mead, enter down a long red hallway with curved walls evincing a futuristic space cave, which leads to a 40 person bar backed by glowing glass panels, yet ends with a (retractable) glass enclosed dining terrace overlooking a courtyard — WITH a giant outdoor movie screen stuck to the adjacent building… whew.

Yes, this place is a little all over the place.  Keeps things interesting, I bet.

Small Productions

44 – 21 30th Ave. 11103
Cross Streets: 44th & 45th Sts.
718-728-4142

Hours:  Mon 3pm-8pm, Tue-Thu 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun-Closed

Since 2008 Off The Vine has provided small production wines from great vintner’s around the world.  Their aim is to share new and exciting wines that really express the true flavors, textures and aromatics of some of the most outstanding grapes of the world.

The wine shop boasts an grand selection, literally floor to ceiling, of artisanal wines in 20+ varieties from across the globe. You’ll find Croatian Malvazija alongside varietals from Chile and the Finger Lakes region — all for about $15 a bottle or less.

Most items in stock come from small vineyards that only produce 8,000 cases of wine per year, and that’s exactly what owner John Paul Bucich, an Astoria native, wants.  In fact, he says he refuses to carry mass brands. “Would you rather pay $10 for an okay wine or $11 for a really good one?”  The smaller, the better is their motto.

Located on a quiet, tree-lined stretch of 30th Avenue just a few blocks down from the neighborhood’s open-air cafés.  Perfect, especially if there’s a BYOB on the block.

American

172 Waverly Place 10014
Cross Streets: Christopher & W 10th Sts.
646-398-7630

Hours: tbd

An all-in-one: market: luncheonette: wine bar.

Sounding much like the gourmet-foods-market-in-the-front-and-wine-and-cheese-bar-in-the-back style of Kashkaval and Balkanika in Hell’s Kitchen….. I’m wondering if this is a new trend?

From the peeps behind the hip and trendy Joseph Leonard in the West Village - conveniently located across the street in fact.  Jeffrey’s philosophy, however, is to be as American as possible.

It’s a hybrid space, where the front offers locally sourced groceries, such as locally made bread, locally sourced produce and local coffee to go.  That means you can stop by in the morning, grab a coffee and an egg sandwich for breakfast and grab a few items from the grocery to make your lunch later.

In the back, there is an oyster and wine bar with a communal table where you can nosh on sandwiches, salads and have some wine.  There are 7 reds and whites by the glass. 75% will be USA focused. (Also 8 beer lines, all of which will be domestic craft.)  Pair a glass with, of course, oysters: check out the blackboard filled with a laundry list of different types of oysters to choose mostly in the $1.50-2.50 each range. Add a charcuterie board ($16 for 3), or some of the chicken-liver-and-foie-gras terrine or house-cured Lola duck breast with a smear of mustard relish.  For a heartier appetite try the braised-brisket sandwich ($15): toasted sourdough dripping with clove-and-pepper-scented beef, melted Muenster cheese and beet slaw. (yummy)  Don’t forget to finish off with a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie; reports say this is a “not to miss” cookie.

With around 20 total seats, all communally, on bar stools and a menu of excellent sandwiches, salads and raw bar items, Jeffrey’s Grocery Luncheonette & Oyster Bar, like Joseph Leonard, is a better option for lunch than dinner, and on weekdays as opposed to crowded weekends.

More to come on their wine list. Word is they are going to have an extended wine list for their newly extended late-night hours.

Italian

218 Lafayette St., 10012
Cross Streets: Kenmare & Spring St.

Hours: tbd

Do you know what an Osteria is? Michael White wonders who does. By his faction it’s “a place that serves simple food and a place where there’s wine.”  Welp, that sounds pretty good to me.  OK, so it’s not a Wine BAR… but it has a bar and some really good wines and an awesome selection of Lambruscos (up to 15 of them!!), so this listing stays in (for now).

The theme celebrates the famously rich cuisine of Emilia-Romagna. From food to wine to design.

The wines will be mostly Italian, with a focus on the wines of Emilia Romagna and Le Marche. A special homage goes to Lambrusco; receiving more attention than it’s ever seen on a list in NYC with 15 offerings ranging in style from sweet to dry and aromatic to a few uncharacteristically serious Lambruschi with bottle age!  All are available by the glass or as a flight (3 for $19). Two wines from Imola, San Domenico, will be available on tap by the glass, quartino, and liter.  The remainder of the list will lean on Sangiovese from central Italy, Verdicchio from Le Marche, and whites and reds from Liguria. There’s even a section entitled “Vini Bianchi da Contemplazione” (white wines of contemplation) that will include offbeat gems.

The place is stocked with the prized natural resources of the region: prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and genuine balsamico— and of course pastas like tortellini, tortelloni, and lasagne alla Bolognese. Of course, you can’t omit the butter, cream, and eggs factor heavily, or pork that reflects its hearty fare so well.

Its rustic design is layered with salvaged materials and flea-market finds to evoke “an ancient truck stop,” a diner from 300 years ago.”

161 Seventh Ave. 11215
Cross Streets: 1st St. & Garfield Pl.
718-840-5885

Hours: Sun-Thur 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am

Stop in if you want to grab a glass of wine and have a snack or two – while enjoying the warm vibe and deep jazz cuts in the background. A backlit, translucent wine rack flanks the long marble bar.

The wine selection is wide if not exhaustive and a little generic – listing carafes of mid-range $$ reds and whites, along with treats like rich chocolate dessert wines. Prices are reflective of the mood, laid back and sometimes generous.

The menu features an interesting foray into fusion tapas of Italy and Japan. Tried and true dishes of prosciutto, olive, and cheese plates compete with a sushi bar. Additional offerings include grilled squid, octopus, and Angus-beef sliders.

A little angular in it’s staff and approach, but as one person said: “It’s a great little wine bar that will hopefully age like fine wine.”

