Best locations for expansive, tasty wine lists

Bryna Shuman, Staff Writer

Any WSN readers over the age of 21 can relax and enjoy time with friends at one of the top 10 wine bars in New York City.

Vin Sur Vingt I 201 W. 11th St.

Here you’ll find a relaxing and intimate environment with a regular rotating wine menu of 50 varieties, a knowledgeable waitstaff, and French bistro-inspired dinner and brunch menus.

Lelabar I 422 Hudson St.

The elegant Lelabar features an extensive wine list with a small-plates menu of cheese, meat and chocolate to match. Lelabar also offers guided wine tastings twice a month ($60 per person).

Corkbuzz Wine Bar I

13 E. 13th St.

Corkbuzz not only offers a pairing dinner menu for their wine list but also offers wine classes, from Wine 101 to Cheese and Wine, and spring seafood feasts with four specially picked bottles.

Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar I 1 Seventh Ave. South

Ayza expertly pairs wine with assorted chocolate truffles ($3 each), chocolate desserts ($8-$12) and their ever-popular chocolate fountain. For those who don’t want to eat dessert first, Ayza also offers a dinner menu.

The Bourgeois Pig I

111 E. Seventh St.

This is a cozy and funky spot that not only has a wide selection of wine but also provides a pairing menu of cheese boards ($15-$30), sweet and savory fondue ($24-$32), small plates ($5-$11) and rich desserts ($8) to complement your wine of choice ($8-$13 per glass).

City Winery I 155 Varick St.

City Winery does not sacrifice service for such a large establishment. Wine stewards take your wine order and suggest menu pairings to match, and the venue features live music almost every night.

Kaia Wine Bar I 1614 third Ave.

Kaia is a cozy wine bar on the Upper East Side that really makes you feel right at home. Kaia serves a wide selection of wines on tap in addition to traditional South African cuisine.

Sweet Revenge I 62 Carmine St.

Sweet Revenge takes dessert to the next level by pairing wine with their artisan cupcakes. Favorite pairings include the signature Sweet Revenge cupcake with a region one malbec from Spain or the crimson and cream cupcake with a raspberry Bellini.

Buvette I 42 Grove St.

This is a small French bistro that offers guests a page-by-page guide to ordering wine with a small storybook-like instruction manual. Once you finish your bottle, don’t forget to toss the cork into the good-luck bicycle basket on the way out.

Casellula I 401 W. 52nd St.

Nestled in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Casellula Cheese and Wine Bar offers over 40 types of exotic and delicious cheeses ($6 per cheese plate) whose flavors range from mild to obscure. These are deftly paired with selections from their wine list. Each cheese and wine pairing is also complemented by a seasonal accompaniment, from curds and pickles to candies and cakes ($4-$17).

A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, April 17 print edition. Bryna Shuman is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].

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