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A Guide to the Best Wine Bars in NYC

There are a million ways to blow off steam in this city, and a lot of them require fighting through a mob to get a bartender’s attention and winding up with a weak, expensive drink. One alternative is to seek out a mellower space where you can split a bottle of wine, chat with friends, and actually hear what they have to say. Here are the ten best wine bars in New York, for those looking for sommelier-selected wine lists and intimate, beautifully decorated spaces, without any of the uppity vibes you might expect from wine enthusiasts.

Terroir

This wine list—the actual words on the page—demands you have a glass or two at Terroir in Tribeca. The spunky copy on pages printed like flyers in the 90s doesn’t quite belie the credibility and ingenuity of their wine selections. One line, for example, reads, “Syrah: the Kanye West of grapes… damn crazy AND the best of class.” If you’re smart, you’ll let the bartender curate a flight of wines for you so you can sample a few of these delectable selections. Terroir also has a location on the High Line at 15th Street. Tribeca: 24 Harrison St., 212-625-9463, wineisterroir.com

Casellula

Casellula

At Casellula, they know wine and cheese. Their well-curated wine list features a variety of wines from around the world and plenty of fine cheeses to pair with them. Come before dinner or after a show for a refined treat in Hell’s Kitchen. 401 W. 52nd St., 212-247-8137, casellulahk.com

The Ten Bells

The Ten Bells

This intimate spot on the Lower East Side will bowl you over with its unique and fabulous wines. The bartenders are educated and a big help if you’re lost in the long list of choices, which are made with either organic or biodynamic grapes. The tapas menu isn’t too shabby either, with savory meatballs and croquettes as popular favorites. Come from 3-7pm for happy hour, where you can have a carafe of wine for $15 and dollar oysters. 247 Broome St., 212-228-4450, tenbellsnyc.com

The Four Horsemen

Owned by former LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy, The Four Horsemen has serious credibility with its hip vibe and delicious wine menu. Try an Italian orange wine and the softest bread with cultured butter, and take a gander at the Brooklyn types who fill this excellent Williamsburg hangout. 295 Grand St., 718-599-4900, fourhorsemenbk.com

Aldo Sohm 

At Aldo Sohm, you may feel like you’ve stumbled into a Pedro Almodovar movie. The art adds plenty of bright color to the room, and the place is bustling with energy after 6 p.m., while the many glass hanging lights and large tan sectional sofa tell you to expect some luxury out of your experience. And expect it you should. This is another stellar and off-the-beaten-path wine list (try the unoaked Colombe Malbec) with exquisite food on the menu as well. Favorites include the chef’s selection of cheeses to pair with your glass and truffle pasta w/ grated yak cheese. 151 W. 51st St., 212-554-1143, aldosohmwinebar.com

Bibi

Bibi

Bibi is the tiny neighborhood place to lay your hat after a long day. With a generously late happy hour till 8 p.m., you can enjoy a glass for only $8 or a bottle for $22. Mondays are flight nights, where you can sample 3 half-glasses for $12. If you’re looking for a scrumptious red, go with the 2014 Bordeaux. 211 E. 4th St., 212-673-2424, bibiwinebar.com

Corkbuzz

Corkbuzz is the perfect stop if you’re near Chelsea Market. Its knowledgeable staff and chic, cozy atmosphere create the perfect place for a conversation over a glass of wine. If you’re looking for a summery rosé, try the Cinsault Blend. An impressive red is the Grenache blend. For snacks to pair with your drink, Corkbuzz serves eclairs, popcorn, and unbeatable spicy brussels sprouts. 75 Ninth Ave., 646- 237-4847, chelsea.corkbuzz.com

Wildair

When it first opened, Wildair made a big splash for its food, like Little gem lettuce with chili and pistachio, beef tartare with cheddar and Brazil nuts, and Spicy Tuna Toast with tomato. Its wines have also caught the attention of city vinophiles. Wildair’s wine list specializes in pét-nat wines, which are naturally sparkling (think Champagne with a fresher finish). Their rotating wine list is not quite as long as others, but it’s expertly curated and sure to wow your palate. 142 Orchard St., 646-964-5624, wildair.nyc

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

Compagnie des Vin Surnaturels

Near the Soho shopping on Broadway is this hip-yet-elegant bar with a big heart for wine. Enjoy a Riesling or Languedoc or let one of the sommeliers direct you to something new. Order the Mystery Wine of the evening, and if you guess what kind it is you’ll get the whole bottle for free! The food is also worth a try, with chicken liver mousse, burrata, and braised octopus as standouts. Make a reservation, as it tends to get crowded, and be sure to check out the marbled wallpaper straight out of an antique book. 249 Centre St., 212-343-3660, compagnienyc.com

June

Even if June served bland food and wimpy wine, we’d still want to hang out there for its gorgeous Art Nouveau-inspired atmosphere. Luckily, the place looks good while delivering excellent plates and wines from the kitchen and behind the bar. At brunch, try the savory bread pudding topped with eggs and bacon or the roasted half chicken with mushrooms for dinner. As far as wine goes, their Italian orange varieties are perfect for the curious, while the Boaz Carignan makes a solid choice for reds. Come for a $7 glass at happy hour, and you’ll be glad you trekked to Brooklyn for this. 231 Court St., 917-909-0434, junebk.com

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About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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