Spanish

429 Amsterdam Ave. 10024

Cross Streets: 80th & 81st

917-388-3500

Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun: 10am-11pm

After spending 12 years in Spain (including a turn as the head chef of Madrid’s Michelin-starred Balzac) and a guest spot at Tia Pol, Chef Jennifer Cole opened her own Spanish-styled tapas joint; and serves it alongside Spanish and Latin American wines, various sangrias and cocktails.  She sets her scene amongst glowing orange columns, deep red drapes, a fleur de lis-embossed bar, and a cascading, handcrafted, wrought iron candelabra.

The wine selection, although small, is mostly of quality Spanish, Portuguese, and Chilean ports. The wine cocktails – such as pitchers of white/red/rose Cava Sangria are recommended – as well as their other Spanish inspired beers and mixed drink options.

The menu mixes local and Spanish ingredients: with cold plates of tapas including duck foie terrine drizzled with spiced red wine, marinated trout w/ sherried white bean salad, and oysters poached in Cava & topped w/ a bacon chip. And sizzling hot plates, like a rotating croquette of the day; squid & caramelized onion-stuffed piquillo peppers; or veal cheeks braised w/ dark chocolate. (Note: reports are they provide small portions, even by tapas standards, which can add up quickly on your tab… and the flavors are more muted than one would expect from a Catalan profile.)

With all of this sultry old-world vibe, you just might forget you are just next door to the new world/ frat-party haunts of the neighborhood… a welcome oasis for an UWS adult beverage, indeed.

39 Essex Street, 10002
Cross Streets: Hester & Grand St.
212-253 -7747

Hours: Sun-Wed 5pm-Midnight, Thu-Sat 5pm-2am

From the owner of Flowers café: who converted the old Flowers on Essex (which moved around the corner to Grand Street last year) into a cozy neighborhood bar and is meant to be a casual, fun place to hang out–nothing wild and crazy.

They serve a variety of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as about a half-dozen beer choices.  The owner, who also operates Flowers Cafe on the corner of Essex and Grand, plans to be behind the bar himself one night a week.  More to come on wine list, etc.

Food is “light fare,” as there isn’t space for a big kitchen. Think simple snacks—cheese, hummus or charcuterie platters—at an oak bar; those seeking a more filling repast can get sandwiches and salads delivered from the sister Flowers café.

The roughly 300-square-foot space (it seats about 18 and has space for a total of about 30 patrons) features a vintage cash register, historic photos of the Lower East Side, a large flat-screen television and a small raised platform in the rear of the bar that holds two tables but can also be cleared to function as a performance stage. They plan to book live music about once a week.

Sip wines while peering out the French windows that look out to the hustle and bustle on Essex Street. Stop by on a night when they host live jazz musicians in the back and get a feel for what this neighborhood must have felt like before all the hipster hordes made it into nightlife central.

9 Clinton Street 10002
Cross Streets: Houston & Stanton St.
646-863-7171

Hours: Mon-Thu Noon-11pm, Fri-Sat Noon-2am, Sun Noon-10pm

Another unique offering from the LES: a tiny, rustic wine bar with a secret. The front bar has a few stools where you can sip on wine (a small selection, but enjoyable enough) and enjoy treats like their egotistic “Grilled Cheese of Greatness” ($6). However, proceed through a second door in the rear, and you’ll instantly be inside a huge art gallery with picnic tables and a rotating cast of performing tattoo artists, hairdressers and hip-hop artists.

Drinking in the gallery is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Amidst heaving gallery shows and oddball events—think live tattoo parties—you and your favorite avant-garde denizens should score a picnic table and take it all in, along with your wine and Basque tapas (truffled goat cheese and caviar) or see if they have any bacon or popcorn cupcakes left!

More on the wine list to come!

And for more fun randomness go through a third door, or accessible from the street, is a full lifestyle electronics shop, stocked with micro-mini computer speakers, vintage calculator watches, indestructible headphones and a large stash of Polaroid film.

4842 Broadway 10034
Cross Streets: Academy & 204th St.
212-544-2326

Hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat/ Sun 11am-11pm

This is your standard small wine bar, very intimate, with a great staff.  Definitely worthwhile to go into on occasion for a drink.  Quite literally a hole in the wall, this place is actually a wine bar/restaurant that serves coffee and tea… but they do have a decent selection of wine. Glasses of wine run $8-10, or grab yourself a bottle for $24. Both go well with the complimentary dish of bread, olive oil, and olives.

Try their mussel bisque or …. word is their dessert, particularly the coconut flan, is ridiculously good.

Thai

407 Third Avenue 10016
Cross Streets: 28th & 29th St.
212-679-7772

Hours: Daily: 11:30am-Midnight

Reserve, a newly opened Thai-inspired tapas and wine bar, hopes to assist you with your spicy food and wine pairing abilities.  In fact, the owners’ (a brother/ sister team along with a wine connoisseur friend) aim is to help you easily pair anything from a robust cabernet sauvignon to a crisp chardonnay that complements the sweet, spicy, salty and sour flavors of Thai cuisine.  According to the website: “The wines at Reserve have been personally palate-picked to complement and, at times, challenge the complexities of Thai flavors. In fact, every bottle of wine, wedge of cheese and pour of beer – although produced in different pockets of the world – embody a Thai essence: the intermingling of notes, aromas, tastes.”

The wine list features 17 wines sold by glass and an international wine list including wines from Spain, Italy, France, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Australia, Oregon, Chile, Argentina. Those frustrated by low-end labels at other Thai spots will be happy to know that there isn’t a Pinot Grigio in sight. On the red side, there’s a Malbec from Argentina ($8 a glass) and an Italian Lacrima ($10). If you like white, try the Slovenian Tocai ($9). If you’re in the mood to do some more heavy-duty tippling, bottles range $28–$35.  They also have a good beer list featuring craft beers like Troegs and authentic Thai beers.

