Decisions, Decisions: Favorite Wine Bars

My Favorite Wine Bars!

Photo Source: 

http://www.janesgourmetdeli.com/Restaurant/TheWineWall.aspx

Dear Enthusiasts! I am shocked to learn that I have not yet shouted out my favorite wine bars! We have covered my favorite places to grab

drinks in NYC

and we have considered what to consider when

choosing a wine bar

for your evening - but - now I will give you all my insider tips!

New York.

  Let's start with the greatest city in the world. NYC! There are so many options here, frankly too many. Below are my top 5 favorites, places that I could go to night after night and always have a good time. I am

sure

 there are tons that I missed, if so, just shout out your favorite place in the comments section.

1. Amelie (Greenwich Village).  

I have probably shouted out this wine bar multiple times. But this place deserves it! The ambiance is great - sleek and modern, yet cozy. But what's even better is the food and drink. All the snacks are delicious, but the wine list is extensive. Added bonus - the servers are super fun! 

2. The Immigrant (East Village).

  I walked by this place most days for almost six months before I actually stopped by, but I was oh so glad when I did! This place exudes simple, rustic charm. The wine list is short, but full of complex choices. Go for drinks and snacks, but don't expect dinner!

3. Terroir (East Village).

  Go for the Riesling selection, stay for the snacks! But an insider tip - one of the best happy hour deals I have seen in Manhattan. 

4. Cork Buzz Wine Studio (Union Square).

  If you want to experience great wine served by a truly knowledgeable staff - this is the place to go! Co-founded by one of my favorite Master Sommeliers (and 1 of only 20 women), the wine list really offers a great selection. Tons of familiar wine styles and even more interesting new glasses to try. Plus the food is delicious!

5. Murray's Cheese Bar (West Village).

  Wine + cheese = happiness. Need I say more?

Photo Source: 

http://www.allposters.com.au/-sp/

L-Instant-Taittinger-posters_i421309_.htm

Boston.

  Now some New Yorkers wouldn't dare admit that there is life outside of the city, but I love exploring new places. One of the first things I do when I visit

a new city is find a great wine store and wine bar within the neighborhood. So this summer when I lived in Boston, I quickly found 

Belly Wine Bar

 in Cambridge. Rustic style wine bar with a very creative wine list. I wouldn't head there for a filling meal, but the snacks were definitely delicious.

Baltimore.

  (No, it's not just like The Wire). I lived in Charm City for over a year and in that time I learned that Baltimore is not really a big wine town. No matter! I still stumbled upon

13.5% Wine Bar

 in Hampden. The wine bar has a extensive list and fun snacks. But just in case you needed another reason, Hampden is a must visit neighborhood all on its own - hon fest, hipsters, great food! (Plus my favorite wine store of

all time

 The Wine Source). 

Annapolis.

  I may love living in the City, but I actually grew up in Maryland (aka the mid-atlantic,

not

 the South for you Northerners). One of my favorite places to visit when I'm back in town is

 Red Red Wine Bar

 on Main Street. It a relatively new addition, but well worth the wait.

Wilmington (Delaware that is).

I recently visited family in the Wilmington area, so true to form, I researched the wine bars. My favorite is 

Pochi,

 a wine bar featuring wines and food from Chile. Delicious!

Cheers!