Mini NYC Wine Bar Guide
Before I get into this mini guide to New York City wine bars, I'd love to share its alternate title with you: "Guide to New York City with a Severely Sprained Ankle." You see, this was going to be a longer guide to wine bars and shops... until I tripped and sprained my ankle right by the famous Radio City Music Hall. On a Friday afternoon. With a million New Yorkers rushing around me. And oh yeah, a reservation with Nelson from The Vintner Project just minutes away.
That's how this became a mini-guide to NYC wine bars. Thankfully Trish (you know her from my Reims guide) lives in Hoboken and I visit her often, so there will be a part two to this guide in the future! Until then, let's check out three distinct wine bars in the Big Apple.
And yes, I finally got to meet Nelson!
What I drank:
What I drank:
What I drank:
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On June 8, we lost a beloved New Yorker...
This post is dedicated to Anthony Bourdain. Just a little over a week ago, walking down a street on the Upper East Side, I exclaimed "Maybe we will spot Anthony Bourdain!" That moment now feels like a lifetime away.
No Reservations Season 1 Episode 1 featuring Paris aired in July 2005. At that time, I had just graduated high school and felt like traveling the world was out of my reach. That episode inspired me to never give up on my dream to explore the globe, taste new foods, and talk with people from different backgrounds. Years later, on a train ride from Montreal to Quebec City (inspired by Bourdain), I watched the snowy Canadian landscape speed by, thinking that one day I should write him a letter about his influence on my life. In today's political climate, we needed his enthusiasm for reaching across boarders and embracing strangers more than ever. In lieu of the letter I never wrote, I will forever celebrate other cultures. No one is "foreign." We are global neighbors.
If you're in distress, please reach out to someone you trust or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. I am happy to help you find resources, too.
That's how this became a mini-guide to NYC wine bars. Thankfully Trish (you know her from my Reims guide) lives in Hoboken and I visit her often, so there will be a part two to this guide in the future! Until then, let's check out three distinct wine bars in the Big Apple.
Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
Tucked next door to its sister restaurant La Bernadin, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is best known for their "9pm pour." At 9pm each night, they uncork a magnum picked by their namesake, sommelier Aldo Sohm. We didn't get their 9pm pour because it was lunchtime, but we did get to see Aldo! He was in the bar talking with staff as they prepared to close for their afternoon break between lunch and dinner services.And yes, I finally got to meet Nelson!
What I drank:
- Chenin Blanc, Fram, Citrusdal Mountain, South Africa '14
- Gamay, Fleurie, Dom de Prion, La Madone '14
Terroir on the Porch
This outpost of Terroir is perched on a The High Line around 15th Street. It is surrounded by dozens of small stands selling goods, snacks, and produce. Combine the killer location with uber-friendly staff and perfectly chilled wines and you've got the recipe for quite possibly the best NYC day-drinking spot. And I should know: day-drinking is my expertise. I also appreciated the ample umbrellas doting their patios!What I drank:
- Riesling Clone #239, Boundary Breaks, Finger Lakes '17
- Códega do Larinho, Achados e Perdidos, Duoro '15
City Vineyard at Pier 26
If you want to get a tan while you rub elbows with some of New York's trendiest, head to Pier 26 for beautiful views of both the city and people kind. I was likely not cool enough to be at this place and I was definitely not wearing enough sunscreen, but it is a very chic spot for you party lovers. If you're looking for shade (me, always), be sure to make a reservation for a table downstairs or arrive early to snag one of the few umbrellas on the top deck.What I drank:
- Riesling on tap, City Winery, Finger Lakes '17
Bonus: Grand Vin, Hoboken
You have to go looking for this charming spot just across the river in Dirty Jerz but once you find it, you won't be disappointed. Decorated like an authentic Parisian wine bar, this wine bar's extensive "by the glass" list is noteworthy. Their pours are awesome, too. Hefty glass of Barolo for only $20? Sign. Me. Up. New Jersey, I straight-up love you.---
On June 8, we lost a beloved New Yorker...
This post is dedicated to Anthony Bourdain. Just a little over a week ago, walking down a street on the Upper East Side, I exclaimed "Maybe we will spot Anthony Bourdain!" That moment now feels like a lifetime away.
No Reservations Season 1 Episode 1 featuring Paris aired in July 2005. At that time, I had just graduated high school and felt like traveling the world was out of my reach. That episode inspired me to never give up on my dream to explore the globe, taste new foods, and talk with people from different backgrounds. Years later, on a train ride from Montreal to Quebec City (inspired by Bourdain), I watched the snowy Canadian landscape speed by, thinking that one day I should write him a letter about his influence on my life. In today's political climate, we needed his enthusiasm for reaching across boarders and embracing strangers more than ever. In lieu of the letter I never wrote, I will forever celebrate other cultures. No one is "foreign." We are global neighbors.
If you're in distress, please reach out to someone you trust or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. I am happy to help you find resources, too.
