Each month in our ‘Spotlight On…’ series, we explore a new city and its wine culture, diving into the drinking trends, where to go for great wines, and any unique products or services linked to the region. Keeping our finger on the pulse when it comes to the wider world of wine is critical when helping us to identify areas of opportunity for our clients, aiding our eventing arm ‘Wrapped’, and for our online product offering on Uncorked. Whether curious about the habits and happenings of a city, or looking for wine-centric areas to visit, our ‘Spotlight On…’ series is for you.
This month: New York! New York City’s wine culture is vibrant, with wine bars like Aldo Sohm in Midtown offering high-end selections and Ruffian in the Lower East Side excelling in natural wines and vegan options. The NYC Wine & Food Festival’s move to Brooklyn highlights the borough’s growing influence on the city’s food and wine scene. Despite national declines in wine consumption, NYC remains a hub for enthusiasts, adapting to emerging trends while celebrating diversity in wine styles and fostering an enduring love for wine exploration.
OVERALL TRENDS
- Increased overall demand for wines from Burgundy and Rhône, over classic Bordeaux producers.
- More options and preference for organic, biodynamic and sustainable wines, both throughout NY wine bars and in wine subscription and delivery services.
- US wines remain popular in the city especially amongst younger drinkers.
- Greater appreciation for sweeter wines than in other capital cities such as London.
MADE IN NYC
Cote Wine Club
The Cote Wine Club, based in New York City, is an exclusive subscription service curated by the team behind the renowned Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, Cote. Launched to share their passion for exceptional wines, the club offers members access to a thoughtfully curated selection of bottles that reflect the restaurant’s celebrated wine program. Focused on quality and diversity, the club features wines from prestigious regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and beyond, while also highlighting hidden gems from innovative producers worldwide. Members receive seasonal shipments, detailed tasting notes, and expert pairings, creating a seamless and elevated wine experience delivered directly to their door.
BAR HOPPING
Aldo Sohm
Location: 151 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Vibe: Relaxed, living-room feel with a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere.
Known for: A diverse selection of wines, with over 40 by the glass and 200 by the bottle.
Ruffian
Location: 125 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Vibe: Intimate and cozy, with a 19-seat bar perfect for natural wine lovers and a vegetarian-friendly menu.
Known for: Natural wines with a focus on lesser-known producers.
Parcelle Wine
Location: 511 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Vibe: Sleek and modern wine shop and bar offering a curated, high-end selection.
Known for: A focus on rare and collectible wines from classic regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux.
The Ten Bells
Location: 247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
Vibe: Rustic and lively, with a focus on natural wines and popular oyster happy hours.
Known for: Organic and biodynamic wines from small producers.
WHAT ARE NY CLUB MEMBERS DRINKING?
The attraction of New York’s members’ clubs lies in their exclusivity, not only in their amenities and desirable locations, but also their wine lists. From exploring the wines lists of clubs such as New York Vintners, Casa Cipriani, and Aman New York, there are certain aspects each list has in common: classics, exclusives and untapped. Each seems to offer brands that are easy to identify as luxury, such as Dom Perignon and other Champagne brands. They also have exclusive picks, with smaller plot vineyards from fine wine brands, and backdated vintages. And finally, they all seem to offer something new, from less explored regions, or smaller production brands, to give all diners the chance to try something new (or more attractively, to try something no one else has).
Another noticeable trend throughout club offerings, is their broadening in offerings from Italy. Nomad club The Ned offers an impressive range, from multiple regions, not only listing big super-Tuscan brands. Giacomo Conterno Arione 2015 features on their list, a wine with multiple impressive critic scores, boasting richness and density.
With access to the finest wines money can buy, the wines that make the wine list of an exclusive New York members’ club should not go unnoticed, and the thorough offering of Italian wines should equally not be overlooked as a sign of things to come.
