Sound Travel

Wine bars and tasting rooms can be a great way to try wines from a particular region or vintner. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just love to try new things, here are the best places around the world for sipping and savoring.

Located in the thriving neighborhood of Hannibal Square, this couple-owned bar and restaurant features a wide array of European wines and an impressive tapas menu. The cozy, modern space is a perfect date spot.

1. Terroir

Terroir is a concept in wine production that refers to the influence of land, climate and soil features on the grape. The term was coined in France, and it has since gained widespread usage in the wine world.

A number of studies have suggested that terroir can be an important factor in the development of a wine’s quality. It is also considered a critical part of the appeal of wines from certain regions, such as Bordeaux or Burgundy.

Terroir is often described as the “sense of place” in a wine, which conveys to the consumer that it is produced in a specific region. However, the concept of terroir is not universally accepted or understood. Despite this, it is becoming an increasingly popular and powerful marketing tool for some wine producers.

2. A.O.C.

Sandwiched between a temple and a clothing store on West 3rd Street, A.O.C. doesn’t look like much on the outside, but once you step inside, you’ll discover a restaurant that’s as delicious as it is stunning. This West Hollywood wine bar, created by Suzanne Goin and Lucques’s Caroline Styne, is one of the city’s pioneering wine bars, pairing wines by the glass with small plates from its award-winning chefs.

Styne’s global wine list is impressive, and it includes plenty of biodynamic, organic and sustainable options. The restaurant also features a gorgeous outdoor garden, a cozy wine room and an imaginative craft cocktail program that mirrors the farmers’ market influence of Suzanne Goin’s small plates. So, it’s definitely worth a trip if you want to try some of the best wines in town. Plus, the food is so good that you won’t feel bad about ordering a few extra glasses.

3. Vanguard

Vanguard is an excellent option for investors who want low-cost funds and a no-frills trading experience. Its brokerage account minimum is relatively low at just $1 million, and it offers commission-free investing in stocks and ETFs from other companies.

Vanguard’s mutual fund offering is also solid, especially for those looking to invest in index funds. Founder Jack Bogle invented the index fund, and Vanguard has been a leader in the industry since then.

It’s also a great choice for retirement investors who want a broad range of portfolio options. The company has a number of mutual fund choices, including the Admiral Shares class, which features very low expense ratios and is available to accounts with less than $100,000.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Vanguard has a dedicated area on its website for socially responsible investments (SRI). Its selection of SRI funds is fairly good. Most are indexed and follow an exclusionary strategy that omits companies that do not meet certain environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.

4. Cherry on Top

Cherry wine is a relatively new type of wine that has a large fan base. It is a great choice for bars that serve appetizers because it is fruity and easy to drink, but is still slightly higher in alcohol content than white wines.

The popularity of cherry wine is increasing every year. It has grown to the point that wineries in Michigan have started making more cherry wines than they can sell because of demand.

This makes it a great choice for bars because it is popular and it can help your sales grow. It is also relatively inexpensive, which can help you increase your profits.

If you are looking for a place to go with friends to enjoy a good bottle of wine, there is no better spot than Cherry on Top in Bushwick. It offers a funky selection of natural wines and a rooftop garden for enjoying the weather.

5. Lelabar

With its wraparound bar, cozy nook and globally-inspired wine list (plus tastings), Lelabar is the perfect spot to catch up with a friend or grab a quick glass of something unique. The space is quaint, romantic and intimate, with dark wood accents, evening candles and jazz soundtracks.

When you’re ready to move on to a bite, there’s a small selection of cheese and charcuterie boards, plus tasty paninis. Check out their central chalkboard for daily wine and food specials, which are also great for groups of two or more.

The wine director at Lelabar, Chris Martorano, has noticed a new trend in the wine world: chillable reds are being rewarded again. For a while, full-bodied wines were valued above all else.

The sommeliers at Lelabar are able to help you pick the right bottle for you, with a range of prices and regions on offer. They also have an extensive selection of Beaujolais, which has been gaining popularity in recent years.

6. One19 Wine Bar

The Lower East Side is home to some of the best wine bars and tasting rooms. Among them is One19 Wine Bar, a speakeasy style bar located behind a deli that encourages visitors to try wines from lesser known grapes like Vermentino and Albarino.

Located on Essex Street, One19 is an interesting spot for a night out on the town. It has a cool dimly lit vibe, chill but upbeat music and excellent wine and tapas.

Industry veterans Chef/Co-owner Matt Rojas (Rouge et Blanc, Eleven Madison Park) and Sommelier Gianni Cavicchi (Nice Matin), helm this new spot that is focused on Italian wines and Italian-inspired small plates.

The restaurant offers a small but well-curated wine list and some interesting happy hours. It is a little on the pricey side for a neighborhood bar but the quality of the wines and the fun wine-tasting experience makes it worth the splurge. It’s also a great place to bring the family for dinner or a date night.

7. Habit

In psychology, a habit is a regular routine that is repeated enough times to become automatic and effortless. Essentially, it is a set of actions that arise from some kind of cue or trigger (Robbins & Costa, 2017).

A habit can be beneficial for your life and also provide a boost to your self-esteem. This is because it can make you feel like you’re doing something important, which will in turn motivate you to continue doing it.

When it comes to wine bars, establishing a concept will help you stand out from your competitors and define the experience your customers will have when visiting. The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge in Chandler, Arizona, for example, settled on a concept that allows customers to relax and unwind while drinking their favorite domestic wines.

Before opening a wine bar, it is essential to conduct market research. This will allow you to understand the current demand for wine bars and the expectations of your customers. It will also give you an idea of how you can shape your business so that it aligns with their needs and desires.

8. Mignon

If you’re looking for a classy night out with a few glasses of wine, Mignon is the place to go. This low-key and unpretentious wine bar pairs unique pours with small plates of French bistro fare.

A top pick for a date night, the quiet, cozy spot is a great way to escape the bustle of nearby Skid Row. Couples linger at comfy bar stools around the dark wood bar or at cafe tables in the front.

Mignon has a well-crafted menu, including the filet mignon burger, which is not to be missed. A good selection of wines by the glass, including a Cabernet/Merlot blend that longtime sommelier James recommends, will help you create a memorable night.

Mignon also has a few other standouts, including a wagyu steak that smacks of decadent marbling. It’s also the most expensive steak on the menu, but it’s worth the splurge. It’s not as fat-free as a prime grade, but it has a more robust beefy flavor and a buttery texture that makes it a real crowd pleaser.

9. A.O.C.

In 1998, chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne opened Lucques. The restaurant quickly garnered praise from Conde Nast Traveler, Gourmet, Food and Wine and Saveur magazines.

In 2002, the duo launched a second venture – A.O.C. – featuring the groundbreaking concept of inspired wines by the glass with small plates. The establishment was a hit, receiving favorable reviews and gaining recognition for its stunning wine-by-the-glass program.

AOC relocated to this larger site in Beverly Grove, which reflects the hyper-seasonal approach of its original. The menu features a number of familiar small-plates favorites, including bacon-wrapped Parmesan-stuffed dates and wood-oven brioche with prosciutto and Gruyere. Other dishes include arroz negro (black rice) with squid and Spanish fried chicken. The wine list offers international varieties, with a particular focus on sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines.