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The best wine bars in New York City

If you’ve ever been on a date so utterly terrible that it turned you off of wine bars for good, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Just kidding, but you do deserve to give them another chance. There are plenty of unpretentious, creative spots in the city for a sip with friends, by yourself, or, yes, a date. Find yourself in the right NYC wine bar and you’ll almost forgive yourself for allowing a finance bro drone on about grape varietals. Almost.


Here are our picks for the best wine bars in the city.


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Gem Wine Bar Event Venue NYC
Gem Wine Bar Event Venue NYC

1. A not-so-hidden gem in NYC: Gem Wine

Lower East Side, NYC

This wine bar in the Lower East Side is exactly what you expect a 2024 wine bar to be like – decorated like a rich creative’s place in East LA, with natural wine and small plates. From the outside, Gem Wine looks welcoming and wholesome, with a red and white awning and a bright yellow exterior. Inside, you’ll find terra cotta floors, wooden rattan chairs, and earthy artwork.


If you come for the interior, you’ll stay for the wine. The 20-page wine list is hand-selected by 25-year-old Flynn McGarry, who’s been a key figure in the food industry since he was 11 (yes, that’ll throw you into an existential crisis). With daily by-glass white, rose, orange, and red, as well as a menu of small plates you’ll have to google under the table discreetly, it’s a sophisticated and warm space for an intimate event. Buyouts are available for up to 50 guests.



Parcelle Wine Bar Event Venue LES NYC
Parcelle Wine Bar Event Venue LES NYC

2. Just let me text my sommelier real quick: Parcelle

Lower East Side, NYC

Parcelle is known for being an online wine retailer, which is so extensive that it offers a text hotline so you can chat with a sommelier to help you choose. They now have a wine bar in the Lower East Side, which is less a bar and more an exclusive lounge for wine-loving cool kids. You can order bottles from their inventory or choose from a changing selection of wines by the glass. You’ll find everything from old and rare bottles to splurge on to contemporary natural wines with Instagrammable packaging.


For such a small, wine-focused space, they have an impressive food menu: caviar sliders, burrata, and mushroom katsu are a few options. The seated space holds 30 for private events, and there’s standing room for 60. Private tastings are also available.



Ruffian Wine Bar Rent Events Brooklyn NYC
Ruffian Wine Bar Rent Events Brooklyn NYC

3. A wine bar for the true connoisseurs: Ruffian

When we say Ruffian knows their wines, we mean it. They’ve gotten the Michelin Bib Gourmand four years in a row, and their selection of over 250 wine options will appease even the snobbiest of critics. The colorful bottles stand out against the white and stone of the interiors, highlighted by brick detailing and art posters, and everything is effortlessly mismatched. You can pair the wine with a selection of mostly vegetarian Mediterranean dishes à la carte, or enjoy a four-course tasting menu paired with accompanying wines from places like Austria, Georgia, or Macedonia.


Though it’s a small space, there are several options for private rent, from 50 guests in a full buyout to five in the snug street-facing alcove. An outdoor space can also accommodate larger parties, and you can wine and dine streetside.



Honeys Brooklyn Wine Bar Meadery Event Venue NYC
Honeys Brooklyn Wine Bar Meadery Event Venue NYC

4. A wine bar that’s not just for Vikings: Honey’s

Brooklyn, NYC

You might think that mead lost its popularity before the US was even established, but it’s making a comeback – and not just at the renaissance fair. If you’re looking to try something new (or like, super old), Honey’s is the tasting room for Enlightenment Wines, a meadery using honey from local beekeepers upstate. There’s dandelion wine, tart cherry mead, and wild-fermented blackcurrant mead, to name a few. They are dry, unfiltered, and produced in small batches.


The space, both a meadery, tasting room, and cocktail bar, was once a restaurant equipment repair shop. The wooden booths are surrounded by cinder blocks and concrete, but somehow still look polished and stylish – maybe this is Bushwick-chic?


You can rent the entire space for up to 450 standing guests, or just the rooftop for 165.



