Best Wine Bar

From stylish event venues to a backyard party and laboratory kitchen, we've pulled together an eclectic list of some of the nation's best wine bars. These venues represent the full range of the wine world, letting you sample wines from local small-batch producers, globally recognized labels or sustainable vineyards. And, as you'd expect, you'll find nibbles and small plates (or full meals) to pair with whatever you choose.

These 10 wine bars were selected by our featured panelist and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. LaLou—Brooklyn, NY

Located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, LaLou is a restaurant and wine bar that offers patrons a French-inspired kitchen menu by Executive Chef Ian Anderson and a bottle list that boasts more than 500 wines. The wine list, curated by Joe Campanale and Dave Foss, focuses on vintages that are naturally produced from small suppliers.

2. a.o.c.—Brentwood, CA

A partnership between restaurateur Caroline Styne and chef Suzanne Goin, the a.o.c. in Brentwood offers a beautiful communal space that combines casual dining, a marketplace and a bar stocked with artisanal wines. The venue is famous for its award-winning concept of pairing wine by the glass with delicious small plates.

3. Mermaid Winery—Norfolk, VA

Located in downtown Norfolk, Mermaid Winery's restaurant and wine bar offer vintages from their own limited-production winery as well as more than 800 bottles from around the world. Soak in the historic atmosphere of its 1908 building while you sip from one of the winery's thematically named wines.

4. Bacchanal Wine—New Orleans, LA

Housed in (and out back of) a 200-year-old building in New Orleans' Ninth Ward, Bacchanal turns the wine bar into a Mediterranean backyard party. The speakeasy vibe is augmented by live jazz, and gourmet food served on paper plates helps to unlock the flavors of its subtle Old World wines.

5. High Street Wine Co.—San Antonio, TX

Mosey on down to the historic Pearl district of San Antonio to sample the carefully curated selections at the High Street Wine Co. It's a comfortable venue to share a bottle, host an event or attend a wine class. In addition to an array of wines, High Street offers a range of beers and ciders.

6. Corazón—Corvallis, OR

A casual wine bar with a lot of heart, Corazón offers an extensive menu of local and global vintages in a rustic chic atmosphere with Spanish and Mexican accents. The wine list pairs well with the charcuterie and tapas small plates available from the kitchen, and the wine shop allows you to take a new favorite home.

7. Bottlehouse—Seattle, WA

Set in a 1905 craftsman house, Bottlehouse offers an intimate environment for wine-based events. The wine bar and shop let patrons enjoy a rotating menu that specializes in local and boutique wines but includes vintages from around the Pacific Northwest and the globe. All pair well with the excellent cheese and charcuterie.

8. New York Kitchen—Canandaigua, NY

New York Kitchen's Tasting Room offers a constantly revolving list of 60 New York wines you can enjoy in a relaxed environment. If your drinking partners prefer craft beer, cider or distilled spirits, they'll find something seasonal to slake their thirst as well. Be sure to visit the restaurant or sign up for a cooking class while you're there!

9. haley.henry wine bar—Boston, MA

A casual venue with a bit of an edge, haley.henry wine bar brings a focus on responsibly sourced vintages to Boston's Downtown Crossing, accompanied by music and laughter. A half-bottle program allows patrons to explore the list of small production wines that can be paired with cheese, charcuterie, ceviche and tinned fish.

10. Times Ten Cellars—Dallas, TX

This stylish wine bar combines a tasting room, relaxing lounge and beautiful outdoor space where guests can sample local vintages, small plates and sparkling conversation. Times Ten Cellars focuses its wine list on small-batch wines produced in Texas and California. If you're looking for a tasteful event venue, the winery offers several options for private parties.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelist

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.