It’s no secret that New Orleans is known for its drinking scene. While many people may think of the chaos associated with Bourbon Street, there are many unique, high-quality places to enjoy a nice glass of wine in the city. In this post, we highlight some of our favorite spots!
Note: We posted a blog about Where to Drink Wine in New Orleans in 2016, and thankfully, our favorites from that post are still on this list. Something special about New Orleans is that many of the local establishments have been in business for over 100 years. That’s something not all that common in the United States, and it’s something that gives New Orleans such an old-world character. It seems that the places that do well here, do really well and they stay in business for a long time. However, New Orleans is continuously evolving, so we’ve updated this list to reflect new places we’ve learned about and we’d like to share!
*Updated January, 2019
6 New Orleans Wine Venues Not To Be Missed:
1. Bacchanal - 600 Poland Avenue
First opened as an Old World wine shop, Bacchanal is the perfect spot for wine connoisseurs and newbies alike. The hip wine bar is perfect for the wine loving solo traveler with its sweeping and diverse wine selection, globally accented small plates, a cozy courtyard, and entertaining live, local music every night of the week. In recent years, the Bywater staple has become increasingly popular, so expect sizable crowds on the weekends and when the weather is nice. If you head to Bacchanal, make sure you do not hop the curb and park on the levee – there’s a good chance you will get ticketed.
2. Pearl Wine Co. - 3700 Orleans Avenue
A newcomer to the list, Pearl Wine Company is located in the heart of Mid City and steps away from Bayou St. John, Pearl Wine Co. has the largest and most extensive selection of wine in the city. Located adjacent to the shop is Pearl's wine bar which offers older vintages by the glass, craft cocktails, small plates and desserts. The store's beer selection is deep as well. Pear Wine Co. is known for its special events, including their "Massage and Martini Mondays" and free wine tastings on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. The Delachaise - 3442 St. Charles Avenue
Spend the day sipping wine and watching the city's iconic streetcars roll by at The Delachaise, located on the historic St. Charles Avenue. Know for their wine by the glass, The Delachaise also offers an impressive spirits list and an abundance of creative cocktails. Their food is also delicious, with a menu of duck fat fries, grilled cheese, and frog legs with remoulade. The Delachaise's patio is one of the best in the city and you can't beat their $5 daily wine.
4. Oak Wine Bar - 8118 Oak Street
This chic Riverbend bar houses an impressive wine list, which is grouped by palate rather than region. Oak offers dozens of wines by the glass and is home to nearly a hundred hand-selected bottles. Not feeling wine? You can choose from Oak's signature cocktail menu. Indulge in an irresistible small plate created specially for Oak by acclaimed chef Aaron Burgau of Patois. At Oak, you'll be sure to hear some of the best local acts around.
5. W.I.N.O - 610 Tchoupitoulas
The Wine Institute of New Orleans, or W.I.N.O is much more than your average wine shop! W.I.N.O offers tastings and classes to help improve your palate and educate you on all things wine. A self serving bar, W.I.N.O opened up last year and is very high-tech, with automated pouring machines and tasting cards that that help you work your way around the global selection, with offers more than 120 wines by the ounce, half-glass, or full pour. W.I.N.O's happy hour is also impressive with 25 percent of all 120 wine taps.
6. Patrick's Bar Vin - 730 Bienville Street
Located inside Hotel Mazarin in the French Quarter, Bar Vin caters to the serious wine-lover. Opened in 2011 by Patrick van Hooreberk, a longtime maitre d' in some of New Orleans' finest restaurants, Bar Vin is an ideal place to unwind with a glass after a long day. With 20-plus selections available by the glass, you'll be sure to find a glass you'll love and if you're undecided, you can always tell van Hooreberk you'll "have a glass of whatever he's having!”
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Author: Julia Ballard
Julia was the first member of the Astrid Solo Travel Advisor team, and has helped shape our unique approach to travel writing which focuses on affordable, luxury ideas for the solo traveler. She is on top of all the cutting-edge in everything from technology to travel, and works to share her insights with our audience. To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
Every female solo traveler is different when it comes to exploring a city alone at night. Some are reluctant to leave the comfort of their hotel, others are eager to hit the town, and some want to be out and about, but don’t want to drink alcohol. Our list of 7 things to do at night as a solo traveler in New Orleans has something to suit every preference!