Reserve offers charcuterie and cheese platters in addition to its diverse Thai and tapas menus. The menu is filled with French, Italian and Spanish influences on the Thai dishes. A crab cake appetizer ($6) is served with a sweet, spicy vanilla sauce; a basil chicken empanada ($3.50) is paired with a cucumber salad. Panang curry beef ($6) and som thum salad ($5) are still on the menu as well as green-curry pizza topped with chicken, fontina, and salami (~$10) and smoked salmon deviled eggs with Thai spices ($4).

For the otherwise nutty Kips Bay places, Reserve seems to be a good place for a date or three/four friends to chat comfortably over wine/small plates while enjoying mellow music and flat-screen TV viewing.

Word is they have a WTF happy hour (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) from 4-8 p.m. – $5 wines by the glass and $6 cocktails.  Sunday and Monday (all day), they will take 30% off any bottle of wine and Tuesday 20% off. And to be confirmed, but also a current deal is a special 3-course tapas prix fixe dinner menu that comes with a glass of wine for only $19 (available every day).

Organic

570 Henry Street 11231
Cross Streets: Carroll & 1st Pl.
718-643-0361

Hours: tbd (word is they are only open 4 days a week)

This once restaurant, gone solely catering company has now opened as a wine bar; and because of its history you should expect that they know a thing or two about food and wine and the local vibe.  The 20-wine list focuses on organic and biodynamic labels that pair well with the small bites offered at the space.  A variety of “organic, biodynamic and energy efficient vineyards,” will be rotated, so look for featured wines like a sparkling red Lambrusco and local selections from Long Island.

For food, the snack menu includes some intriguing items, like “house made Asian spiced beef jerky” and “dehydrated ancho chile cashews” as well as other home-style nibbles like cheese plates and veggies that are grown in the garden out back.

With a neighborhood vibe, it should be a nice place to hang out while you’re waiting to get seated at Lucali Brick Oven down the block….

Flatiron Wine Bars

Italian

200 Fifth Ave. 10010
Cross Streets: 23rd St.
646-398-5100

Hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Eataly is just one part of a multilevel extravaganza of Italian food and wine from a collaboration among the food and wine heavyweight group of Joe Bastianich, Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich of Batali-Bastianich (B&B) Hospitality Group and Oscar Farinetti.

Wine Bar(s)

In the piazza—where one can belly up to one of two bars or standing tables for crudo, cheese, and salumi—the wine list offers a full page of around 50 wines available by both the bottle and glass, ranging from $6.80-$64.80/glass, with most falling in the high teens.  However, if the moment seizes you, you can order a glass of the Bastianich (B&B) standards Vespa Bianco and Vespa Rosso at a completely insane $25.80 and $28.80 per glass, respectively.

At the pasta and pizza hangout, you’ll find a list of mostly the same wines as the Piazza, but with an shortened by the glass list (24 ranging from $7.80-$38.80) and a longer by the bottle list. (Based on the way the wines are priced and poured, it makes financial sense to spring for a bottle if you’re more than one glass.)

Wine shop

The wine shop, located next to the 23rd Street entrance is 1500 square feet… a drop in the bucket of the full complex, which occupies nearly 50,000 square feet of space. The Eataly-wide wine program (including the buying for the shop) is headed up by former Otto Wine Director Dan Amatuzzi. Stocking approximately 1,000 bottles from various regions throughout Italy, they will feature, as one would expect, Bastianich wines; as well as selections from Fontanafredda, Antinori, Brandini, Ferrai, La Mozza and Monterossa as well as grappa by Montanaro.

Soon they will offer wine tastings and classes. They will even deliver free (w/ $70 purchase if within their specified 20 block radius – otherwise w/ $150 purchase within Manhattan).

The Eataly food and wine marketplace concept is modeled after a similar outpost in Turin, Italy and is an Italian food-lovers dream: with seven different boutique eateries, a wine shop, bakery and patisserie, plus a supermarket-sized Italian food and wine marketplace.  The marketplace also offers a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, handmade pastas, desserts, baked goods, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of housewares and books, Italian dried pastas, canned goods, sauces, olive oils and more. There’s also a culinary school for those who are desperate to learn how to perfect their own pasta dough or make fresh mozzarella at home. Batali and others will teach classes throughout the year.

Mediterranean

709 Eighth Ave. 10036
Cross Streets: 44th & 45th St.
212-582-2012

Hours: Daily Noon-2am

A much needed wine bar, replanted by way of the Upper East Side, gives commuters a nice glass before getting on the bus or train. Specializing in Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine – with its flagship location in Nice, France -L’ybane, looking for a more “livelier, happening neighborhood,” has now found another NYC home in Hell’s Kitchen, just north of the Port Authority. (The original UES space will become a French gourmet bakery called Marche de Sud – Fall 2010 with a rustic restaurant, garden and wine bar).

An international wine list includes more than 50 wines and Champagnes.  More info on wines to come.

It’s narrow space is inviting, and fits the bill if you’re looking for a pre-theater glass of wine and some Mediterranean tapas, cheese and charcuterie plates ($15) or a variety of meat skewers ($16).  Chef Al Rineh brings the Lebanese-accented bites he’s served in France for years giving you a tour through the Mediterranean with stops in Italy (spaghetti), Greece (moussaka), France (brochette), and the Middle East (tabouli, hummus, falafel.)

It’s a European wine bar and restaurant that seats 100, including 20 bar stools. There’s seating in the front and the spacious dining room in the back has a more intimate vibe with its soft red walls, exposed brick with rustic accents, vintage chandeliers and votive candles.

Astoria Wine Bars

International

Laguardia Airport, Delta Terminal  11369
Cross Streets: Ditmars Blvd
Hours: tbd

More to come…

“With 101 premium wines by the glass, customers can enjoy wine by the tasting, glass, flights and full-bottles. The wine list, curated by New York restaurateur and wine aficionado Chris Cannon, wine visionary behind Alto, Convivio, and Marea, features a wide range of wines from all over the globe.

The beer list, carefully selected by Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and author of The Brewmaster’s Table, features local favorites and hand-picked beers from around the world.

