Top 5: Wine Bars in Washington, D.C.

The nation´s capital slowly transformed into the capital of cuisine over the past few years. Along with stepping up its culinary game, D.C. is also stepping into the spotlight of desirable wine cities. Just a few hours down the road in Virginia are some of the country´s best vineyards, which provide delicious local libations for the elite of D.C. Sip on some of these delightful glasses at one of the five wine bars below.

Vinoteca

Vinoteca´s cozy interior and welcoming patio make for a wonderful setting in which to enjoy some of the region´s best grape varieties. After a few tastes, try your hand at bocce ball on the back patio where Vinoteca has their own court.

Proof

Located a few steps from the Verizon Center in Chinatown, Proof serves more than 40 wines by the glass and stores more than 1,000 bottles of wine. The world-renowned wines complement the make-your-own cheese plates and succulent entrees such as beef terrine, duck cassoulet and wagyu steak.

Cork

This 14th Street staple inhabited the strip long before the trendy restaurants and condos followed suit. The wine bar features a hefty menu of the world´s finest wines as well as small plates to whet your appetite. A few blocks up the street is the market and tasting room where you can sample wines and then bottle your favorite to take home.

Flight Wine Bar

Some of the world´s lesser-known wine-producing countries like Lebanon and Hungary are featured on this extensive list of global goblets. Stop by on Monday for lunch or dinner as happy hour specials last all day.

Eno Wine Bar

This cozy brownstone in Georgetown pairs wine with some of its best partners: cheese, charcuterie and chocolate. Fifty varieties are available by the glass, and a weekday happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. features select wines on tap for $5.