Cherry On Top Wine Bar Rent Events Brooklyn NYC
Cherry On Top Wine Bar Rent Events Brooklyn NYC

5. An NYC wine bar straight out of a children’s book: Cherry On Top

Brooklyn, NYC

This female-owned wine bar in Brooklyn was opened by an illustrator, and it shows. The interior feels almost like a page from her sketchbook, slightly wobbly and crafted with joy. Candy apple tables, custom playful cushions, and her own drawings make Cherry on Top a bright, cheery space to have a glass. A funky list of natural wines is unpretentious and affordable, with glasses under $15 and bottles under $50. One of the whites, City Nights, describes itself as tasting like “wet rock, straw, honey, and sea salt.” We’ll just leave that there.


A small food menu is inspired by all-day Parisian cafés, with charcuterie snacks like salami and pickles. Private events are encouraged, and the indoor space can hold 30 while the rooftop can accommodate an additional 70. Fun fact, the namesake is inspired by the owner’s name, Cerise, and the logo is a drawing from her childhood journal.



sofia wine bar best wine bars nyc private events
sofia wine bar best wine bars nyc private events

6. Sip back and relax at this New York wine bar: Sofia

Midtown East, NYC

Midtown might be known for its skyscrapers and office buildings, but on the east side, you can find an intimate oasis: Sofia Wine Bar. The exposed brick and unembellished decor make it feel like you stumbled into someone’s kitchen. The intention behind Sofia is to allow for peace amongst the chaos (and to pop a cork or two). An enclosed and heated garden allows for a beautiful ambiance and offers private events for 30 to 50 people. What goes better with wine than pizza? Their Italian menu provides variations of classic comfort foods and pairs perfectly with any glass you’re craving. If you aren’t as familiar with wine, the staff is happy to suggest one of their internationally curated bottles.



bobo nyc restaurant wine bars new york
bobo nyc restaurant wine bars new york

7. A wine bar for anyone and everyone: Bobo

West Village, NYC

What are some characteristics of your ideal wine bar? Would you like a garden? A retractable sunroof? Perhaps a spot with some history? Well, Bobo in the West Village truly has it all. This nineteenth-century townhouse was given a second life when it was transformed into a French restaurant and wine bar. The hospitality group behind Bobo treasures community and includes several shared dining spaces, as they do at their sister restaurants: Rosemary’s, Claudette’s, and Roey’s. And of course, the French know their wine, so you’ll find a wide range of curated wines to choose from, alongside a menu of cuisine classics like French onion soup, radishes with butter, and steak frites.


For private events, there are multiple rooms available for reservations or an entire buyout for up to 150 standing guests. No matter the occasion, Bobo will put you on cloud wine.



The Lavoux Wine Bar new york city best wine bars private events
The Lavoux Wine Bar new york city best wine bars private events

8. A slice of Switzerland in NYC: The Lavaux Wine Bar

West Village, NYC

New York is famously full of unique people and places. One could argue that it’s hard to be shocked in this city. However, Lavaux Wine Bar has a backstory with enough character to impress even the most fastidious New Yorkers. Three wine enthusiasts left Lavaux, Switzerland, and its famous vineyards, with dreams of NYC. Two of these partners were skilled winemakers, the other a seasoned cheesemaker, and together they formed an ideal team to produce Lavaux Wine Bar.


Lavaux hosts a particularly special event each Tuesday- their Secret Message Party. At dinner, each table is given ample paper and pencils and encouraged to write notes to strangers around the restaurant. Lavaux Wine Bar promotes connection and storytelling, alongside a truly special wine menu curated with care and knowledge. For those looking to keep this spot to themselves, the entire venue can be reserved for up to 89 standing guests.



nine cases best nyc wine bars private events new york city
nine cases best nyc wine bars private events new york city

9. An NYC wine bar that keeps it simple: Nine Cases

East Village, NYC

Aptly named, Nine Cases offers 9 white wines, 9 red wines, and 9 small plates. They only order one case per wine, enforcing an ever-changing menu so each customer can have a unique experience, whether they’re on their first or ninth visit. For wine snobs or beginners, this spot uncomplicates your vino experience. Each item on the menu is cautiously picked out and expertly advised, so everyone goes home happy. Nine Cases is tucked away within a hub of eateries, making it the perfect place to start or end your night. For those looking for an intimate and effortless place to host an event, Nine Cases can accommodate 35 seated guests or up to 50 standing.



Find an amazing New York wine bar for your next event

A new wine bar seems to pop up in New York every other weekend, and for good reason. The world of wine has never been more diverse - whether you're after a room-temp red, biodynamic orange wine or just a cold glass of pinot, these New York wine bars have something for everyone - including your picky friend who's just "really into natural wine right now". Hire one of these stunning New York wine bars for your next event for a guaranteed good time - just don't blame us for the headache the next day.

