Updated December 30, 2022. Well, it’s officially wine season. No, not in the sense that grapes are being harvested at the moment (they’re not, unless it’s for ice wine or something). In the sense that the weather is getting cold and we could all use a great night out with a good glass of our favorite red or white. For your New Year’s Eve and beyond, these NoVA wine bars make winter about as fun as it can be.
Crush Wine Bar
Settle into a sumptuous sofa at this cozy Winchester spot and peruse the iPad list of global selections, including Virginia offerings, available by taste, glass, or flight. All are designed to pair smartly with tapas and small plates like a duo of roasted bone marrow, seared pork belly, and mushroom ragout tartlets. 3031-103 Valley Ave., Winchester
Trummer’s Coffee and Wine Bar
This wine bar in Gainesville is the second act of Stefan and Victoria Trummer, owners of the wildly popular Trummer’s Restaurant in Clifton. Liquid options from Stefan’s native Austria, like grüner veltliner, and pinot noir, are joined by coffee cocktails, snacks, bratwurst panini, and panko-crusted wienerschnitzel. 14013 Promenade Commons St., Gainesville
Barcelona Wine Bar
The Spanish wine menu at this buzzy hotspot in the Reston Town Center runs deep, with traditional and modern expressions of Rioja as well as bottles from lesser-known regions like Toro, La Mancha, and Navarra. Do a deep dive while tearing into patatas bravas, chorizo with figs, and gambas al ajillo. 12023 Town Square St., Reston
Brüt Champagne & Wine Bar
Bubbles are always apropos at this Alexandria homage to the effervescent elixir. Whether you have a penchant for popping Champagne, Cava, or Crémant, you’ll find lots of flute-worthy finds available by the glass or bottle; alongside, nibble on a DIY your own cheese or charcuterie board or ooey, gooey raclette. 118 S. Royal St., Alexandria
Potomac Point Winery & Bistro
After swirling and sipping a flight in the Merlot Meadow Tasting Lounge, stay for dinner at this Stafford winery housed on a Mediterranean-style estate. Highlights from Le Grand Cru Bistro include angel hair pasta, prociutto di parma panini, and bacon wrapped dates. For added ambience, book one of the bistro fire-pit tables. 275 Decatur Rd., Stafford
The Wine House Wine Bar and Bistro
This downtown Fairfax spot run by husband and wife duo Michael and Jackie Pearce was inspired by their experiences in New Zealand and Napa. After you find the perfect pairing for fare such as wild-caught Icelandic cod or pan-seared diver sea scallops, snag a bottle from their onsite wine shop to recreate your experience at home. 3950 University Dr., Ste. 212, Fairfax
Verre Wine Bar
The team at this Arlington locale offers unexpected wines that overdeliver, from Spanish sauvignon blanc to a rosé of pinot noir from Germany. Curated flights take you on a sip trip, and build-your-own bruschetta boards are a fun departure from the typical cheese plate. 2415 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Belly up to the tasting bar at this upscale chain, which has local locations in Reston and Ashburn, serving proprietary pours of globally sourced wines, including a smattering of international options like a Super Tuscan and Barossa Valley Shiraz. Afterward, tote your glass to your table to wash down red wine-braised short ribs or pistachio-crusted grouper. 12130 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston; 19870 Belmont Chase Dr., Ashburn
Feature image by Rey Lopez
A version of this story originally appeared in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
