Best Wine Bars in NYC: A Curated Guide

New York City: A World-Class Wine Destination Without a Single Vineyard

New York City may not grow its own grapes, but it has arguably the most dynamic and diverse wine bar scene on the planet. From candlelit natural wine caves in the East Village to polished Champagne lounges in Midtown, the city offers an unmatched breadth of wine experiences. Every neighborhood has its own character, and the wine bars reflect that personality with uncanny precision.

What makes NYC’s wine scene special is its restless curiosity. Sommeliers here are not content to pour the same bottles month after month. Lists rotate constantly, highlighting emerging regions alongside established classics. You might discover a skin-contact Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley at a tiny Greenwich Village spot, then walk ten blocks to taste a perfectly aged Barolo at an Italian-focused enoteca. The city rewards the adventurous drinker.

Lower Manhattan and the East Village

Terroir (Tribeca)

A pioneer of the natural wine movement in New York, Terroir helped shape the city’s palate for low-intervention wines. The atmosphere is deliberately unpretentious, with communal tables and handwritten wine lists that change frequently. Expect a focus on small producers from France, Italy, and increasingly, the Republic of Georgia. The staff are knowledgeable without being intimidating, making this a great entry point for natural wine newcomers.

Ten Bells (Lower East Side)

This narrow, candlelit bar on Broome Street has been a Lower East Side institution for years. The wine list leans heavily toward natural and biodynamic producers, with an emphasis on French and Spanish wines. The small plates are thoughtfully prepared and pair beautifully with whatever the bartender recommends. Arrive early on weekends, as the space fills quickly and does not take reservations.

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (Nolita)

Part of the Experimental Group, this wine bar brings Parisian elegance to Centre Street. The list is extensive, covering classic French regions alongside thoughtful selections from around the world. The interior is gorgeous, all dark wood and velvet, and the by-the-glass options are generous. This is where you come when you want to feel like you have been transported to the Marais district.

Racines NY (Tribeca)

From the team behind the beloved Paris original, Racines combines a serious wine program with refined French-American cooking. The list emphasizes Burgundy and the Loire Valley but wanders delightfully into Jura, Corsica, and beyond. The sommelier team is among the most passionate in the city.

Greenwich Village and West Village

I Sodi (West Village)

While primarily a restaurant, I Sodi’s all-Italian wine list is one of the best in the city. From Super Tuscans to obscure Sicilian reds, the selection is carefully curated to complement the exquisite Tuscan cuisine. Getting a reservation is notoriously difficult, but the wait is worth it for the combined food and wine experience.

Ernesto’s (West Village)

This Basque-inspired restaurant and wine bar has one of the most exciting Spanish wine lists in New York. Rioja, Priorat, and Txakoli feature prominently, alongside lesser-known regions. The pintxos are outstanding, and the atmosphere captures the convivial spirit of San Sebastian.

Bar Pisellino (West Village)

An Italian-style standing bar from the team behind I Sodi, Bar Pisellino specializes in spritzes, negronis, and a concise but well-chosen Italian wine list. The corner location on Grove Street is one of the most charming spots in the Village for an afternoon glass of Prosecco or a crisp Vermentino.

Midtown and Upper Manhattan

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar (Midtown)

Named after the celebrated Austrian sommelier, this elegant space adjacent to Le Bernardin offers one of the most refined wine experiences in the city. The by-the-glass program is exceptional, featuring wines served from Coravin systems that allow access to bottles you would normally need to commit to by the full bottle. The Austrian and Burgundian sections are particularly strong.

Corkbuzz (Union Square and Chelsea Market)

Founded by Master Sommelier Laura Maniec, Corkbuzz combines a vibrant wine bar with an education program. Regular classes cover everything from introductory tastings to deep dives into specific regions. The wine list is thoughtfully organized by style rather than geography, making it accessible to all experience levels. The Chelsea Market location is perfect for a glass between exploring the High Line and the galleries.

Veritas (Flatiron)

With a cellar holding over 3,000 selections, Veritas is a temple for serious wine collectors. The list spans the globe but is particularly deep in Burgundy, Bordeaux, and California. Pair your wine with the refined American cuisine for a complete fine-dining experience.

Brooklyn

The Four Horsemen (Williamsburg)

This Williamsburg wine bar, co-owned by musician James Murphy, has become one of the most talked-about wine destinations in the city. The list is natural-wine-focused with an impeccable eye for quality, avoiding the sometimes uneven territory of the genre. The seasonal small plates are exceptional, and the minimalist Scandinavian-inspired interior creates a calm counterpoint to the bustling neighborhood outside.

