Sometimes it’s necessary that a girl kicks her heels off after a long day of drudgery to indulge in a glass of fine wine in a sweet spot that evokes lazy late afternoons in Bordeaux. So it was downright imperative that a bunch of us stressed-out gals meet for some crisp whites and some spicy reds at winebar, a new hotspot in the East Village. The built in walls are lined with pristine bottles, and the cavernous atmosphere, replete with candles and comfortable seating, renders this a must-visit spot.

Consider White Zinfandels and merlots a thing of the past, and sample the vast selection of premium vintages and affordable wines ($8-$14 range, although many are priced around $8) along with tasty finger foods. Whites and red hail from the, yawn, usual suspects: Italy, France, Spain, but how surprising to find Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, obscure regions in western, as well as eastern Europe. I tried a crisp Sav Blanc from Greece and a Vina Sastre from Spain and found the white smooth with a hint of apple flavor and the red pretty spicy.

winebar’s staff is exceptionally attuned to the latest trends in wine, and they’re quite eager to offer information on vintages, a particular grape’s season, and they’ll recommend up a new flavor if you’ve grown tired of the same old Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Fab for wine snobs but not intimidating for those that don’t have discriminating palates, winebar is a sleek, chic stop before you board the subway home.

winebar
65 2nd Ave,
New York City
Btwn 3rd & 4th St
212-777-1608
Subway: F/V to Second Avenue

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