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Your Guide to Hiring The Best Wine Bar For You in New York

Your Guide to Hiring The Best Wine Bar For You in New York

Why New York is the Ultimate City for Wine Bars

New York is a wine lover’s paradise. From sleek, modern wine bars in Manhattan to rustic, candlelit nooks in Brooklyn, the city offers a diverse array of spaces for every type of wine enthusiast. Whether you’re planning a private tasting, a corporate event, or an intimate celebration, there’s a perfect wine bar waiting for you.

With an ever-evolving wine culture, New York’s wine bars are known for their curated selections, expert sommeliers, and unique atmospheres. From old-world vintages to experimental natural wines, the city is a playground for oenophiles and casual drinkers alike.

The Evolution of Wine Bars in NYC: From Classic Cellars to Trendy Lounges

Wine culture in New York has come a long way. Once dominated by formal, old-school establishments, the city has embraced modern, eclectic spaces offering everything from biodynamic wines to boutique international selections. Today’s wine bars are social, sophisticated, and designed to provide a curated experience, whether you’re looking for a casual night out or an immersive wine tasting.

The Best Neighborhoods for Hiring a Wine Bar in NYC

Manhattan: Sophisticated, Exclusive, and Timeless

For those looking to impress, Manhattan is home to some of the city’s most high-end wine bars. Whether it’s a rooftop wine lounge or a dimly lit cellar with rare vintages, you’ll find an atmosphere that exudes luxury and refinement.

Top Picks:

  • Terroir Tribeca – A legendary wine bar with an expertly curated list.
  • Aldo Sohm Wine Bar – Chic, stylish, and ideal for refined tastings.
  • City Vineyard – A Hudson River-facing wine bar with an unbeatable view.
Brooklyn: Trendy, Intimate, and Experimental

Brooklyn’s wine scene is all about discovery. From natural wine bars to industrial-chic spots with an artisanal focus, this borough is a must for those who enjoy innovative wine lists and relaxed settings.

Top Picks:

  • The Four Horsemen – A natural wine hotspot with an intimate vibe.
  • June Wine Bar – Cozy, candlelit, and perfect for small gatherings.
  • Winona’s – A contemporary wine bar with a focus on organic and biodynamic selections.
Queens: Spacious, Affordable, and Under-the-Radar

Queens is quickly becoming a haven for wine lovers looking for something a little different. With more space and less pretense, the borough offers wine bars that are welcoming, relaxed, and perfect for hosting larger events.

Top Picks:

  • Domaine Bar à Vins – A refined yet unpretentious wine bar in Astoria.
  • Botte Bar – An intimate wine lounge with a great selection of international wines.
  • Venturo – A cozy wine bar with a Mediterranean influence.

How to Choose the Right Wine Bar for Your Event

When hiring a wine bar in New York, consider the following factors:

  • Wine Selection: Does the bar specialize in natural wines, rare vintages, or a mix?
  • Ambiance: Do you want a casual setting, a chic lounge, or a rustic cellar?
  • Capacity: Can it accommodate your guest list comfortably?
  • Food Pairings: Does the venue offer curated wine and food pairings?
  • Accessibility: Is the venue convenient for your guests to reach?

Find the Best Wine Bar for Your Event with HeadBox

New York has no shortage of outstanding wine bars, but finding the right one for your event can be a challenge. Browse our curated selection of NYC wine bars and simplify the booking process with HeadBox’s expert venue-matching service.

Need a more tailored recommendation? Reach out to our venue experts and we’ll help you secure the ideal wine bar for your next event.

Frequently asked questions

It’s best to book at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for popular venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Exclusive wine bars may require even earlier reservations.

Pricing varies widely. Small, intimate venues may start at $1,500 for private hire, while high-end wine lounges can exceed $10,000+ depending on exclusivity and services.

Many wine bars offer personalized tastings or curated selections tailored to your event. Check with the venue in advance for customization options.

Yes, many wine bars provide charcuterie, small plates, or full dining menus to enhance the wine-tasting experience. Be sure to confirm with your chosen venue.

Some venues have a minimum spend requirement, especially for private bookings. Always ask upfront to avoid surprises.

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