Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Wine Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Wine Lovers
1. City Winery New York
An urban winery on the Hudson with working barrels, a spacious tasting room, and river views. Taste NYC-made wines alongside a full menu without joining a tour.
✓ Why Go:
House-made wines poured just steps from the tanks, a deep by-the-glass list, and a lively atmosphere that blends winery energy with downtown dining.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays at sunset (5–7 pm) for golden-hour views; winter for cozy indoor seating, summer for the patio.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about limited cellar or single-vineyard pours not listed by the glass; bar seats often get access first.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the skyline views, diverse flights, and friendly sommeliers; can get busy on show nights.
2. The Red Hook Winery
Brooklyn’s waterfront tasting room pouring New York State wines vinified in the city. Flights highlight different winemaking styles and vineyard sites.
✓ Why Go:
A deep dive into NY terroir without leaving the five boroughs—ideal for exploring Long Island and Finger Lakes grapes through multiple interpretations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons (1–5 pm) for relaxed tastings; late summer and early fall for harbor breezes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your flight with local cheese; ask staff to walk you through a vertical of a favorite cuvée if available.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Wine lovers praise knowledgeable staff and distinctive flights; the industrial-chic setting feels quintessentially Brooklyn.
3. Rooftop Reds
A working rooftop vineyard inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard where you can sip flights among planters of vinifera and city skylines.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a uniquely NYC experience—taste wines grown and poured above the city streets, with hammocks, lawn games, and seasonal bites.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May–October, especially golden hour; reservations strongly recommended for peak weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book a lounge chair slot and pre-order a flight; ask about limited-production rooftop cuvées that sell out quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the novelty and views; expect a social, picnic-style vibe rather than a quiet tasting room.
4. Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
A sleek Midtown bar from the team behind Le Bernardin, offering an expansive list, precise service, and refined small plates.
✓ Why Go:
Access benchmark producers and mature vintages by the glass via Coravin, guided by one of the city’s top sommelier teams.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weekdays to chat with the staff; late night for a quieter, post-theater pour.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a themed mini-flight—Champagne, Austria, or aged Riesling—to compare styles side by side.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars highlight elegant ambiance and exceptional glass pours; prices reflect the pedigree.
5. La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
A Nolita hideaway focused on low-intervention and classic Old World bottles, with candlelit corners and shareable plates.
✓ Why Go:
Explore natural-leaning producers alongside Burgundy and Loire benchmarks, guided by a list that rewards curiosity.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 8 pm for lingering; Sundays for a relaxed neighborhood feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for off-menu bottle recommendations in your preferred style; half-bottles and magnums appear frequently.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the adventurous list and intimate vibe; can be standing-room-only at peak hours.
6. Ruffian
A tiny East Village wine bar with a big personality, spotlighting orange wines and Central/Eastern European grapes alongside inventive, wine-friendly dishes.
✓ Why Go:
For boundary-pushing pours in a cozy space where staff loves to talk skin contact, amphorae, and obscure varietals.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening or late night for easier seating; winter for snug, candlelit sipping.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab the bar to build a custom three-wine flight around a theme—orange, Alpine, or volcanic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the knowledgeable team and adventurous list; space is tight, so arrive early.
7. The Four Horsemen
Williamsburg’s cult-favorite natural wine destination pairs a Michelin-starred menu with a precise, ever-evolving bottle list.
✓ Why Go:
Serious wine program without pretense—perfect for discovering new producers and dialing in exacting food pairings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late dinner seatings for the full pairing experience; weekdays to chat with the team about the list.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for guidance on grower Champagne and Jura; the list’s strengths shine in these categories.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners laud the thoughtful pairings and fresh discoveries; reservations recommended.
8. Amelie Wine Bar
A convivial Greenwich Village spot known for generous flights, approachable staff, and a list that balances classic regions with value finds.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for casual tasting—build-your-own flights let you compare regions or styles without committing to full bottles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Happy hour on weekdays for flight deals; late evenings for a lively neighborhood vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for staff picks under $15 per glass to uncover high-value gems from lesser-known appellations.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight great value and friendly guidance; it gets busy, but turnover is quick.
9. Corkbuzz Union Square
Part wine bar, part classroom, Corkbuzz offers themed flights, frequent tastings, and a Champagne-forward list steps from Union Square.
✓ Why Go:
Come to learn as you sip—flights are educational without being stuffy, and staff happily tailors pours to your palate.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for a calm seat; late-night for sparkling specials and industry energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about the latest themed flights and any late-night Champagne deals; bar seats are best for chatting with the somms.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for approachable education and well-constructed flights; a favorite pre- or post-dinner stop.
10. Flatiron Wines & Spirits
One of NYC’s premier bottle shops with a deep selection of Burgundy, grower Champagne, and small-production finds, plus frequent in-store tastings.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up like a local—expert staff will tailor recommendations to your taste and budget, with plenty of back-vintage surprises.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday–Saturday for walk-around tastings; weekday mornings for unrushed browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Give staff your preferred regions and price point; they’ll assemble a custom mixed case of sleeper hits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers commend the guidance and breadth—great for both collectors and casual drinkers seeking value.
