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As if taking a cue from the wild, wine worshiping cults of Ancient Greece, Washington DC is awash in places to celebrate one’s love for the fermented juice of the grape. Wine bars in Washington DC pair the best vintages the world has to offer with mouthwatering cuisine and a staunch appreciation for the nightlife scene. Whether seeking a spot to seduce a first date, a place to indulge in the rich, gourmet meals of Southern France or a chic nook to gather with friends, Washington DC’s wine bars are more than able to sate any craving. If your hungry, stop into Mendocino Express or Sonoma Wine Bar for the best California fusion cuisine, or venture into Grapeseed where the wine is the main course and the food is a mere side dish. Urbana’s retro-class is the ideal setting for chic get-togethers and, if you’re in the mood to appreciate local artwork, the gallery setting of Karma is perfect.
Grapeseed
4865 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD; Tel. 301.986.9592
Any place where wine is the main course is guaranteed to be an amazing destination for wine lovers. Grapeseed features an impressive selection of wines from all around the globe, as well as an incredible menu of fare selected to compliment the diverse vintages. The eclectic cuisine draws from European and American influences, and features creative fusion dishes specifically designed to accompany the wines. Any of the excellent sommeliers at this Washington DC wine bar will be happy to share their extensive knowledge of wine with you at the wine tastings.
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Mendocino Express
2917 M Street NW., Washington, DC; Tel. 202.333.2912
For a true taste of the west coast’s wine country, Mendocino Express offers dozens of wines from California’s best wineries. The sleek, dramatic décor creates a sophisticated atmosphere where anyone from novices to connoisseurs can enjoy their wine with award-winning California fusion cuisine. Quiet, dark corners are perfect for dates seeking a romantic hideout, while the lively bar is always packed with chatty folks sharing their mutual love for the grape. Mendocino Express also offers a dynamic selection of cheeses to pair with the wine, a must for anyone who wants to indulge in the true wine tasting experience.
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Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar
223 Pennsylvania Ave, SE., Washington, DC; Tel. 202.544.8088
A sibling of Georgetown’s Mendocino Express, the Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar is a posh neighborhood hangout where the casual ambiance of California and the local flavors of the mid-Atlantic meet. The menu focuses on local, organic ingredients prepared in a simple manner, and features wholesome wood-grilled meats and fresh seafood, as well as a widely recognized selection of artisan cheeses. Over 40 American and Italian vintages populate the list of wines by the glass, all of which were hand selected to pair appropriately with one of the meals or to be enjoyed sans food. This Washington DC wine bar features Italian wines from areas like Friuli, Veneto and Tuscany, and American wines from Napa Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Washington and, of course, Sonoma County.
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Karma
1900 I Street SW., Washington, DC; Tel. 202.331.5800
Offering a harmonious, fashionable blend of delicious food, fine wine and modern art, Karma is perfect for everything from first dates to social events. The exquisite menu focuses on Mediterranean fare, and changes periodically as to keep the flavors unique and the allure fresh. Whether stopping in to enjoy the food or peruse the art gallery, the fantastic wine bar is sure to enhance any experience. For non-wine fans, there is also an extensive list of creative cocktails.
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Urbana Restaurant & Wine Bar
2121 P Street, NW., Washington, DC; Tel. 202.956.6650
A favorite destination for both locals and visitors, Urbana Restaurant & Wine Bar is one part retro-glamorous lounge, one part Tuscan wine cellar and one part French bistro. The creative menu shares influences of Northern Italy and Southern France, and the comprehensive wine list features over 200 distinctive bottles and more than 30 wines by the glass. There is also a unique selection of eco-friendly wines, showcasing organic blends from wineries around the world. Urbana’s obvious love for wine is found in almost every detail, from the exquisite marriages of the wine and food to the staggering amount of wine bottles that serve as the décor. At this Washington DC wine bar, it’s not just about stopping in for a meal and a glass; Urbana is also one of the hippest destinations in Dupont Circle, perfect for everything from a first date to a chic night out with friends.
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Bar Pilar
1833 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; Tel. 202.265.1754
Distinctly European with rustic, old-world flavor, this Washington, D.C., bar and restaurant features an Italian-inspired menu that blends local character with international flavor. An extensive drink list that offers Icelandic beer and a wide variety of dessert wines and ports ensures a pleasant discovery for those willing to delve into the unfamiliar. Bar Pilar's menu of small dishes comprises a tasty array of well-priced entrees prepared by Executive Chef Barton Seaver and Chef de Cuisine Joshua Whigham. For a tasty treat, sample the desserts of Pastry Chef Lizzy Evelyn. Conveniently located amid the hustle and bustle of 14th Street, this Washington, D.C., bar is a perfect way to escape the frenzy and unwind with a glass of wine at the bar. Worldly sophistication and romantic ambiance make Bar Pilar a worthwhile visit for D.C. locals and travelers alike.
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Bourbon
2321 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; Tel. 202.332.0800
With more than 50 bourbons offered, this Washington, D.C., bar attracts whiskey enthusiasts ranging from amateur to aficionado. Conveniently located in the Glover Park area, Bourbon is a snug tavern adorned with black-and-white photos of the bar's regulars and their families. Weekends attract a youngish crowd, and on warm nights the gathering takes place on the front patio. Tasty bar food and a dozen beers and wines provides an alternative to those impartial to America's favorite hard alcohol.
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—Washington DC bar and club reviews by Jennifer Jespersen & Garrett Wheeler
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