best_wine_restaurants_dc
Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

From Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

“What defines a Wine Enthusiast Magazine best 100 wine restaurant? Is it the outstanding selection of wines? An innovative menu? Detail-oriented service? Buzzed-about décor? The eateries on our list do all these things and more: They serve up a true passion for presenting mind-blowing wine-and-food pairings.”

And the DC restaurants to make the list are:

Art and Soul 415 New Jersey Avenue NW

CityZen 1330 Maryland Avenue SW

Estadio 1520 14th Street NW

Fiola 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

minibar by José Andrés 855 E Street NW

Plume at The Jefferson, DC 1200 16th Street NW

Ripple 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW


“Dear PoP,

Since we opened our store we’ve noticed that our customers enjoy their wine more when they know something about where and whom it comes from – the walls in our store are covered with maps and photographs of producers, each of whom we know personally. To make it easier to share these stories, maps, and tasting notes, we’ve created a Videos Section on our website, where we’re posting video profiles of wines.

We’ve also created linked QR codes and placed them on the shelves in the store next to the wine. Customers with a smartphone can download the free “QR Scanner” app, then scan and watch the video in store.

We’re really excited to be able to connect our customers with their wine and its winemaker, even from the comfort of home.

We’re having a tasting of some older Burgundies this weekend.”

Ansonia Wines is located at 1828 18th St, NW.


Thanks to a reader for sending the great news:

“I was walking past today at Solea and saw this alcohol license in the window for Du Vin Osteria. A wine bar and small plates restaurant with seating for 199 and patio seating for 28. Very exciting news, especially with Pica taco moving in across the way.”

The alcohol license says:

“New tavern. Small plates. Formaggi selections and Charcuterie selections. Occupancy load 199. Sidewalk Café seating for 28.”

I’m psyched to hear they’ll also have a sidewalk cafe.

We discussed the non profit going into Solea here.

Update: Thanks to a reader for sending a bit more info from a Facebook page:

Du Vin Osteria was conceived as a wine and tapas bar found in rural towns in the South of France and Northern Italy. I liked both places so much I wanted to mesh the best of both worlds and create a rustic unpretentious place where people gather to savor wines, artisanal /seasonal beers, swanky drinks and eat hearty small meals while indulging in conversation or reading the paper. We also will have an outdoor café with table service to dine alfresco for your most enjoyment during the spring and summer seasons.

Our Wine selection will be dynamic and embody not only excellent vintage but also simple “vin de table” wines for on-site consumption. We will also have in hopes in the future months have a section of the Osteria particularly on the lower level called The Du VinMarket that will comprise of wines, artisanal and seasonal beers for retail purchase to go.

The food will be comprises of a variety of small plates, great bread, International cheeses, bruschettas, charcuterie, olives, desserts and more to be shared with one another.

I hope to give an enjoyable sense of comfort, away from our daily hectic schedule; a throw back to some old rustic country living…where time stands still for Du Vin…

David M. Shott-Proprietor


We learned back in July that 903 U Street, NW a former art gallery was going to turn into Dickson Wine Bar. I’m happy to report that they are having a soft opening tonight and hope to open to the public over the weekend or early next week. I took a peek inside and the place def. looks ready to roll. I was able to snap one photo of the third floor:

Sweet, yeah?

The space will take up all three floors. The bar will be on the second floor with seating on all three floors. As you can tell the space isn’t huge though it looks super cool. I’d say it could probably fit about 10-20 people per floor with maybe a bit more on the second floor. In addition to wine, while they won’t have a full restaurant, you’ll be able to get cheese and charcuterie as well as some other small plates.

I’ll be sure to announce the official opening date as soon as it becomes available.


Ezme Wine Bar and Turkish Restaurant is coming to the 2000 block of P Street, NW west of Dupont Circle (across from today’s judging buildings). This is the location that used to house Pesce. Apparently Ezme is from the same group that owns Meze in Adams Morgan.


This was a pretty quick turn around since the coming soon signs went up in October. Sunday evening there was a soft opening and I was able to snap some photos.

In addition to wine they will also be offering cured meats and cheeses:

And very soon they will also be offering sandwiches. You’ll be able to find more information on their Web site here soon. They’ll be open Mon. – Thurs. 11am – 9pm; Fri. 11am – 10pm; Sat. 10am – 10pm; and Sun. 10am – 8pm. More photos after the jump. (more…)


SOVA is located at 1359 H Street, NE. I suppose this is more of a coffee spot/wine bar but I’ve heard lots of good things about it. I see on the window they also offer pastries and desserts, are there other food options? It also looks like they have some nice tea options. Any fans out there? How are the prices?


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