Wine Bars of The Upper West Side
Brownstones, Upper West Side
It could be argued that Manhattan’s Upper West Side may just be the most neighborhood-y neighborhood on the island. Sandwiched between Central Park and Riverside Park, the UWS is known for its majestic pre-war architecture, tree-lined streets, The Natural History Museum, Lincoln Center (home to the New York City Ballet and Juilliard), and its overall “grown-up” feel. As one heads uptown via Broadway, crossing 59th Street, the gleaming lights of the Theatre District begin to dissolve into residential communities and quiet streets. Tucked away within these bounds, which extend up to West 110th Street near Columbia University, are cozy and down-to-earth wine bars, where real New Yorkers hang out, talk about the goings-on of the world, family drama, and all the while gulping or sipping wine.
In this west side story, we are schlepping our way through the crowds of people walking while texting, dodging strollers and Ivy League know-it-alls, to bring you our picks for the neighborhood’s best wine bars.
Sipsteria
774 Amsterdam Avenue
Sipsteria
Let’s take a trip to Georgia, no, not that one - The Republic of Georgia. Situated on the bank of the Black Sea, Georgia is where primitive winemaking began nearly 8,000 years ago. The country is known for “orange” wine, and no, it's not made from oranges. The wine is made from white grapes, although the grape skins are left on during fermentation, extracting seductive aromas and electric colors. Fermentation and aging all happen in the traditional qvevri (KWEV-REE), a large clay pot buried into the earth - a centuries-old tradition, still alive and well today.
Sipsteria, a Georgian natural wine bar with another location nearby in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, checks all the boxes for a good time. The cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you stepped into a Georgian grandmother’s kitchen, where she knows exactly what you need, no thinking required. Although the Georgian culinary and wine culture is adequately represented, you’ll find delicious styles of natural wines from all over, even orange wine from California. Pair wines with juicy Khinkali, or soup dumplings - suggested to eat with your hands, with the morsel flipped upside down. Don’t question, lean into it.
Suggested Wines to Try:
Stori, Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane 2013 - Kakheti, Georgia
Dried stone fruits - apricots, peaches, and juicy apples- layered with notes of Oolong tea and citrus oil.
Domaine des 2 Anes, ‘Fontanilles’ Red Blend 2022 - Corbières, France
Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan - the ol’ Southern France wine stew- exudes confidence with juicy plums and garrigue spice.
Columns
2756 Broadway
Snacks and drinks at Columns
If you’ve never had a reason to venture up into the triple digits, the time is now. Columns, located on the corner of W. 106th and Broadway, is the place to be for quenching your thirst for exotic and captivating Mediterranean wines. As the name on the door suggests, Columns is an homage to Mediterranean architecture synonymous with the region - and you’ll find them throughout the interior. A relatively new addition to the block, this watering hole is a burst of sophisticated energy, with a dazzling wine list and seductive culinary accompaniments. The wine list is thoughtfully organized by categories such as “Bold & Gripping” and “Rich & Complex,” making unfamiliar grapes, such as karaksadiz or yiannoudi, a little less daunting. Explore some of the rotating wine flights to find a new favorite and pair it with a plate of arancini or Moroccan flatbread - or even the self-described “The Best Kale Salad You’ve Ever Had.” Give it a go.
Suggested Wines to Try:
Tenuta Principe Alberico, Semillon 2019 - Lazio, Italy
Old vine semillon from Italy? Sure, why not? Jasmine, passionfruit, and stone fruit flavors, hugged by a toasty, oaky blanket.
Filipa Pato, Baga, ‘Post-Quercus’ Tinto 2024 - Bairrada, Portugal
A stunner from one of the best female winemakers out there. Soft, quaffable - but not boring, bright red currant, pomegranate, wild oregano, with a nice spine of minerality.
Le Vin Couer
108 W. 81st Street
Le Vin Couer interior photo courtesy of Le Vin Couer
Imagine it's a cold, sleepy, and rainy weekday evening in New York, and you have the urge to get out for a low-key glass of wine. Le Vin Coeur, which just turned one, is the place you want to be. Nestled off the busy artery of Columbus Ave and hiding in plain sight, this cozy, all-French wine bar will have you thinking you dropped right into the streets of Paris. Exposed brick, hardwood floors, sexy lighting, and charming staff make this a fiercely popular destination for un verre de vin. The wine list, as you could imagine, is all French, with selections from Champagne all the way down to the far reaches of the Southwest, with some fun, fairly-priced gems sprinkled in. Every Monday night, there is live music - think violins and acoustic guitars, and lovey-dovey renditions of “La Vie En Rose”. French onion soup, escargots, fromage, and other seductive French bites are offered alongside a robust by-the-glass menu. And if you’re picky about your glassware, never fear, these vessels are just as sexy as the wine in them.
Suggested Wines to Try:
Domaine Aegerter, Meursault 2023 - Burgundy, France
For the classic and sophisticated wine drinker, this alluring, lush blanc boasts some oak spice, bright acidity, and a pristine finish.
