20 Best Wine Bars In The US, Ranked

Declaring the best wine bars in America is as difficult as naming the best restaurants or best rooftop bars because it's all about how a person feels in the space, their particular palate, and the amenities they're searching for. That being said, we've narrowed the search down to 20 wine bars across the country offering a variety of experiences, fostering a love for wine, and creating a hunger to learn more about it in their respective communities.

This list runs the gamut from chic, upscale wine bars in a city's most expensive zip codes, to quirky and cozy neighborhood spots, and laidback patios that feel more like a friend's backyard party than an actual dining establishment. Of course, the menus in many of these hip bars are centered around natural wines, but don't let that scare you off. Whether you've spent decades collecting and studying wine or you're simply interested in building your confidence to know what to order at a restaurant, these wine bars deserve a spot on your next night out or on your weekend getaway itinerary.

The Wine Bar has four locations across the Florida Panhandle's breathtaking Emerald Coast, and, whether you're a native or just visiting Florida, it's the perfect place to end a day spent on the white, sandy beaches. According to Restaurant Guru, it's a Destin favorite.

The Wine Bar's wine list is pretty straightforward with bottles from some of the world's top wine regions, plus a few emerging California locales like the Santa Rita Hills. The bar also features fresh lunch and dinner menus with beach town flair, plus an extensive cheese list for building the ultimate charcuterie board. The best part is: A generous happy hour takes place daily from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. where patrons can snag a carafe for the same price as a large glass. The Wine Bar also hosts a range of events from tastings with winemakers to local's nights, so there's always something new to experience.

This beautiful natural wine bar in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood is all in the details. Created by illustrator Cerise Zelenetz, along with OddFellows Ice Cream founder Mohan Kumar, The New York Times notes, the design of this wine destination is inspired by Zelenetz's upbringing in Vermont, her time in Paris as a college student, and her Lower East Side apartment that was first decorated by her grandmother in the '50s (via Vogue). While the bar has been featured by Architectural Digest and Eater for its aesthetics, Cherry on Top is much more than just a pretty face.

The wines at Cherry on Top were chosen as thoughtfully as the tiles and fabrics. There is no specific region or country that the selections focus on, which allows patrons to be transported to vineyards around the world as you sip through the evening. You'll find a natural wine selection that ranges from popular bottles like La Bascule's Babushka rosé to quirkier picks from Spain and Austria, all of which pair excellently with a small plates menu that pulls from flavors around the world. Plus, you simply can't beat a rooftop garden in the city, and Cherry on Top has just the one for drinking wine when the weather is right. It's only been open since August 2021, but we look forward to seeing how this wine bar impacts Brooklyn's lively natural wine scene.

Do you love wine, food, books, and art? Then Atlanta's Lucian Books & Wine is an essential stop on your next visit to Atlanta. Nestled in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood, this gorgeous bar and shop is inspired by London's glamorous Maison Assouline outpost and named after contemporary British artist Lucian Freud, (via Eater). Partners in business and life, Katie Barringer and Jordan Smelt are a perfect pair, as Barringer formerly owned a bookstore in nearby Marietta and Smelt comes from several venerable food and wine destinations in the city before opening Lucian Books & Wine in May 2021.

Lucian Books & Wine serves a list as impressive as its book collection: You'll find 250-300 bottles on a list at any given time — all selected by Smelt. Wines are grouped by varietals to make the list feel more accessible for imbibers of all kinds, but guests are encouraged to ask as many questions as needed to find the perfect glass or bottle. The food is also as sexy, smart, and irreverent as the interiors, making for a perfect date night or extra-special occasion. And if you forgot a gift, there's an impeccable selection of books to choose from while you sip. Atlanta Magazine gave Lucian an "excellent" rating for nailing every aspect: The design, reads, wine list, and "ambitious yet simple" dishes. 

Times Ten Cellars is an urban winery, tasting room, and wine bar in the heart of Dallas's vibrant Lakewood neighborhood. It shines a light on the Lone Star State's burgeoning wine culture. Owner Rob Wilson first started Times Ten Cellars in 2005 to create a traditional tasting room experience for guests to enjoy a grape-to-glass experience with fruit grown at the winery's west Texas vineyards, and experience varietals beyond cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Eventually, Times Ten Cellars' neighborhood patrons began lingering long after tasting experiences were over, and Wilson realized he was also running a bar. Times Ten Cellars has since evolved in its many years of operation to become a wine bar that also features bottles from other Texas wineries, plus some favorite California bottles. It also has a full kitchen that makes Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Wilson's mission to make wine more approachable and comfortable certainly succeeded, and Visit Dallas names it one of the top wine bars in the area for its stylish digs and education on local wines. 

Frenchie is a French-inspired neighborhood wine bar in vibrant South End, Boston with dinner, brunch, and dessert menus inspired by French cuisine. While the design is chic and every element of your experience there feels Instagram worthy, there is some serious substance to the style: Eater restaurant critics found the bistro offers inventive takes on classic French dishes while providing wines that are more focused on accessibility than exclusivity. It's also a top pick for outdoor dining in the city, according to Boston.com, for its European vibes and diverse wine list.

Though the wines by the glass are offered at reasonable price points, Frenchie's wine list is highly curated to showcase the best products from France and beyond — everything from classic Champagnes to Lebanese Viognier. Just make sure to save room for dessert (Nutella chocolate mousse, anyone?) and a digestif to cap off the night in true French fashion.

Miami's Lagniappe is a far cry from the outrageously priced, sleek cocktail bars nearby. Thanks to its laid-back vibes, diverse nightly music lineups, and the city's balmy weather, you may enter Lagniappe wondering if you've been transported to New Orleans or a quirky seaside bar on the Mediterranean coast. GAYOT describes the wine bar as a hidden gem for locals looking to get away from the stuffiness of the city's overly trendy drinking and dining destinations, while still being able to enjoy a fantastic wine list and a memorable meal for a good price.

This Midtown jazz haven is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of vino paired with big, bold Cajun, Spanish, and Creole flavors, plus some fresh-caught fish from the nearby Atlantic. They do not take reservations, so come early to get the best seat in the house and a bottle of your favorite label or a new-to-you small-production wine, because Time Out considers Lagniappe an elevated backyard hangout, and it fills up night after night.

Owned and operated by a group of fun-loving sommeliers, Denver's Noble Riot sits in the heart of the lively RiNo art district. This wine bar is about much more than drinking good wine, though: Noble Riot emphasizes talented small farmers and winemakers who haven't gotten the attention they deserve, along with wine education for oenophiles across all levels as part of the bar experience. Condé Nast Traveler considers Noble Riot a welcome haven for wine lovers who are bombarded with a city full of breweries and cocktail bars, but that anyone can have a good time (and a good drink) here, no matter your alcohol preference.

Noble Riot also offers a wine school taught by sommeliers and wine professionals that allows visitors to deepen their wine knowledge in a laid-back, accepting atmosphere while enjoying killer food pairings. Locals can also participate in Noble Riot's Flight Club, which allows members to build community while participating in wine classes and exciting food and wine-centric excursions. However, if you're just there to enjoy a cozy happy hour, snag a spot on the buzzy heated patio. Let the friendly staff do their thing and introduce you to a fabulous bottle from Michigan, Sweden, or your favorite region.

Dedalus is all about storytelling, and the Vermont-based wine bar is dedicated to bringing the local community to their table by telling the story of wine in an uncomplicated way. The company seeks to define a new wine culture that bridges the gap between drinkers and growers while building the confidence of patrons across all experience levels to help them best enjoy one of life's simple pleasures.

Like many of the wine bars on this list, Dedalus looks to uplift the wines of small producers and cooperatives who make their wine sustainably and with minimal intervention. There's also an indoor market with a world-class selection of cheeses, charcuterie staples, and pantry goods that is as thoughtfully curated as the wine list, according to Edible Vermont. The best part about Dedalus is that there is always a special event, tasting, or wine education event happening across its three locations in Burlington, Stowe, and Boulder to give patrons the excuse to pop back in, chat with the knowledgeable staff, and discover a life-changing, new-to-you bottle. It won't take long to discover why Eat This, Not That! calls Dedalus the best wine destination in the state, if not the Northeastern U.S.

Co-founders Germain Michel and Samie Didda first opened Amelie's original location on Polk Street in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood in 2006 and have since expanded to a second location in the city, one in Marin County, plus two others in New York City. Both Michel and Didda hail from France, with Michel growing up with a passion for wine in the Rhone Valley and Didda growing up in Paris and eventually owning a chain of pastry shops. Their shared love for food and wine makes Amelie a top pick for wine bars in San Francisco by Eater. The cozy candlelit ambiance doesn't hurt either.

Michel is also a winemaker with a winery in Languedoc, France that's known for producing bold, distinctive reds, (via Wine Enthusiast). He focuses on Mourvedre and Syrah, so be sure to try a glass when visiting one of Amelie's four locations. However, Michel says the wine bar is best-known for its generous happy hour as guests can create their flight of three wines for just $12 between 4-6 p.m. across all locations.

Seated in San Antonio, Texas's buzzy, historic Pearl neighborhood, High Street Wine Co. has helped establish the city as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts. The inviting bar and bottle shop was a James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Wine Program" in 2022, and High Street has prided itself on providing a hospitality-driven destination for people to explore the wonders of wine since 2016.

