Top Places to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day
Image Credit - nationaldaycalendar.com
by Albert Danilov | February 11, 2025

Top Places to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day

Every February 18th, the United States celebrates National Drink Wine Day - a holiday that brings together wine enthusiasts and provides a perfect excuse to open a favorite bottle or try something new. This isn't just another reason to enjoy good wine - it's a day to learn more about wine culture, visit wineries, participate in tastings, and discover new flavors.
On this day, wine bars, restaurants, and wineries across the country host special events, from expert tastings to engaging wine tours. It's an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of American winemaking - from the famous Napa Valley in California to the cozy wineries of New York and Virginia.
In our guide, we've collected the most interesting places to properly celebrate this holiday: from historic wineries with centuries-old traditions to modern wine bars with innovative approaches to tastings. Each of these venues offers a unique experience and its own special perspective on wine culture.

City Winery in New York, NY

City Winery isn't just a place to drink wine; it's a full-on experience. This spot combines a live music venue, restaurant, wine bar, and working winery all under one roof. Located in Chelsea, the venue offers a unique, urban-rustic vibe. City Winery aims to bring wine country to the heart of New York City. The location is known to be LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space.

 

Menu Highlights (Wine)
    City Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ("NY Cab"): A house specialty, with notes of dark fruit and a smooth finish.
    City Winery Pinot Noir: A lighter-bodied red wine with cherry and earthy notes.
    City Winery Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and refreshing white wine with citrus and grassy aromas.
    City Winery Rosé: A dry and fruity rosé, perfect for a warm day.
Wine Flights: Try a curated selection of their wines for a comprehensive tasting experience.


Recommendations: Pair your wine with the Red Wine Vinaigrette Salad, Pizza, Truffle Fries, or Hummus. Check out a live performance while you're there. The venue is also a popular spot for weddings and private events. Be aware that some reviewers felt the food was overpriced. The venue has good acoustics.

Purple Café and Wine Bar in Seattle, WA

Purple Café and Wine Bar is a downtown Seattle restaurant that stands out because of its central wine tower. The dining room features a thirty-foot tower of wine, which makes a striking visual impact. The restaurant is known for its wide selection of wines from around the world and the Pacific Northwest. With a location a block away from the 5th Avenue Theatre and Benaroya Hall, Purple Cafe shares the neighborhood with Seattle arts and culture venues.

 

Menu Highlights (Wine)
    Northwest Riesling: (Specific producer varies) Aromatic and slightly sweet, pairs well with spicy dishes.
    Oregon Pinot Noir: (Specific producer varies) Earthy and elegant, with red fruit notes.
    Washington Cabernet Sauvignon: (Specific producer varies) Bold and rich, with dark fruit and spice.
    Italian Chianti Classico: (Specific producer varies) A classic Italian red with cherry and savory notes.
    French Rosé: (Specific producer varies) Crisp and dry, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.


Recommendations
    Pair your wine with the Baked Brie, Lobster Mac, or Spicy Prawns.
    Take advantage of Half-Off Bottles on Sundays in Downtown Seattle.
    Purple Cafe offers a range of vegan options.
    Parking is available in the Financial Center Parking Garage located directly underneath the restaurant.
    Reservations are recommended.

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The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro in Los Angeles, CA

The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro, named for the founding year of the Riboli family's wine company, is located at the San Antonio Winery in Downtown Los Angeles. It offers an al fresco dining and wine-tasting experience in a relaxed setting. It provides outdoor seating where guests can experience sommelier-led wine tastings alongside a food menu with a modern take on traditional tastes. They now have a full-service alcohol license, so Old-Fashioned whiskeys and Negronis are available.

 

Menu Highlights (Wine):
    Riboli Family's Paso Robles Wines: Known for rich, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.
    Riboli Family's Monterey Wines: Known for cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
    Riboli Family's Napa Valley Wines: Known for premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
    Stella Rosa Prosecco: A sparkling wine option.
    They offer sommelier-led wine tastings.


Recommendations:
    Consider trying the Funghi Pinsa, speck pinsa, short rib hash, ziti tagliata, or blueberry brioche bread pudding.
    The Blue Prawns with Black Garlic Puree and Burrata Classica are well-regarded.
    Wine tastings are available daily and include a charcuterie plate per person.
    The location is family-friendly and dog-friendly.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/the1917la/

Times Ten Cellars in Dallas, TX

Times Ten Cellars is an urban winery and wine bar located in the Lakewood neighborhood of East Dallas. It operates out of a renovated 1945 Post Office building. The winery sources grapes from both Texas and California vineyards to produce its wines. Times Ten Cellars has been at its Prospect Avenue location for 18 years, offering a tasting room, lounge, and patio. Times Ten Cellars also has a Fort Worth location.

