Jessica Strelitz

Spending time exploring the best D.C. wine bars is a good way to pass your days.

New(ish) Wine Bars in D.C.

Many restaurants and bars across the region have developed unique and refreshing wine menus during the last two years. But here in the D.C.-metro area, we found five new additions to the wine bar circuit that offer refreshing twists to their lists.

In Arlington, Va.

Kid-Friendly at Twisted Vines

The Columbia Pike wine bar encourages families, but there are plenty of libations for the adults, too. The bar features 20 wines by the glass and more than 100 bottles, primarily from small, global producers. Twisted Vines (2803 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA; 571/482-8581; twisted-vines.com) hosts a monthly stroller Happy Hour for families to gather, share small plates and sip while their children play. Owners and neighborhood residents Sybil and Josh Robinson also pair Virginia winemakers with local artists as part of their regular “Swirl” series, and all bottles are available for retail purchase if you find a blend you’d rather sip at home. [image: Jessica Strelitz]

Local Cheese, Meat and More at Screwtop

A few blocks from the Clarendon Metro, Wendy Buckley’s team at Screwtop Wine Bar (1025 North Fillmore St., Arlington, VA; 703/ 888-0845; www.screwtopwinebar.com)  introduces guests to artisan cheeses and charcuterie  from across the country as a complement to its always-developing wine and artisan beer menu. A recent pairing offered a salumi trio from Virginia’s Olli Salumeria with sips of Italian and California vinos.  Screwtop also prepares cheese-only and meat-only flights, has small pour options for midday sampling and regularly hosts winemakers in its cozy retail-tasting space.  

Maryland

Pour Your Own Adventure at the Tasting Room 

In addition to featuring two dozen wines by the glass and bottle from Argentina to Spain, The Tasting Room Wine Bar (Maryland locations at 5330 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase;  301/664-9494 and 137 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Oxon Hill; 301- 686-0465; thetastingroomwinebar.com)  also showcases offerings from its parent winery, Boxwood Estates in Middleburg, Va. The winery, which was established in 2004 by John Kent Cookie, son of former Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke, produces high-end reds including the stone fruit-heavy Topiary, a Cabernet Franc sand Merlot blend, and the robust Boxwood (a blend of Cabernet Sauvingnon, Merlot and Petit Verdot). Can’t make up your mind? We suggest buying an eno-card and sampling the entire menu in one-, three-and five-ounce pours from the enomatic wine system.

DC

Go Organic at Dickson Wine Bar

This three-story U Street wine bar specializes in organic or biodynamic wines, mainly sourced from the Old World. Twenty selections by the glass include highlights such as a light and green Hirsch Gruner Veltliner 2009 or a berry-licious Super Tuscan Blend—Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot—from Turlo. Hungry? Dickson Wine Bar (903 U St., NW; 202/332-1779; dicksonwinebar.com/) also offers several twists on Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches, including a baguette layered with Amish-raised chicken and another stuffed with Kansas ribeye. [image: Jessica Strelitz]

Trust the Guides at Ripple

Wine explorers can mull over 50 wines by the 3-and-6 ounce pours at Cleveland Park’s Ripple (3417 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202/ 244-7995; rippledc.com), including six glasses for $6 every day. A little hesitant in your selections?  Allow the wine experts to introduce you to a few of their personal favorites. It’s the creative staff that keeps the wine list packed with unique bottles, many of which are sustainable or organic.  Some of GM Danny Fisher’s favorites by the glass this summer include Case Ibidini Insolia 2009 and sustainable sparkler Martinolles Crémant de Limoux 2006 – a bubbly blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. More good news: the narrow, but deep, bar and dining area recently expanded and will add a retail component in the next few months. [image: Chloe Thompson]