The bar was opened by Scott Ota, who was deemed "Texas's Best Sommelier" by Texas Monthly in 2013 and the current beverage director Austin Tabbone seeks to continue High Street's mission of amplifying the best small producers from across the world. High Street's extensive wine list features everything from English sparkling wine to Indian Chardonnay, plus plenty of Old and New-World favorites. And if you want to keep on sipping through the evening, the food menu is filled with a variety of snacks, flatbreads, chocolates, and build-your-own cheeseboards to satisfy any craving. High Street Wine Co. is also home to a rotating list of wine classes throughout the year that highlights emerging producers and iconic regions alike.

Golden Age Wine is a design-centric low-intervention wine bar and shop based in Birmingham, Alabama. In just over two years of opening, Golden Age became a 2022 James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Wine Program" and serves up thoughtfully curated wines by the glass and bottle that have all been sustainably farmed through organic or biodynamic practices. Co-owner Brandon Loper says an experience at Golden Age is all about transporting guests to favorite wine bars across Europe while providing a casual, friendly atmosphere to learn more about their favorite bottles from Italy, France, and beyond. Even if natural wines aren't your thing, come for the design inspiration, lovely staff, and a fantastic cheeseboard.

Beyond serving up a rotating curation of wines by the glass and bottle, Golden Age Wine offers a selection of small plates served on gorgeous tableware, coffee from San Francisco roasters (Saint Frank), and an exciting rotation of pop-ups with both local makers and wine producers from across the country. The destination also recently opened a Champagne Room that features an impressive 80-bottle list, has begun a delivery service for those looking to sample the best natural wines from the comforts of home. It is also home to a lively wine garden in the evenings, weather permitting.

Los Angeles' highly lauded a.o.c. stands for the acronym for ​​Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, a French term for sets of rigorous standards for making wine and spirits in the country. Three-time James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year" 2018 Caroline Styne are the perfect pair behind this popular wine bar that has two gorgeous locations in West Hollywood and Brentwood.

The destination itself is also a three-time James Beard award nominee and was a 2015 semi-finalist for "Outstanding Wine Program." But a visit to the highly acclaimed a.o.c. isn't about the awards, it's about the atmosphere. While the two locations vary vastly in design, they both share a common ground in highlighting seasonal California cuisine through small plates that pair fantastically with an equally thoughtful menu of wines by the glass. It's a perfect place to visit for oenophiles who love food as much as wine, which makes it one of the best (and most romantic) restaurants in LA, according to Los Angeles Magazine.

LaLou is a beautifully designed wine-centric restaurant with a charming garden dining area in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights neighborhood. This food and wine destination focuses on natural, biodynamic, and small-production wines, serving up a list of more than 150 bottles curated between former Anfora wine buyer Dave Foss and 2013 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year Joe Campanale. Plus, it's in a prime food and beverage location: The Commercial Observer declared Vanderbilt Avenue Brooklyn's new "restaurant row" in 2019.

Not only is LaLou a stylish place to enjoy a happy hour, date night, or a sunny Saturday afternoon, it's considered one of the top natural wine bars in New York City by Thrillist and Grub Street. The diverse wine list offers a balanced mix of crowd-pleasing varietals and quirkier picks such as Xarel-lo, Chkhaveri, and Kadarka. This mix can also be found on LaLou's small plates-driven food menus, with lunch served Friday through Sunday and dinner every night of the week. The dishes are meant to fit the occasion, whether that's a light bite at 3 p.m. or a table full of shared plates at dinner. Walk-ins are welcome, but you'll likely want to make a reservation — especially when New York weather is at its best.

Flight Wine Bar's owners Swati Bose and Kabir Amir first set out to create a cozy neighborhood bar inspired by their vast European travels in 2014. However, the bar is no longer Chinatown's best-kept secret: Flight was a 2020 James Beard Semifinalist for "Outstanding Wine Program." It has also received Wine Spectator's award of excellence in 2018 for its staggering 505-bottle wine list (don't worry, the team's knowledgeable staff will help you pick the perfect one).

While Flight is now a highly lauded wine destination, Bose and Amir still focus on lesser-known varietals and regions that offer excellent wines at great values. Bose says that some of the most popular flight orders from its menu include skin-contact, Austro-Hungarian, and high-acid wines from under-the-radar destinations like Monrovia, Czech Republic, and Huntly, Virginia. Plus, according to Open Table reviewers, it offers some of the best ambiance in the District of Columbia.

Corkbuzz is a Manhattan-based restaurant and wine bar with locations in Union Square and Chelsea Market. Owned and operated by master sommelier Laura Fiorvanti, visitors will find an eclectic wine list sourced from the Finger Lakes to Hungary, Australia, and Chile. Corkbuzz's team of sommeliers can assist in selecting the perfect wine by the glass, a bottle to pair with dinner, and the perfect foods to pair with your desired vino.