A menu of small bites, cheese and meats complements the seasonal varietal wine offerings, along with a full selection of beer, spirits, and illy coffee and espresso beverages. To enhance the experience, each bar seat has a touch screen where customers may learn more about the wine offerings and pairings and even place their order.”

Bordeaux

1355 2nd Ave. 10021
Cross Streets:  71st & 72nd
212-639-9463

Hours:  Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri/Sat 10am-10pm, Sun Noon-8pm

With an “extensive collection of 2009 Bordeaux Futures sourced directly from the Chateaux,” this boutique specialist intends to provide consumers with expertly selected fine wines, authoritative content, and a seamless shopping experience by bringing some of the world’s greatest wines to wine lovers.  Their USA store portfolio was designed to match the tastes of American wine drinkers.

They have regular, quality, in-store tastings on Saturdays, 1 to 4 pm. Past themes include 2000 Bordeaux, 2001 Italian Reds, Spanish Reds from Leading Estates, Pinot Noir from Burgundy, California and Oregon, and many others.  Call ahead for the schedule.

Organic

1522 First Ave. 10075
Cross Streets:  79th & 80th St.
212-249-5009

Hours: Daily 5pm-Midnight

Opened in the Fall of 2010, from the owners behind Blossom (and sharing its chef), comes a fully vegan, organic wine bar.  Highlighting both local and international wines, most of which will be organic, and also include kosher selections.  There are interesting offerings by the bottle or glass, including a crisp Gruner Veltliner from Austria, a rustic Cotes du Rhone, and even a French sparking. (Updates to come on wine selection.)

The bistro will feature a tapas selection that will include skewers, empanadas, bruschetta, vegan cashew cheeses to pair with the wines.  Plan to see other intriguing sans meat food dishes such as vegan “seafood” risotto made with seaweed, Shephard’s Pie and lobster mushrooms to go with your wine options of the evening.

1250 Amsterdam Ave. 10079
Cross Streets: 121st St & Morningside Dr.
212-222-0388

Hours: TBD

Family owned wine store that the Columbia area locals say is nice to have the convenience of having a lovely place like that in the neighborhood. The selection is good, and especially for the area it’s not overpriced.  It is not a pretentious shop and they are doing a nice job education customers through free tastings.

Run by a father and his son and daughters, one can tell the passion of the elder when it comes to wine.  Patrons find his descriptions are explained things in layman’s language and report he’ll respond in kind to a request for a reasonably priced wine and will present several selections. An honest and refreshing owner.  While the selection isn’t overwhelmingly large, they constantly change what they have, so new wines are coming in all the time.

French/ Belgium

38 W 39th Street 10018
Cross Streets: 5th & 6th Ave.
212-997-3910

Hours: Mon-Fr: 11am-10pm, Sat 4pm-10pm

La Barrique is a cozy, chic French/Belgium Wine Bar that is seemingly currently flying under the radar (Fall 2010) in the heart of Midtown, steps away from Bryant Park.

With a motto of: Wine-making is an art, an expression of the wine-maker as the artwork is an extension of the artist himself… they also host wine tastings and meet the artist events.

Live Jazz: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5pm-7pm – $2 off glass of wine/ 20% off bottles

We are still gathering information on this spot. Check back for more information.

Mediterranean/ Natural

161 Lexington Avenue, 10016
Cross Streets: 30th & 31st St.
212-686-1352

Hours: Mon-Fri 4 pm-1am, Sat-Sun 4pm- 2am

We have a few organic/natural wine bars around town, but is Lallisse the first wine bar dedicated to only Mediterranean natural wines?  Quite possibly.

The same consulting sommelier who selected the sustainable wines at the Tangled Vine, Evan Spingarn, is responsible for this list, too.  Which means this wine bar will have an 85-90 percent sustainable/ organic/ biodynamic list consisting of artisan wines produced by old and historic estates of the Mediterranean run by small organic producers… 100 small-production, hand-made wines: 40 selections of which will be available by the glass.

Mediterranean climates bring so much variety to the table. Think of the smells and the variations of temperatures (due to the wind from the water vs the land) and the variety of soils – all which add to the characteristics of the grape… and inevitably the wine.  And, now think about wines from the exotic lands of the Mediterranean that have no with no pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers, and fermented using native yeasts (as opposed to laboratory ones).  Now, who doesn’t want to try a sexy, bare-skinned wine?

And, because the true focus is Mediterranean based wines, look for the section of the list called Fertile Crescent, consisting of “conscientious selections from Greece, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey.  However, as an extra bonus is they’ll have a “fall focus on the historic 2009 vintage in Beaujolais.”

Look for simple, soulful, sustainable Mediterranean foods to pair with your drink.

*Organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines characteristics: no herbicides, no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, no enzymes, oak chips, reverse osmosis, or other bizarre tricks of modern wine making, native yeasts rather than laboratory ones, old barrels more than new ones, old vines more than young ones.

Greenpoint Wine Shops

504 Meeker Ave. 11222
Cross Streets: Humboldt St.
718-389-3533

Hours: Mon-Thu Noon-9PM, Fri Noon-10PM, Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun Noon–8PM


A nice family owned and operated discount shop serving all five New York City boroughs since 1995.

Their wine list exceeds 900 labels and growing. A nice twist to this seemingly good staple seems to be that their extensive selection is complemented by every-day moderately priced wines.

Red Hook Wine Shops

Urban Winery

177 Dwight St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
347-689-2432

Cross Streets: Van Dyke

Hours: n/a

The Grapes are from North Fork Long Island, the winery is in Red Hook, Brooklyn and the winemakers include Abe Schoener of the Scholium Project and Robert Foley, two all star California winemakers. We’re hearing great things about their wines, which are currently available at several wine stores, and restaurants around town.

The grapes are specifically at the vineyards of Macari, Jamesport, and Ackerly Pond. Some of the available varietals include five whites (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Riesling) and three reds (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon).