 

RELATED: New Restaurants in Dallas Worth Visiting

 

Menu Highlights (Wine):
    Tempranillo: Grapes sourced from New Mexico.
    Rose: 2022 Sonoma Time Rose.
    Sangria: Available by the pitcher on Sundays.
    Times Ten Cellars also produces Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc from their Cathedral Mountain Vineyard, located south of Alpine, Texas.


Recommendations:
    They offer a cheese platter.
    Pizza is available from a pizza truck on Wednesdays.
    Live jazz is offered on Sundays from approximately 4-7 PM.

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Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, WA

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State's oldest winery, is located on the grounds of the historic Hollywood Farm, originally owned by lumber baron Frederick Stimson. Founded in 1934, the winery helped pioneer vinifera grape growing in the state.  The winery attracts over 300,000 visitors each year.

 

Menu Highlights (Wine):
    Riesling: Chateau Ste. Michelle produces over 600,000 cases annually.
    Chardonnay: A classic offering from Washington State's oldest winery.
    Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine consists of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Syrah, 5% Malbec and 7% other red varieties from Columbia Valley, Washington State and is aged 24 months in 20% new oak.


Recommendations:
    Consider a guided garden tour in spring and summer.
    Attend a summer concert on the grounds. Net proceeds from the concerts help fund the winery's charitable giving program.


    Chateau Ste. Michelle has a long history of giving back to the industry and community. The net proceeds from its popular Summer Concert Series help fund its charitable giving program, which supports some 400 non-profit organizations annually, has provided more than $3 million for scholarships for high- achieving, low-income students at Washington universities, and supports the Viticulture & Enology Program at Washington State University.

Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner, OR

Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Oregon native Jim Bernau with the goal of producing world-class Pinot Noir. Starting from a bold idea, Jim cleared an old plum orchard in the Salem Hills and hand-watered the vines. The winery has since grown into one of the region's leading wineries, earning the title "One of America's Great Pinot Noir Producers" from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The winery aims to create elegant, classic Oregon wines from the Willamette Valley Appellation.


Menu Highlights (Wine):

    Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley Vineyards is known for its Pinot Noir.
    Chardonnay – Another classic Oregon wine.
    Riesling – A white and dessert wine offering.
    Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir – Features a bouquet of strawberry and raspberry.
    Unique Reds and Whites – The winery also offers a selection of unique red and white wines.

 

Recommendations:

    Enjoy wine tasting with scenic views and excellent service.
    Consider the Library Reserve Tastings.
    The winery is dog-friendly in its outdoor spaces.
    Valentine's Day special includes 20% off and complimentary UPS Ground Shipping on a case of 2023 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir and 2021 Domaine Willamette Brut Rosé until February 14th.

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Gruet Winery & Tasting Room in Albuquerque, NM

Gruet Winery, a New Mexico winery founded in 1984, specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The Gruet family, with roots in a Champagne house in France dating back to 1952, decided to plant an experimental vineyard in New Mexico in 1984. Located at an elevation of 4300 ft., the winery's vineyards benefit from low humidity, which helps naturally cool the grapes. In 1993, Gruet opened its own winery and tasting room in Albuquerque. As of 2017, it has become the largest wine producer in New Mexico.


Menu Highlights (Wine):

    Brut NV (Non-Vintage) – Gruet’s best-selling sparkling wine.
    Blanc de Noirs NV – Made with Pinot Noir grapes.
    Rosé NV – One of the nine sparkling wines produced by Gruet.
    Sauvage NV – A dry sparkling wine with no added sugar.
    Gilbert Gruet Grande Reserve – The winery’s luxury tête de cuvée.

 

Recommendations:

    Gruet offers curbside pickup.
    They provide a cheese platter and a variety of still wines.
    Enjoy a wine tasting in their tasting room, which captures the essence of New Mexico, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for celebrating any occasion.
    Attend a dinner at Gruet.
    Gruet is wheelchair accessible.

King Estate Winery in Eugene, OR

King Estate Winery, established in 1991 by the King family, is the largest Biodynamic-certified vineyard in North America. Located southwest of Eugene, Oregon, near Lorane, the estate spans 1,033 acres, with 450 acres planted to vines. It also includes 70 acres from the recently acquired Pfeiffer Vineyard, which has been a partner vineyard since 2022. The estate also features 24 acres dedicated to gardens and orchards.