Château Lastours ‘Cuvée des Pigeonniers’ 2022 - Gaillac, Southwest, France
A pensive blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Braucol from the French countryside. Mellow tannins, oak-aged, with divine blackberry and plum accents and enticing aromatics.
ZiZi
2012 Broadway
ZiZi interior
Just a short walk from Lincoln Center is ZiZi, a vibrant and vibey Mediterranean and Middle Eastern wine bar, perfect for the post-theatre discussions. ZiZi is a woman-owned business and reflects founder Sharon Hoota’s Moroccan-Israeli heritage, a story told through the thoughtfully curated wine list and menu selections. Syrah from Morocco, spicy Lebanese reds, compelling Turkish blends - yes, Turkish wines! They’re quite riveting, actually. The food selections are meant to be shared, bringing an idea of community to the table. Grilled halloumi is definitely a must-have, as is the bone marrow. You’ll want a glass of sparkling with the latter. A swig of Assyrtiko with the confit fennel and labneh would be ideal, and a big, bold Lebanese red is a no-brainer for the za’tar chimichurri lamb. Don’t skip the baklava cheesecake, either. The sleek and modern space is inviting, and the hospitality is beyond. Two other locations exist: one in Chelsea and the other in FiDi, so you can get your ZiZi fill whenever, wherever.
Suggested Wines to Try:
Chateau Ksara ‘Reserve du Couvent’ Red Blend 2020 - Bekkaa Valley, Lebanon
The wine to try with the aforementioned lamb. Cedar, vanilla spice, and bay leaf aromas are united with fine tannins and dark berry fruit.
Selendi, Rosé 2023 - Aegean, Turkey
It’s light pink, relax, you’ll love it. Crafted from the win-win recipe of grenache, cinsault, mouvedre, and syrah, this calypso coral-colored juice erupts with white peach, honeysuckle, and a swift Aegean breeze.
Bin71
237 Columbus Avenue
Bin 71 interior photo courtesy of Bin 71
Bin71 celebrates the very best of worldly wine in an intimate, low-key space. Here, the locals belly up to the bar post-work to destress or meet for a friendly afternoon drink. If you’re lucky enough to be a regular, it really is a place where everybody knows your name. Opened in 2005, the small-but-mighty enoteca offers nearly 30 wines by the glass, and close to 100 by the bottle - all packaged and presented in an unpretentious, encouraging manner. Try anything and everything from New York State riesling to Mallorcan red to the lusciously pink Chiaretto. The focus throughout the list is organic and biodynamic viticulture, with a thoughtful seasonal menu to match. Grilled Portuguese octopus, local oysters, and crunchy, melty sammies are great accompaniments as you drink in the goings-on of the week, daily politics, or hearing about the experience of an ABC studio taping from your bar buddies. Be prepared, it does fill up fast!
Suggested Wines to Try:
Osmote, Chardonnay 2022 - Cayuga Lake, New York
From a family-run winery that focuses on a hands-off winemaking approach to highlight the very best of the Finger Lakes terroir. Crisp orchard fruits, pristine minerality, and toastiness.
Domaine Mittnacht, Cremant d’Alsace NV - Alsace, France
A textural and refined mousse bursting with personality. Dry, crisp, with extended aging, gives your day “oohs and aahs” that it needs.
Chamma Mama
373 Amsterdam Avenue
Chamma Mama photo credit Chamma Mama
You didn’t think there’d be two amazing Georgian Wine Bars on the UWS, did you? Of course there is! This is New York, darling! We can and do have it all! At Chamma Mama, which also has locations in Chelsea and Brooklyn Heights, the Georgian food and wine culture leap from the menu. Enjoy curated wine flights or wines by the glass made from homegrown Georgian grapes, including rkatsiteli, kisi, and aleksandrouli. If those aren’t enough to numb the pain from the week, try a Chacha flight, a high-proof distilled spirit made from these Georgian grapes. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served and highlight the best from the country, including beef Karacho soup, chicken Mtsvadi, and of course, the very famous ooey-gooey “cheeseboat” - the Khachapuri. It’s best to cure the chacha hangover.
Suggested Wines to Try:
Terrakisi, Tsitska 2024 - Imereti, Georgia
“Um, what’s like a Sancerre?” Tsitska, of course! The Granny Smith apple tartness, fresh grapefruit, and mineral accents will have you thinking this wine is moonlighting as Sauvignon Blanc.
Artana’s Wine, Rkatsiteli 2015 - Khaketi, Georgia
Wanna dive right into orange wine and skip the introductory stuff? Let’s go! Fermented for six months, this amber wine is tannic, with bursts of citrus, wet earth, and roasted pepitas. She’s a thinker.
Honorable Mentions:
Amelie
566 Amsterdam Avenue
This cozy stalwart on Amsterdam Ave is Michelin-recognized and has been awarded multiple times. The bar features an alluring happy hour, flights, and classic French bites
Claire's Wine Bar
150 Manhattan Avenue
A fairly new addition to the ‘hood, Claire’s serves a Mediterranean-inspired dinner menu with fairly priced “natural” wines available by the glass and the bottle.