Celebrate National Drink Wine Day

Anfora has all the makings of a solid wine bar: comfortable leather couches, dim lighting, prime window seating. And of course, an enviable wine list. Featuring reasonably priced wines with an emphasis on biodynamic, organic and sustainable varieties, this West Village wine bar – located next to sister restaurant dell’anima – by Chef Gabe Thompson is the real deal. And make sure to try the grilled cheese. Seriously.

Where to Drink Wine on National Drink Wine Day

Terroir

It started as an annex for Marco Canora and Paul Grieco’s much-adored Hearth. Now, Terroir, is one of the best wine bars in the city, with 5 locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, including one on the Highline. There are snacks like Canora’s sausage-stuffed sage leaves and a signature panino of duck ham with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and taleggio. But the wine selection, and knowledgeable staff, is the real reason to keep coming back again and again. 

Terroir Wine Bars: various locations, www.restauranthearth.com/Terroir.html

Domaine

This Long Island City wine bar serves a great selection sure to please oenophiles and casual wine drinkers alike. The bar staff is friendly and helpful without being overbearing, and the bar snacks pair just right. Domaine is just one stop from Grand Central so there is really no reason for Manhattanites not to take the trip for an outer borough night out. Music lovers take note: there is live jazz on Tuesday and Friday nights.

Domaine Wine Bar, 50-04 Vernon Blvd, 718.784.2350, www.domainewinebar.com

D.O.C

Talk about an early adopter: D.O.C. has been serving an all-Italian selection of wine in the now fully-gentrified Williamsburg for over ten years. And it’s stuck around for a decade for good reason: there is a solid selection of wine, the vibe is laid back (it’s situated in a house with no sign) but also takes its wine very serious.

D.O.C., 83 N 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 718-963-1925, www.docwinebar.com

the otheroom

Walk through the doors at the otherroom and you can just feel the dark and sexy sophistication. Part of a larger family (the room, anotheroom) this West Village location is a relaxed place to come on a date, thanks to the dark lighting, comfy couches and private nooks and crannies. The bartenders are friendly and the vibe is lowkey. And of course, they boast a great selection of wine.

the otheroom, 143 Perry Street, 212.645.9758, www.theotheroom.com

Fort Defiance

There is something about a really great neighborhood bar with an exciting wine list. Red Hook’s Fort Defiance is that place. Even though the ‘hood has grown and expanded, it’s still out of the way enough to maintain its charm, thanks in part to Fort Defiance. Make the trip – it will be worth it.

Fort Defiance, 365 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, 347-453-6672; www.fortdefiancebrooklyn.com

Felice Wine Bar

With multiple locations – two on the Upper East Side and one in Fidi – Felice Wine Bar boasts an excellent selection of wines and Italian dishes including focaccias, pasta and risotto. And for good reason – the place is part-owned by the team behind Sant Ambroeus and features a house wine from partner Jacopo Giustiniani’s family vineyard in Tuscany.

Felice Wine Bars: various locations, www.felicenyc.com

Lelabar

Elegant yet casual, Lelabar is a small but perfectly laid out wine bar in the West Village, with an extensive list featuring over 150 vintages. The wraparound bar encourages a communal and friendly atmosphere but there is also the right amount of romance thanks to dark wood accents, candlelight and a jazz soundtrack. Need something to go with that wine? Lelabar offers paninis, cheese and charcuterie and chocolates from C&M Chocolatier.

Lelabar, 422 Hudson Street, 212.206.0594, www.lelabar.com

Vero Midtown

When Vero first opened in Midtown it was a welcome addition to a neighbor overrun with fratty after-work bars. It’s still going strong, and only getting better. Featuring a comfortable bar with friendly staff, high-top tables conducive to a night out with friends and a seasonal outdoor patio, Vero – from the same team behind Bounce Sporting Club and Bounce Uptown – has just the right vibe for any occasion. But you will want to come on Mondays when the paninis are free with a drink purchase (yes, really) – and make sure to try the Cookie Monster, a giant chocolate-chip cookie topped with a mountain of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

Vero Midtown, 1004 Second Avenue, 212.935.3530, www.veronyc.com

Azya Wine & Chocolate Bar

Honestly, is there a better combination that wine and chocolate? We think not. And now we have Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar to satisfy those cravings. With locations in Midtown and the West Village, Ayza is a comfortable and romantic place to sample decadent food and drinks, including a selection of killer chocolate martinis.