Sauvage (Greenpoint)

A neighborhood gem in Greenpoint, Sauvage focuses on natural wines from small European producers. The garden seating is lovely in warmer months, and the French bistro menu provides ideal accompaniment. The staff are genuinely enthusiastic about guiding you through unfamiliar bottles.

June Wine Bar (Cobble Hill)

A cozy, romantic spot on Smith Street, June emphasizes natural and organic wines from small producers. The list rotates frequently, and the charcuterie and cheese boards are excellent. This is the kind of neighborhood bar where the bartender remembers your name and your preferred style after a couple of visits.

Olmsted (Prospect Heights)

While best known as a restaurant with an extraordinary backyard garden, Olmsted’s wine list deserves attention in its own right. The selections are chosen to complement the hyper-seasonal, vegetable-forward menu, resulting in unusual and inspired pairings. The garden dining experience in summer, with a glass of cool-climate Riesling or Gruner Veltliner, is one of Brooklyn’s great pleasures.

What to Know Before You Go

Pricing

Wine by the glass in Manhattan typically ranges from $15 to $30, with premium pours reaching $50 or more. Brooklyn bars tend to be slightly more affordable, with many natural wine spots offering glasses in the $14 to $22 range. Bottle prices vary enormously, but most wine bars offer good value compared to restaurant markups.

Reservations

High-demand spots like I Sodi, Racines, and The Four Horsemen require reservations, often booked well in advance through Resy or OpenTable. Many wine bars, however, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving before 6:00 PM on weekdays gives you the best chance of securing a seat without a wait.

Tipping

Standard tipping at wine bars is 20 percent, consistent with New York dining culture. If a sommelier or bartender has spent significant time guiding your selections or opening special bottles, tipping toward 25 percent is a generous acknowledgment of their expertise.

Hours

Most wine bars open in the late afternoon, typically between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, and serve until midnight or later. Weekend brunch service with sparkling wine is increasingly common, especially in Brooklyn.

Navigating NYC Wine Bars by Style Preference

If You Love Natural Wine

Start with Ten Bells or The Four Horsemen, then explore Sauvage, June Wine Bar, and the rotating natural selections at Terroir. The city’s natural wine scene is deep enough to keep you exploring for months.

If You Prefer Classic Regions

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar for Burgundy and Austria, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels for classic France, and Veritas for a globe-spanning cellar of established estates.

If You Want to Learn

Corkbuzz’s structured classes are unbeatable for education. Pair formal learning there with casual exploration at bars where staff enjoy talking about wine, including Racines and Sauvage.

If Sparkling Wine Is Your Thing

Bar Pisellino for Italian bubbles, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels for Champagne, and The Four Horsemen for pet-nat and unconventional sparkling wines.

Building a Wine Bar Crawl

A well-planned wine bar crawl is one of the best ways to experience the city’s diversity. Here are two suggested routes.

The Village Circuit

Start at Bar Pisellino for a late-afternoon aperitivo. Walk to Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels for a glass of Burgundy and a small plate. Finish at Ten Bells on the Lower East Side for a natural wine nightcap.

The Brooklyn Loop

Begin at Sauvage in Greenpoint for an early-evening garden glass. Take the G train to Olmsted in Prospect Heights for dinner and wine pairings. End the night at June Wine Bar in Cobble Hill.

Seasonal Considerations

New York’s wine bar scene shifts with the seasons. Summer brings rooftop and garden seating, with lists that lean toward roses, white wines, and lighter reds served with a slight chill. Winter is the time for deep, warming reds, and many bars introduce special menus featuring aged Bordeaux, Barolo, and other cellar-worthy wines. The fall crush season often brings themed tastings celebrating the new vintage.

Enhance Your NYC Wine Bar Experience with Sommo

Navigating New York’s vast wine bar landscape is easier and more rewarding with the Sommo app at your side. Scan wine labels at any bar to instantly access detailed information about the producer, grape variety, and region. Use the personal wine journal to log your favorites so you can remember that incredible natural Gamay from Ten Bells or the perfectly poured Champagne at Aldo Sohm. The app’s learning modules help you build the vocabulary and knowledge to engage confidently with sommeliers, ask better questions, and discover wines that match your evolving palate. In a city with this many options, Sommo is the companion that helps you make every glass count.