FYI, the wine is not at all what you would expect. It’s totally different. The unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc has a beautiful deep gold color of a wine that is older than it’s vintage.

Have you tasted any of the Red Hook Wines yet? If so, leave us a comment and let us know what you thought!

60 Henry St. 11201
Cross Streets: Cranberry St.

Hours: tbd

Summer 2010

Brooklyn Heights is getting a new wine shop. As the Brooklyn Heights Blog noted, a liquor application has popped up in the window of 60 Henry Street under the applicant name of Dumbo Wines.

French

136 Dekalb Avenue.  11217
Cross Streets: South Portland & South Elliott

Hours: Daily 1pm-Midnight

Mauzac is a name of a little known white grape from the south of France that makes crisp still whites; yet is more often used as a blend to make mildly sweet and sparkling white blended wines.

True to its name, this spot, located next to Carol’s Daughter, will offer a bubbly made with Mauzac grapes, as well as features over 30 other varieties from both local vineyards and global – all chosen mainly by the owner (Sali Shibilo, a ten-year managing veteran of Penang in Soho), who says she drinks enough of it to know what she likes. Also on the menu are platters ($7 to $12) of charcuterie, cheeses from Bedford Cheese Shop, and an assortment of tapas style pizzas ($5). The 25-seat space has exposed brick walls, an intimate nook, and a warm copper-coated bar.

The new buzz creates a nice glow of activity to the street life of this otherwise desolate this stretch right along Fort Greene Park at night. If Mauzac grapes produce a lighthearted wine to the core…. with flavors of nuts, white fruit, liquid applesauce it’s refreshing but not so serious…. it will be interesting to see what Mauzac the store will bring to the neighborhood.

Urban Winery

213 North 8th Street. 11211
Cross Streets: Driggs Ave & Roebling St.
347-763-1506

Hours: tbd

A true winery in Williamsburg that features a wine bar and a venue to host events… yes, winemaking is the real draw. A DIY urban winemaking facility. But, there’s also a wine bar.

The wine bar sports an affordable collection of 25 worldly wines available by the half pour (3oz.), full pour (6oz.), and by the bottle. The wines range from $7 – $16.50 for the full pour and over the next year the offerings will expand to include Brooklyn Winery’s proprietary labels.
Drink: Monestero Suore Cistercensi, Coenobium, 2008 $7.50/$15.00; R. Lopez de Heredia, Vina Cubillo, Crianza 2004 $8.25/$16.50.

In its first season, the winery expects to churn out 100 barrels of wine with grapes coming mostly from Sonoma, Calif., and also from vineyards in the North Fork of Long Island and the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York.  [Winemaker Conor McCormack (previously at CrushPad in SF) is leading the charge and after making the move from San Francisco to NYC, is keeping busy readying equipment as well as continued development of vineyard relationships.]

As the name suggests, this urban winery also allows aspiring winemakers to try their hand at winemaking. NYC area customers (and beyond) can take part in the entire eight- to 24-month-long process – starting with crushing and fermenting the grapes all the way to hand bottling the wine. These urban winemakers will be able customize the blend of their wine and design their own labels. A few different wine making package options are available.

In the end, the goal is to provide a unique, entertaining, and educational winemaking experience in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a vinophile with an experienced palate or you’re completely new to wine, this will provide you with a fun and friendly venue to enjoy the beauty and complexities of wine.

Brooklyn Winery is among several urban wineries that have opened up around the country in recent years, including City Winery in Manhattan, which also offers the chance to make wine; and Red Hook Winery which are making some very interesting wines from New York State grapes. (Word is, Brooklyn Winery hopes to stand out by offering relatively cheaper winemaking packages.)

International

Limelight Marketplace
656 Avenue of the Americas., 10011
Cross Streets: 20th & 21st St.
212-226-7585

Hours: Marketplace open: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm

Traces of the former Episcopal church’s more recent life as a notorious nightclub have mostly been stripped away and now packs in some 60 retail shops, configured as 100-sq.-ft. ‘berths.’  It’s a lofty, mazelike space with an upscale flea market feel.

Of the eclectic mix of tenants is CANA Wine Bar, an Italian wine bar operated by the folks behind Tracks Raw Bar and Grill in Penn Station.  Perched up on the 3rd floor is Cana Wine Bar, where over 20 wines are available by the glass.

The menu is both pretty substantial and relatively reasonably priced.  They have a small plates menu – such as cured meats and cheeses, caramelized onion and grilled artichoke bruschetta, salads, panini and  seared crab cakes - are available to complement the wines.

The vantage point of the wine bar also allows the best appreciation of the architecture of the former church. It’s not exactly your cozy, intimate, candlelit neighborhood wine bar, but it’s actually a really nice place to grab a drink; albeit in a frenetic, blindingly white, and techno-pumping atmosphere. At the very least, it’ll give you some liquid courage to tackle the rest of the marketplace.

(Perhaps the Biblical name is a nod to the space’s history as a church?  Cana is the town in Galilee, north of Nazareth, where Jesus performed his first miracle by changing water into wine.). Perched on the upper level, the open eatery/ gastropub overlooks two levels below so you can spy on shoppers while sipping a glass of vino or wine and beer-based cocktails like bellinis and the Red Priest (prosecco and pomegranate juice).

Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable

34 8th Ave.  10014
Cross Streets: W 12th & Jane St.
212-518-2722

Hours: 5:30pm-2am

The owners of the perpetually mobbed dell’anima opened this 50-seat wine bar a few doors down. Though narrow, it’s sleek and warm with a cool marble bar balanced by some inviting leather banquettes.

The focus is on “outside of the box,” mostly Old World selections of biodynamic and organic wines produced from all regions organized by producer. The 28 wines by the glass rotate frequently and are priced between $9-25.
 From a Muscadet de Sevre et Maine to a Rosado Rioja to terroir-driven wines from the slopes of Mt. Etna and the Canary Islands. One really nice touch is they offer a few wines from the same producer, giving his customers the chance to understand a single producer’s style better. But if you are looking for your go-to Shiraz, take note: this may be a wine list with barely anything you recognize.

