12 best wine bars in Boston

Decamp to No. 9 Park’s sophisticated bar to enjoy selections from the award-winning wine list. The list— comprised of old-world varietals as well as lesser-known wines— not only complements Barbara Lynch’s cuisine perfectly, but stands alone for those who want to focus on the wine. The staff is very well-versed on the wine selection, so feel free to inquire about what pairs best with you prune-stuffed gnocchi.

Troquet has one of the city’s best wine programs. The wine book is 45+ pages, with a focus on French reds.  Dining room guests are greeted with the Champagne cart, including 4 sparkling wines served by the glass.  For guests looking for wine flights, pours are offered in two- and four-ounce increments, so wine-lovers may easily cover more ground in one sitting. Explore the wines on their own, but don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Troquet and savor the exceptional pairings offered with the food.

This stylish Italian wine bar has a prime location on Beacon Hill’s Charles Street, and the patio is quite popular with oenophiles and tourists alike. Bin 26 features wine-themed decor and a 25-page wine list that manages to avoid being overwhelming. However, staff will gladly help you select a wine to suit your mood. Stick with sample pours to try a range of offerings, or get a carafe to pair with simple, delicious small plates, cheeses, and charcuterie.

Cozy as can be, Bar à vin 1855 is a bistrot that considers itself “a tribute to French wine and casual cuisine.” Options from their menu of 250 French wines are ideal for enjoying an evening on the restaurant’s brick patio on Newbury Street, where people-watching reigns supreme. In the colder weather, head inside and check out the unique furnishings, much of which are made out of former wine barrels. You won’t want to miss their charcuterie boards, either. 

In the heart of the South End, Frenchie’s comfortable atmosphere is both elegant and welcoming. The list of 15 offerings by the glass covers all of Europe, not just France, so try a few glasses with some cheese or charcuterie, or hit up their 50+ bottle list. In warm weather, you’ll feel like you're sipping your wine in Paris on the lovely patio. Check out their menu of sweet wines that pair perfectly with the dessert list.

The gorgeously appointed upstairs restaurant may be a paean to French fine dining, but it’s the downstairs bar that will evoke your Paris yearning/nostalgia. Wines from France, Italy and the U.S. make up the list, which includes half-bottles and many a wine by the glass. But by all means settle in with a friend and order a full bottle; the insanely well-stocked cellar includes some amazing finds from Burgundy and Bordeaux and at least one $1,000 bottle.

Tinned fish, charcuterie, and other luxurious small plates set the stage for unique wines at this Downtown Crossing wine bar. Small producers are the stars of the list of primarily natural wines. If you’re not familiar with natural wines, the friendly staff is willing to help. Sample from the list of wines by the glass, or—if you commit to two glasses—they’ll open any available bottle for you. For your non-wine-drinking friends, there’s also a solid craft beer list.

Take a seat at one of Krasi’s peacock-blue booths and get ready to enjoy yourself. Krasi is actually the Greek word for wine, so it’s not hard to realize that’s what they specialize in. The Gloucester Street restaurant has the largest Greek wine selection in the country, and it’s lovingly paired with a menu of meats, cheeses, dips and breads alongside seafood and meat dishes.

This beloved, intimate Davis Square spot has a small but well-curated wine list. As with their approach to the food menu, owners work closely with winemakers to offer a diverse and thoughtful wine list. The seasonally-influenced menu pairs well with selections. Special wine dinners offer guests the chance to learn more about specific wine regions, alongside delicious regional dishes.

After shopping along Newbury Street, intimate Piattini Wine Cafe is the place to unwind with a glass and tapas-style Italian small plates. With dozens of offerings by the glass and an even larger selection of bottles, this wine list will satisfy all. Each glass of wine is presented with a card detailing its origins and tasting notes. The tiny patio is perfect for an intimate wine-focused date.

For a casual wine experience, this wine bar and bistro/deli has an extensive wine and cheese list. It’s a popular spot for the after-work crowd, but a decent place to sample wines and cheeses from around the world as well as other quality snacks. Try a few wines and cheeses and, since it’s a deli, you can take your favorite bottle and some cheese home with you.

There’s a good reason why Food & Wine magazine named owner Haley Fortier as one of its 2019 Sommeliers of the Year. Intimate and welcoming, nathalie is the sister spot of beloved wine bar haley.henry. The offerings focus on small-production, female and natural winemakers in a stunning setting in the Fenway.