The two-time James Beard semifinalist makes wine education a top priority, and Corkbuzz offers a range of wine classes, private events, and winemaker dinners to help bring people together over a shared interest, no matter where they are in their wine journeys. Happy hour takes place on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., but, if you're feeling adventurous, you can participate in a blind-tasting happy hour at any time of the day every day. Eater NY considers Corkbuzz to be one of the best places to drink wine in the city for its variety of amenities, and you'll want to grab a few friends to stop in for dinner so you can enjoy as many of its small plates as possible.

A 2022 James Beard semifinalist for "Most Outstanding Wine Program," Philadelphia's a.bar is part of a.kitchen + a.bar, a renowned food and wine destination that offers sweeping views of Rittenhouse Square from its prime location in Center City. It's a must-visit destination for foodies coming to the City of Brotherly Love as it is highly lauded for its culinary, wine, and spirits programs.

A.kitchen + a.bar was listed as one of Wine Enthusiast's "50 Restaurants We Love" in 2021, and it is also one of the publication's Top 100 Wine Restaurants. Guests will find a pleasant mix of storied and under-the-radar regions and varietals so that there's something for every kind of drinker — adventurous or risk-averse. Every wine served at a.kitchen + a.bar is organic and/or natural, and the dining destination has recently expanded into a wine shop, so you can take home your new favorite label at the end of the night — or pick up one before a dinner party that will really wow your guests.

The second Philly wine bar on our list, Le Caveau is part of The Good King Tavern on South Street. Though it has only been open since 2019, this upstairs wine bar was a James Beard semifinalist in 2020 for the "Outstanding Wine Program." The cozy, charming bar is modeled after Paris's cave à mangers; wine shops where customers can linger as long as the lights are on as long as they order a plate or two, according to Camille Fourmont and Kate Leahy in "La Buvette." These wine bars put the bottles at the forefront of the experience and while the small plates are usually simple, they are sourced from the best ingredients.

However, Le Caveau is about much more than enjoying a glass of wine at the end of the day. The bar offers weekly wine classes that are intended to provide wine education, build community, and help participants learn how to pair wines with culinary flavors that enhance both the drinking and dining experience. Naturally, French wines are a cornerstone of the rotating menu, but you'll find bottles from around Europe, and California makers who produce wine in the Old-World style.

New Orleans's Bacchanal Wine has become as much of a household name as Commander's Palace and Café Du Monde for its incredible wine selection, ultra-laid back atmosphere, and excellent music lineup in the city's artsy Bywater neighborhood. The three-time James Beard nominee, and semifinalist in 2017, is also known for its low-key, backyard-style party vibe, transportive wine shop, build-your-own cheese plates, and, naturally, an eclectic wine list.

Bacchanal Wine is inspired by both Mediterranean living and the culture of the vibrant city where it resides. Popping in for the afternoon is reminiscent of a day party and just might keep you for hours longer than you anticipated. It won't take long to discover why The Infatuation considers it one of the coolest places to spend the evening in NOLA, which is no small feat amid the sea of bars and attractions. Since its opening in 2002, Bacchanal is just like the wines it serves: It just keeps getting better with age.

The second top-rated LA wine bar on our list, Los Feliz's Bar Covell is a top pick from World's Best Bars for the staff's deep wine knowledge, charming interiors, and a mix of Old and New-World bottles that aficionados and casual drinkers can both appreciate. Plus, a simple yet delicious menu of small plates and build-your-own cheese and charcuterie boards allows the focus to remain on the wines.

Here's the deal: There's no wine menu at Bar Covell, so you'll have to rely on the expertise of whoever is behind the bar that night to serve you an exceptional pour from 80 favorite wines by the glass. You'll be asked to share your taste preferences and interests as the staff member selects your glass or bottle. While this bar may not be for self-proclaimed wine experts looking to tout their knowledge, it certainly makes for an experiential evening and will likely leave you with a new favorite varietal, label, or region. GAYOT considers Bar Covell to be a mainstay amidst the trendy wine bars that pop up across the city, and it is one to try when in the area, no matter your level of wine expertise.

Haley.henry is the passion project of owner-operator Haley Fortier, who was one of Food & Wine's "Sommeliers of the Year" in 2019. Her wine bar and shop is also highly lauded; haley.henry was a back-to-back James Beard semifinalist in 2019 and 2020 for "Outstanding Wine Program." But accolades aside, this destination is actually a laid-back, inclusive spot for friends, neighbors, and visitors alike to deepen their passion for vino.

The wines served at this effortlessly cool Financial District destination highlight small-production, natural, and responsibly sourced labels from all corners of the world. There are also lunch and dinner menus that are driven by equally responsibly sourced tinned fish, regional seafood, and exciting cheese varieties. The Boston Globe considers haley.henry the city's best wine bar for the thoughtful staff, excellent deals, and chic-but-not-uptight digs, while Condé Nast Traveler considers it an "essential stop" for wine aficionados living in or visiting the city.