(They also include 7 anfora-aged wines — the terra cotta vessels that Greek and Roman wine makers used to house wine. Not to mention select whiskeys, grappas, sparklings, wine based cocktails, like the prosecco-based No Deiss (w/ Riesling reduction and Ramazzotti bitters), and local beers… to add some variety.)

For nibbles, they keep to the group’s mediterranean influence with a small menu of wine friendly bites like the spicy chorizo and avacado crostini, panini, assorted cheeses (served with honey, grainy mustard, and a sweet-spicy mostarda with raisins), meats from local sausager Salumeria Biellese (sliced at the bar), house-cured olives, and even lamb ragu sliders — oh and a chocolate, caramel, and pecan tart.

This is definitely the place if you are an explorer… if you’re willing to get a little funky, if you like your cheeses smelly, your chocolate salty, and your palate stretched beyond simplicity.

It’s been know that some patrons have ended up skipping out on their booking at the restaurant and stayed on for another bottle…. or two. But lovers beware, the noise is a little loud for any sort of romance to be taking place… unless you like it that way….

In the winter, don’t miss their Monday night Raclette night where they serve the traditional heated cheese with bread and pickled goodies. Pair it with a few of their Swiss wine choices including, the national favorite Fendant (aka Chasselas) or a Petite Arvine.

Also, they host a winemaker spotlight every Tuesday night; where they highlight one of the winemakers on the list and pour all of their wines in house at $10/glass.

Art, Coffee & Wine

315 4th Ave.  11215
Cross Streets: 3rd & 4th St.
718-832-4870

Hours: tbd

Art Gallery. Wine Bar. Coffee Shop. Hang out.  Arguably one in the same.  We’ve listed this because of its state of uniqueness.  If you are nearby, pop in and see what you think.

The small bar in Zora Space is a place for artists to come together. They host talks and exhibits: and sell wine. They’ve also got caffeine to keep chats going long after the show ends and snacks if art consumption leaves you hungry. You don’t have to be an artsy type to enjoy the sleek, minimalist design of the bar. Sit and sip at the open window in the front or on the cozy couch in the back or in the backyard patio.

Kosher

600 Columbus Avenue 10024
Cross Streets: 89th St.
201-621-3603

Hours: Sun-Wed 5pm-8pm & 10pm-1:30am, Thurs 5pm-8pm & 10pm-2am, Fri 11pm-2am, Sat 10pm-3am

Did you know there is a budding, growing Kosher wine scene?  Well, the team behind The Cellar (as well as the team behind Basil Pizza and Wine in Brooklyn) does and wants to share – and dispel your assumptions that all Kosher wines taste like they were made from grape jelly. In fact, it seems as if the market for Kosher wine has never been so extensive, nor the options so exciting: sourcing from France to South Africa, Israel to Australia, Argentina to California.

The first Kosher wine bar in Manhattan, The Cellar actually is nestled within the home of Darna, a Kosher Moroccan restaurant.  They will feature the finest Kosher wines, along with a list of exotic beers, original cocktails, and tasty Moroccan bites.  “We wanted to create an environment wherein people could connect over the exploration of kosher wine and craft beer.”

Currently, kosher consumers can either go to a Kosher restaurant to eat and drink, or to a bar, lounge, or club and not eat or drink the wine.  It’s frustrating not to have a cool, alternative hangout that the dietary restrictions.  Now there is.

The Cellar doors are open Sunday-Thursday for happy hour and reopens again at 10 pm.

117 Perry St. 10014
Cross Streets: Greenwich & Hudson St.
212-242-4233

Hours: tbd

With a slew of wine bars opening around town, one wonders if a new Italian spot in the West Village will get any footing.  Modeled after Venetian cicchetti (aka small plates) bars, this wine bar offers a unique spin on it’s wine list: only wines from the globe’s leading female winemakers.  Seems likely that enough dabblers and oenophiles would stop in to taste these wines and see if a female only wine list produces more sumptuous reds, more playful rosés, and more racy and energetic whites.

Urban Daddy says it “is a prime opportunity for you to say, ‘You know, I know this little place where the wine flows like women,’ and have it mean something more literal than it usually does.”

(Interestingly, the majority of the drink list – found on the walls which are lined with large chalkboards  - is filled with pre-prohibition-style cocktails (24 or them), along with their creation date (who knew that a Pimm’s Cup was so old?).  The short yet snappy wine list of 16 seems to be an after thought….)

Good to know: The wine prices seem affordable – a $6 Washington Riesling – however the size of the glassware is significantly smaller than expected… one consumer commented “it’s more like a shot glass; no wonder the wine was so affordable!”

This landmark-status space seats only about 35 people – with 12 stools at the bar, 5 window seats, a narrow, long table that seats up to 14 and a few 2-tops. The décor makes the space feel more open, making the use of white trimmed large windows and crafting the bar out of white-tiles (instead of the usual dark stained wood style).  Wine is served in four-ounce shot glasses ($5 to $8), which means pours average just three ounces, an unsatisfying serving if you’re drinking rather than tasting.

Friuli-born owner/chef Roberto Passon visualizes it to be “cozy, with organic and biodynamic wines, meats and cheese and small plates from the electric kitchen “because gas is not allowed.”  Plates such as mini-meatballs w/ oven roasted tomatoes, or grilled eggplant stuffed w/ goat cheese, or cheeses and charcuterie or pickled artichokes.

Peruvian

65 Second Ave. 10009
Cross Streets: 3rd & 4th St.
212-777-6965

Hours: Tue-Thu/ Sun 6pm-Midnight Fri/Sat 6pm-1am

Representing the viticulture of Peru is Bar Paya, brought to you by the owners of its next door neighbor, the aptly-named Winebar.  Bar Paya is a modern space, though a little muted: a square bar sits in the center of the room, with outdoor tables and low, lounge-style seating near the front. In the back, several rows of high top tables emphasize small plates and drinks over a full dining experience.

