Going wine tasting in the city may not be as rustic as drifting along the winding roads of the Napa Valley from winery to winery while savoring fancy fare and frolicking among oak trees, but it’s just as fun — and you don’t have to find a designated driver. With a slew of wine shops offering free tastings, we’ve devised a local itinerary for spending Saturday afternoons taking the subway to sip spirits. Whether you’re looking to savor something new or just peruse a wall of Pinots, tasting is a treat you can decide to do at the last minute. Take your own NYC wine-tasting tour, all free of charge, by following our efficient travel guide.
FOR THE G-RATED CROWD
Bottlerocket, 5 W. 19th St.; 212-929-2323
* WHEN: Free tastings of two to four bottles every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.
*THE SCENE: Want to know what kind of wine to bring on a third date or to accompany red meat? This clever shop categorizes its bottles by these scenarios and more. “We’re always looking to try new things, and this store makes it so easy to go in without a clue and come out with the perfect bottle,” says Shelley Kermit, who drifted in to sample wines, then buy a bottle to bring to a friend’s house. “We’ve been educating the public since 2006 on different types of wines,” says owner Tom Geniesse. “We have them organized the old way — by country — and then in a way that helps people understand what they can pair with their wine.” This bright and spacious store goes beyond the basics, hosting shelves of cookbooks, as well as wine-related literature and magazines.
* INSIDER TIP: Let your little ones tag along — there’s a kid-friendly play area complete with a chalkboard — as well Geniesse’s very friendly dog, Otis.
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FOR THE HEALTH NUT
Chambers Street Wines, 148 Chambers St.; 212-227-1434
* WHEN: Visit this wine shop every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. for a free pour of three to five wines.
* THE SCENE: This family-owned shop has been around since 2001, specializing in low-sulfur wines made without pesticides or herbicides. One apron-clad owner, Eben Lillie, describes his merchandise as “naturally made cult wines.” During our visit, we tasted four types of Jean-Francois Ganevat grapes in two reds and two whites from a respected grower in a mountainous region of France. TriBeCa resident and holistic health coach Jennifer Kass (above, in red-striped shirt) says this store is her favorite. “It is so nice to have a shop that’s aware of toxins and pollutants, because imported grapes are on the ‘dirty dozen’ list of foods to avoid, but you don’t have to worry about that in here.”
* INSIDER TIP: Organize your own tasting at the store (or office or home). The staff will bring the supplies and knowledge you’ll need to run a satisfying and delectable tasting. Check for details at chambersstwines.com, which doubles as the store’s blog.
FOR THE MALL RAT
Chelsea Wine Vault, 75 Ninth Ave.; 212-462-4244
* WHEN: Sample five or six wines every Thursday and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.
* THE SCENE: At a recent visit to the intimate tasting room next to the store, Matteo Bisol, the owner of Italian winery Bisol, discussed his vineyard, making this experience unique and informative. Wine consultant Elena Matt, of Vias Imports, poured five wines — two reds, two whites and a rosé — while discussing the region of Italy where Bisol comes from. “We’re doing four tastings here this month, once a week, and we’re offering a discount on the bottles that we’re tasting,” says Matt. This spot is a bit lo-fi — expect plastic cups instead of glasses.
* INSIDER TIP: After you’ve finished your tasting, load up on some sweet treats at Eleni’s bakery across the hall in the Chelsea Market.
FOR THE LOFT DWELLER
Tribeca Wine Merchants,40 Hudson St.; 212-393-1400
* WHEN: Start your free tasting of four or five wines early — every Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m.
* THE SCENE: This laid-back store is the only one we found that offers snacks during its tastings! A platter of cheese and crackers helps to lure afternoon strollers into the store — and makes it easier to sip without getting too silly in the middle of the day. (Some wines also go down better with food.) Regular Edan Yacobovsky treks to TriBeCa from the West Village every week for a tasting, and says, “The people who work there are very helpful. It’s the best store I’ve found in terms of their selection and knowledge.”
* INSIDER TIP: This shop, like all the others we visited, is dog-friendly, so Fido can rest while you feast!
FOR THE HIPSTER
September Wines, 100 Stanton St.; 212-388-0770
* WHEN: Visit septemberwines.com or become a Facebook friend to see which three or four wines will be poured every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.
* THE SCENE: Three nights a week at his LES shop, owner Steve Flynn organizes tastings (with emphasis on the word tastings — “It’s not a bar,” Flynn says). Many samplers live in the neighborhood and are regular customers at this chummy place. The night we attended, Suzanne Reynolds, a sales rep with Vision Wine Brands, poured three Italian wines — one red, one sparkling and one white. “We try to offer something that people can compare, and these happen to be really well-priced, in the $10-to-$20 range,” she says. One regular taster — 27-year-old Ryan Lichtcsien, who lives in the neighborhood — sampled all three. “I live two blocks away, so I always come in here and look for a good value. Everyone that works here knows me and my dog, Mama,” he says.
* INSIDER TIP: This place is eco-friendly. The store makes annual donations to carbonfund.org, which supports carbon reduction.
FRIDAY FREEBIES
If you’re looking to start the weekend early, these shops only serve free splashes on Friday.
* California Wine Merchants, 15 Bridge St., between Whitehall and Broad streets; 212-785-7285
Stop by the store every Friday between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. for free tastings of three or four different wines.
* Frankly Wines, 66 West Broadway; 212-346-9544
Pop in every Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to try a higher-end bottle of wine, usually priced at more than $30.