Menu Highlights (Wine):

    Pinot Gris – Known as the benchmark producer of this variety in the United States, King Estate’s Pinot Gris is crisp and aromatic.
    Pinot Noir – A well-balanced wine with vibrant berry flavors and a smooth finish.
    Chardonnay – Limited production, offering rich and well-rounded characteristics typical of cool-climate Oregon Chardonnays.
    Tower Club Wines – Exclusive, small-batch wines available only through the Tower Club membership or at the King Estate Tasting Room.
    Estate Wines – A selection of wines sourced entirely from the estate’s biodynamic vineyards, showcasing the best of Oregon’s terroir.

 

Recommendations:

    Enjoy locally sourced, estate-grown cuisine at The Restaurant at King Estate, where the dishes are expertly paired with King Estate wines.
    Take in the stunning views from the European-style tasting room, which provides a scenic backdrop for wine tastings.
    King Estate has a long history of culinary excellence, with a focus on organic and biodynamic farming practices.
    The winery also offers guided tours of its vineyards and gardens, providing an immersive experience in sustainable winemaking.
    Consider trying a charcuterie and cheese platter to enhance your wine tasting experience—perfect for pairing with the estate's Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

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Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville, VA

Barboursville Vineyards, established in 1976 by Italian winemaker Gianni Zonin, is a cornerstone of Virginia's wine industry. Located in the Piedmont region, the estate spans 870 acres, primarily planted with Bordeaux grape varieties. The winery has played one of the main roles in elevating the reputation of Virginia wines and continues to be a leader in the region’s wine scene.


Menu Highlights (Wine):

    Octagon – The flagship wine, a Bordeaux-style blend with Merlot as the primary grape, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot for a balanced and elegant flavor profile.
    Cabernet Franc Reserve – A rich, full-bodied red with notes of dark fruit, pepper, and subtle oak aging.
    Merlot – A smooth, approachable red with ripe berry flavors and soft tannins.
    Viognier – A fragrant white wine known for its aromatic peach and floral notes.
    Barboursville Brut NV – A sparkling wine offering crisp acidity and delicate bubbles, made in the traditional method.

 

Recommendations:

    Visit the Tasting Room for wine tastings and guided tours, with an emphasis on the winery's history and wine production methods. Reservations are recommended for tours.
    Malvaxia Passito, a dessert wine made from Moscato Ottonel and Vidal grapes, pairs beautifully with rich desserts or blue cheese.
    Consider enjoying a wine and food pairing at the winery's restaurant, which offers seasonal dishes to complement the estate’s wines.
    The winery is wheelchair accessible, with dedicated entrances and parking spaces.

The Wine Vault & Bistro in San Diego, CA

Located in the heart of San Diego, The Wine Vault & Bistro offers an immersive experience for wine lovers, focusing on small-batch, hand-selected wines from around the world. Known for its extensive selection and laid-back, elegant atmosphere, the bistro provides a unique wine tasting experience with an emphasis on education and discovery. With a team of sommeliers on hand, the wine list is curated to showcase a wide variety of styles, from classic Old World wines to cutting-edge New World producers.

 

RELATED: The Best New Restaurants in San Diego This Season


Menu Highlights (Wine):

    Cabernet Sauvignon – A robust and full-bodied red from Napa Valley, rich with dark fruit, tobacco, and subtle oak notes.
    Pinot Noir – A complex and silky wine with flavors of red berries, earth, and spice, sourced from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
    Chardonnay – A crisp and balanced white with citrus and green apple notes, with a hint of oak aging from the Sonoma Coast.
    Zinfandel – A bold red with layers of blackberry, black pepper, and a touch of spice, showcasing California’s signature varietal.
    Prosecco – A refreshing sparkling wine with light effervescence and crisp, fruity flavors, perfect for starting any tasting session.

 

Recommendations:

    Wine Flights: Choose from curated wine flights that allow you to sample a variety of wines from different regions, making it easy to find your favorites.
    Food Pairings: The bistro offers seasonal menus that pair perfectly with their wine selections, such as artisan cheeses, charcuterie boards, and gourmet small plates.
    Tasting Classes: Participate in wine education events and tasting classes to expand your knowledge and deepen your appreciation of wine.
    Live Music & Events: Enjoy regular live music and wine-pairing dinners that offer a full sensory experience for an unforgettable evening.
    Private Events: The Wine Vault & Bistro also hosts private tastings and events, ideal for groups looking for an elevated wine experience.

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by Albert Danilov | February 11, 2025 | SHARE

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