Ithaca, New York, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its wine bar culture is no exception. From cozy, intimate settings to bustling, lively spaces, Ithaca offers a diverse range of wine bars catering to every palate and preference. This comprehensive guide explores 28 of the best, highlighting their unique atmospheres, wine selections, and food pairings. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, Ithaca has a perfect wine bar waiting for you.
Exploring Ithaca's Diverse Wine Bar Landscape
Ithaca's wine bar scene is a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage and its growing appreciation for fine wines. Many establishments focus on local, New York State wines, showcasing the diversity and quality of Finger Lakes wines. Others offer a more global selection, featuring wines from renowned regions worldwide. Let's delve into some of the top choices:
Cozy & Intimate Wine Bars
These wine bars offer a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a quiet night out with friends.
- The Nines: Known for its sophisticated ambiance and extensive wine list, featuring both local and international selections.
- Glenwood Cafe: Offers a charming, rustic setting with a focus on organic and biodynamic wines.
- Coltivare: Features a carefully curated selection of natural wines, often accompanied by live music.
- Ithaca Beer Co.: While primarily a brewery, they also offer a well-chosen wine selection to complement their craft beers.
- The Boathouse: Located on the Cayuga Lake waterfront, this spot provides stunning lake views to complement your wine tasting.
Lively & Social Wine Bars
These bars provide a more energetic atmosphere, perfect for larger groups or those seeking a lively social scene.
- The Wine Room: A popular spot known for its extensive wine list and frequent wine tastings.
- State Street Market: A food hall featuring multiple vendors, with several offering wine by the glass or bottle.
- Rongovian Embassy: A unique establishment with a focus on international wines and eclectic food pairings.
- Hector Wine Co.: A Finger Lakes wine bar with a lively atmosphere and a focus on showcasing local wines.
- Agava Restaurant: Though primarily a restaurant, their extensive wine list and vibrant atmosphere make it a great wine bar option.
Unique & Thematic Wine Bars
These wine bars offer a unique experience, focusing on specific wine styles or themes.
- Taste of Ithaca: A wine bar focused on offering tastings of local wines.
- Treva Restaurant: Known for its elegant atmosphere and pairings of New York State wines with seasonal cuisine.
- Maxie's: A supper club offering a unique and immersive dining experience with carefully chosen wine pairings.
- The West End Wine Bar: A hidden gem offering a cozy atmosphere and carefully chosen wines by the glass.
- The Bar at The Graduate: This hotel bar offers a sophisticated space with both classic and innovative cocktails and a curated wine selection.
Wine Bars with Exceptional Food Pairings
These establishments place a strong emphasis on complementing their wine selections with delicious food.
- Za'atar: Features Mediterranean-inspired dishes that perfectly complement their extensive wine list.
- Little Venice: An Italian restaurant with an exceptional wine list, focusing on Italian varietals.
- Just a Taste: Offers small plates and charcuterie boards designed to be paired with their wine selection.
- Piero's: A classic Italian restaurant with a large selection of wines to pair with traditional dishes.
- Moosewood Restaurant: A vegetarian and vegan restaurant with a carefully curated wine list to complement their creative dishes.
Wine Bars with Outdoor Seating
These bars offer the opportunity to enjoy your wine outdoors, weather permitting.
- Lucas Ave. Wine Bar: Often features outdoor seating, weather permitting.
- The Common Market: This market offers local produce, and often has outdoor areas to enjoy wine and cheese.
- Collegetown Bagels: While known for bagels, their patio seating provides a nice spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
- Wegmans: While a supermarket, their cafe area has a decent wine selection and outdoor seating in warmer months.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
These are smaller, less-known wine bars that are still worth exploring.
- Local: Features a curated selection of local beers, wines, and spirits, showcasing the best of the region.
- The Shop: A quirky, eclectic space offering a unique wine selection and a cozy atmosphere.
- Casablanca Restaurant: Though primarily a restaurant, they have a very good wine list.
- Current: This bar frequently features rotating wine selections, providing a unique experience each visit.
Choosing the Right Wine Bar for You
This list represents a diverse selection of Ithaca's best wine bars, each with its own character and appeal. When choosing a wine bar, consider:
- Atmosphere: Do you prefer a cozy, intimate setting or a lively, social atmosphere?
- Wine Selection: Are you interested in local wines, international wines, or a specific wine style?
- Food Pairings: Would you like to enjoy your wine with food, and if so, what type of cuisine?
- Location and Accessibility: Consider the location of the wine bar and its accessibility.
With its vibrant wine bar scene, Ithaca offers a unique experience for every wine lover. Happy exploring!
