9 Top Wine Experiences in Arlington

Although you won’t find vineyards in Arlington’s rolling hills along the Potomac River, our lively urban neighborhoods make up a vital part of the Virginia wine experience.

Serving award-winning regional, domestic and international wines, these 9 Arlington’s wine bars and shops offer oenophiles an exciting array of unique tastes and experiences.

1. Cheesetique

Discover a world of wines, cheeses and comfort foods at this local favorite in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood. Pair a fabulous Red, White or Rosé with The Grown-Up grilled cheese sandwich and Creamy Tomato Soup, a Lobster Mac, a delicious Mixed Board or other delectable options. You can also check out a Monthly Wine Dinner featuring wines from famed producer portfolios, perfectly paired with distinct multi-course meals.

2. Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro

Nestled by a fountain in a courtyard in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood, Grand Cru offers a European-style wine-and-dine experience. When tasting, choose from international and domestic flights including The World of Whites, California, A World of Reds, and The Grand Cru Flight. Savor an assorted menu of Charcuterie, Cheese Fondue, and entrées including Beef Short Rib Bourguignon, Sautéed Diver Scallops and Braised Lamb Shank.

3. Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge

Check out this intimate, elegant salon from a bygone era where craft cocktails and bubbles are the order of the day. This plush, elegant lounge in Clarendon will help you get lost in time and space with a menu of delicious small plates, an extensive list of open bubbles (including more than 40 Champagnes and sparkling wines from Italy, Spain, New Zealand, the United States and France), plus well-crafted cocktails.

4. Northside Social Coffee & Wine

With its bustling patio in Clarendon, cozy upstairs lounge and array of creative wine events, Northside Social is a wine (and coffee) lover’s delight. From Saturday Sips to themed Wine Dinners with guest vintners, the NoSo experience combines learning and fun. Add in the Three Cheese or Three Charcuterie Plate, a Hummus Platter and other tasty café selections for the perfect outing.

5. Oby Lee

Offering an intriguing combination of crepes, a wine bar, coffee and authentic Polish food, Oby Lee is a cozy one-of-a-kind spot in Clarendon. Numerous wines are available by the taste and glass. Guests can also savor Ula’s homemade Pierogi daily, along with specialties like sweet and savory crepes that the flavors of Europe. Don’t miss the Friday Night Polish Food Menu and the new Red Wine Hot Chocolate Elixir!

6. Screwtop Wine Bar

Offering more than 40 wines by the glass and an impressive selection of ciders, spritz and hard seltzers, there’s always something new to try at Screwtop in Clarendon. Enjoy monthly Featured Flights – a great way to sample four new wines at a fraction of the normal cost – and choose from a delicious selection of nibbles and noshes. You can also check out the incredible Cheesemonger Plate, gluten-free and low-carb appetizers, private wine tastings, and a popular brunch menu.

7. Verre Wine Bar

Located in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood, Verre (rhymes with “share”) is the French word for “glass.” Verre’s team is fanatically focused on sourcing world-class wines that overdeliver for their price points. Global selections include the bold and fruity wines of sunny California, the funky flavors of France’s Rhone Valley, and the beautifully balanced styles of Spain. Verre’s certified wine professionals work closely with equally dedicated wineries, importers and distributors to deliver a rotating list of more than 100 bottles. They also feature one of Northern Virginia’s best value Flight programs.

8. WHINO

This dynamic Ballston Quarter restaurant is combined with an art gallery – a modern, open-concept venue that invites patrons to inhabit large-scale mural installations while enjoying craft cocktails, beer, wine and globally inspired social plates. An impressive wine list along with a calendar of Drinking Events like “Bibi Graetz Eccentric Winemaker” and “Chianti Class with Riscasoli” provide many reasons for guests to return!

9. Zen Bistro & Wine Bar

Zen Bistro is an Asian tapas venue in Arlington's urban village of Pentagon City that encourages patrons to enjoy their small plated delicacies with a good wine or cocktail. On Wednesday evenings, Carol Gaylor & Bruce Katsu’s acoustic guitar and soft vocals make for a great mellow evening out. On the weekend, things tend to pick up with live music on Thursday and more local patronage throughout the weekend.

Looking for a shop to guide you on the perfect bottle and the ultimate recommendation on complementary food pairings? Visit Arlington favorites Arrowine & Cheese in the Langston Boulevard neighborhood and the Crystal City Wine Shop in the National Landing area!

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Courtney Cacatian

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