The wine list has selections from a number of less commonly seen countries such as Tunisia and Greece, as well as much of South America, though none from Peru: but they do have a short beer selection including a pair of Peruvian lagers. The wines by the glass included several well priced options including a dry Cinsault-Syrah rosato from Lebanon ($9) and an aromatic Tocai from Argentina ($10).

The menu of small plates is divided into multiple categories, from tiradito to ceviche to paya, a kind of flatbread. The food itself is more of a modern take on Peruvian flavors, with a smattering of authentic ingredients. The wine list is paired with the bar’s namesake payas, a flatbread made from corn and potato (all the food offerings range from $6-$18). (Also, if you want an authentic cocktail to sip on, try one of their Pisco cocktails.)

Balkan… Greek, Turkish

691 Ninth Ave. 10019
Cross Streets: 47th & 48th St.
212-974-0300

Hours: 11am–Midnight daily

From the owners of Kashkaval…. and following the same set up: a wine bar with a retail store. Or is it a retail store with a wine bar?  Neighborhood locals will know of this unique set up that has a cheese and gourmet foods market in the front and an intimate wine and tapas bar in the back.  It may, too, become one of those hidden gems that will impress. With lively menu descriptions, well priced (and thought out) wines and tasty dishes.

The wine list covers many Balkan treasures, such as an Angora Cinsault de Thrace, a dry, smoky red priced at $7 a glass, $24 a bottle (all wines are available by the glass.)

Pando, the owner, has assembled a menu that leaves no Balkan region to the imagination. A combination of Greek, Slovenian, and Turkish influence, the menu includes lighter options like cheese/ meat platters, meze spreads, kebabs; to heavier options of assorted casseroles: such as the burek, a heartier rendition of the spinach pie, which can also be filled with beef, lamb, mushroom or cheeese, served in a flaky phyllo dough or Beef Guvech – beef stirred in a clay pot with sherry wine and your choice of vegetables. Soups are offered for the winter months, including Lentil with Shallots and Pasta Fagioli. Don’t miss out on the baklava, cream puffs and savory pastries, though.

Up front is a market neatly displaying fresh produce, burlap bags of coffee beans and oversize jars of spices, dried fruit, marinating fruit and vegetables and clay pots lining the shelves. The abundance of cooking pots on shelves in the back dining room evokes a Balkan kitchen.

There is a much bigger seating area in the back and a few interesting items not sold at their sister spot (e.g. pickled apples, pickled red cabbage in big glass jars).

1555 Lexington Ave. 10029
Cross Streets: 99th & 100th St.
646-370-4100

Hours: Mon-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun Noon-8pm

New wine shop: an eclectic space that feels like a record store of days gone by, run by two guys who have a shared enthusiasm for blending wine and music.

This upper Upper East Side stretch of land has limited options for sourcing out a quality wine selection from a knowledgeable staff → so enters Vinyl Wine: helping to fill the void.  They are heavy on the design aesthetic (check out the speaker lined cash register and wooden bins and plastic crates that line the walls of this narrow store) but it’s not filled not with records,  yet with organic and natural wines made by small, relatively unknown producers. The varied selection showcases over 100 hand-picked value, “rocking,” artisanal wines.

Prices are affordable, most bottles are between $10-$20.  Wines are labeled with humorous tasting notes and tips, like Good, but inexpensive pinot noir is harder to come by than a decent song from Nickleback.

You’ll be greeted with a friendly smile, great price points and a sizeable selection. A fun place to go that may open your eyes to new wine discoveries – while going easy on your wallet.  Also worth the mention is a point-reward system for frequent shoppers and a 5% discount on 6 bottles and 15% on cases.

620 5th Ave. 11215
Cross Streets: 17th St & 18th St.
718-768-1521

Hours: Mon 1pm-10pm, Tue-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun Noon-6pm

A nice boutique wine store run by a husband and wife team who are generous with their time and attention.  Friendly, attentive, with good character, a warm sense of community and excellent knowledge of wine.  A neighborhood staple with moderately priced wines (some slightly above average prices), balanced by the customer service and well-informed advice.

They have wine tastings on Saturday afternoons, a discount card (your 13th bottle is 99cents!) and will also chill your white wines for you while you wait.

216 Prospect Park West. 11215
Cross Streets: Windsor Pl & 16th St.
718-768-2291

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun Noon-9pm

A nice boutique wine store that has a nice range of wines and prices. Friendly staff helpful and can explain the finer details of whatever you may be seeking.  They have tastings every Friday 6pm – 8pm.  And, offer discounts at 12 bottles of wine (including bubbly) of 15% off.

Italian

132 First Ave. 10009
Cross Streets: 7th St & St. Marks Pl.
212.473-7200

Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-2am, Fri 8am-4am, Sat 10am-4am, Sun 10am-2am

The younger sister of Soho’s small wine bar, VBar, is a larger East Village location that allows for a bit more room to maneuver. The owners gut-renovated the former Tribe space, and the exposed brick, classic wood bar and cement floor achieves that lived-in but trendy vibe.

Choose your libation: a glass from the Italian-heavy list of wines, a beer from the extensive draft and bottle selection or something from the diverse menu of Italian-inflected cocktails, like a Negroni; then grab a seat in the front lounge area, dotted with benches and upholstered parlor chairs.

Happy hour: weekdays 4-7pm 2 for 1 per person

Spanish

253 Smith Street. 11231
Cross Streets: Douglass & DeGraw St.
718-963-0369

Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-7p

La Casita, the yarn shop in the Boerum Hill space – which once housed bistro Patois – has a tiny wine bar in back.

The shop, whose name means ‘little house’ in Spanish, wants you to feel right at home while you try your hand at knitting. They focus on Spanish wines, pouring a red, white, and rose for $7 to $8 a glass. Or you can check out their beers, which include Chimay, Brooklyn Chocolate Stout and Avery White Rascal for $5 to $9, a bottle. The shop even offers a free beverage with any one of their popular lessons.

To keep you stable, they sell empanadas from Manhattan’s Empanada Mama for $3 a pop.  And, quiche and cheesecake are also available.

So, if you’re reluctant to pick up the needles, don’t hesitate to try some liquid courage.  Though I do wonder if somebody is going to get a pretty funny looking sweater.  I’m just sayin…..

International

43 Bogart St. 11206
Cross Streets: Moore & Grattan St.
718-894-9463

Hours: Mon-Thu 2pm-11pm, Fri-Sat Noon-Midnight, Sun 2pm-9pm

Big Tree Bottles — named for the large tree growing almost out of the foundation of the building — will stock wine from all over the world without favoring any particular region. Though they will highlight a few local and naturally fermented wines (those fermented only with the yeasts present on the skins of the grapes at the time of crushing).  Most bottles will be under $20, and there is a value section around $10 or so.

The owners are young and enthusiastic, love what they do, and when possible, let you taste the wine. They are plugged into the vibe of the neighborhood. In fact, one of the owners owned the wood shop was across the street, and when they started converting this warehouse into storefronts, he thought, someone smart could really do well with a wine shop there…. Btw, all the shelves are made from the reclaimed beams.

Spanish/ European

24 St. Nicholas Ave. 11237
Cross Streets: Troutman & Starr St.
646-924-8488

Hours: Tue-Sun, 5pm-1am

The Bodega, as in “wine cellar,” is a Spanish-inspired wine bar where people in Bushwick can simply hang out and have a glass of wine.  They feature wines from Spain, where the owners lived for many years; as well as France, Italy, Argentinean, Chilean, and Portuguese wines.  Upstate and Long Island wines will be rotated in as well. (Explanations on the menu of what flavor notes to expect is a nice touch for both wine enthusiasts and neophytes alike.)

The price point is nice with house wines starting at $5 and go up reasonably, with not many of the glasses exceeding $10. Good selection available by glass and bottle.

Not to be left out, beer will play just as important a role; serving small batch brews imported from Belgium.

The Bodega’s menu is designed to pair well with both the wine and beer list. It features small plates for nibbling: charcuterie, like spicy thin-sliced soppressata; crostini with ricotta or cheese and beets; and cheeses, like “barely buzzed Cheddar,” rubbed with espresso and lavendar.

Brooklyn Bridge Park. 11211
Cross Streets: Old Fulton & Furman St.
718-782-7171

Hours: TBD

Want concessions at Brooklyn Brige Park that cater to everyone? Well, one of the biggest questions would be, ‘Where can I drink publicly in the park?’

Lucky us, Brooklyn Bridge Park has an outdoor wine bar and plaza… an elevated wine bar for skyline-side sippin’. Of course, it would be cordoned off so that drinking only takes place in one spot. That spot is a plaza is an area at the foot of Old Fulton Street that is bordered by trees, the waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge.  Located on Pier 1, the spot makes cross-borough bar hopping a reality. Start at the Seaport’s Water Taxi beach, walk over the bridge, and head here.

Brooklyn Bridge Wine Bar (brought to you by the folks behind the Frying Pan) will anchor a small plaza and be the only place in the park to get a legal drink. The wine bar will serve small plates, beer, and wine. More to come on the wine list.

With Brooklyn’s burgeoning beer scene, it would be a sin to drink anything imported while you take in the vistas of the Manhattan skyline and the bridge, so they offer only beers brewed in the borough.

They also have a small selection of snacks, cheese platters and sandwiches if you want to nibble as you soak up the sun (and the booze).

“But it’s not going to be another River Café,” officials say. “That’s not the price range we’re looking for.” Word is: as the park expands, expect more alcohol serving concessions to pop-up.

New World

263 North 6th Street. 11211
Cross Streets: Havemeyer St.
718-782-7171

Hours: Sun/Tue-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am

Taking over the old N.6 spot, with most of the easygoing bistro décor was kept intact, Pinkerton (do you get the Weezer reference?) is serving up New World wines by the glass and a small plate menu.

They are pouring about a dozen wines by the glass, along with a reserve list (as well as a half-dozen local and West Coast microbrews), all at affordable prices ($7-$14 for wine, $3-$8 for beer).  The owner wanted to focus on “interesting, fun, good wines that are affordable,” with a slant toward Washington, Oregon, California, and Australia: New World wines that are kind of bigger and fruitier.

To pair, they have added simple small plates like cheese spreads, olives, and panini to the mix, and eventually want to make use of the full kitchen.

It’s off the beaten path so if you are looking for a mini-escape of the chaotic Bedford Ave. this might the place for you. You may encounter a crowd of writers, since the owner is a journalist who decided to open the spot.  They may be discussing the tomes of the day at the cushy orange bar stools, or debate the merits of this week’s New Yorker at one of the outdoor tables. With an alt-rock inspired name, the discussions will no doubt trend to the stuff of the glory days.

European

10 Stuyvesant Street. 10003
Cross Streets: 9th St.
212-598-0454

Hours: Noon- Midnight

Housed in a trendy block in East Village, this European tapas and wine bar hints at the interiors of the barrel itself…. it actually looks like the inside of a barrel, lots of steel and wood was used in creating the chic yet rustic atmosphere.

The lean wine list is decidedly European with a few Californian and even Virginia(!) thrown in for good measure.  Prices are average for this part of town.

They serve moderately priced contemporary interpretations of Spanish, Italian, French of Mediterranean small plate cuisines.

All day European Tapas; and Happy Hour 5-7 — as well as 11pm til closed…

1650 3rd Ave.. 10128
Cross Streets: 92nd & 93rd St.
212-828-9300

Hours: Open until Midnight

New wine shop with a small space.  Tough to follow their organization, but once you get your bearings, the wines range from the classic to the esoteric, high-end to affordable all a nice value.

If they have a tasting, as they do from time to time, check them out and you may discover something new you like.