Maybe Pliny the Elder really said it best when he uttered his famous phrase “in vino veritas.” He probably wasn’t thinking of drunk dialing and other side effects of over-imbibing, but he did recognize that wine had the effect of loosening up a gathering of friends or colleagues. Pliny also most likely didn’t imagine that wine might become the nectar of the elite, with tasters trying to one-up each other with the more obscure flavor reference. You know, ‘it has an oaky, earthy base, with hints of strawberry, orange, and chocolate.’ That kind of thing.

These days, wine bars and wine stores are trying to change that trend, and D.C. is seeing an explosion of them in every neighborhood. Most wine bars offer “flights,” which are sets of small samples, allowing new wine drinkers to find their niche or veterans to expand their horizons. There are also usually thoughtful food pairings and small plates that range from a quick appetizer to a full-on meal. And if you do find a wine you really like, you can order a bottle and make a night of it. If you don’t finish it, it’s legal in Maryland and Virginia to take the rest of it home, provided it’s sealed. And the D.C. Council has just passed the “wine doggy bag” amendment which allows you to take home your bottle of wine in a special one-time-use sealed bag. Here’s a rundown of some local wine bars to check out.

Cork Restaurant and Wine Bar
Husband and wife team Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts took over the former Sparky’s location on 14th Street and opened Cork five months ago. But they weren’t jumping on the wine bar bandwagon; they had been planning Cork for the past three years and jumped at the opportunity when the right space finally became available. Cork specializes in “old world wines” and focuses on smaller producers and farm-run vineyards with organic and sustainable practices. “D.C. is the largest, fastest-growing wine consuming city in the country,” Gross said. And more importantly, she added, stressing a point which often gets overlooked, “it’s fun to drink wine!”
Cork Restaurant and Wine Bar: 1720 14th St., NW, D.C.; 202-265-CORK (2675); www.corkdc.com

Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro
When Paul Carlson and three friends decided to open Vinoteca in the burgeoning U Street neighborhood, it became a family affair. The guys focused on the bright red tiles that give the place a cozy feel, Carlson’s girlfriend helped out with décor by painting some pieces for the walls, and his mom even helped out with upholstering the comfy booths that ring the dining room. The seven-month-old wine bar features 102 wines by the taste, glass, or bottle, as well as the option of five different flights, which are changed seasonally. Vinoteca’s proprietors want people to relax and feel comfortable exploring or hanging out, so they offer wine classes on Tuesdays, flamenco music on Sundays and a large patio all the time.
Vinoteca Wine Bar & Bistro: 1940 11th St., NW, D.C.; 202-332-WINE (9463);
www.vinotecadc.com

Evo Bistro
Sure, Evo Bistro has the usual wines available by the glass or bottle. And its tapas menu,  regarded as one of the best around, earns rave reviews from diners and critics alike for the varied Mediterranean flavors. But the real star here is the Evo Card, a unique debit card that buys one thing only: wine. Guests fill up their card and then fill up their glasses, using Evo’s automatic pouring system to select from 32 different wines. Pours can be a 1-ounce taste, a 3-ounce half glass or a 5-ounce glass. Head out to McLean, load up a card, and start tasting.
Evo Bistro: 1313 Old Chain Bridge Road., McLean, VA; 703-288-4422; www.evobistro.com

Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar
This Dupont Circle lounge focuses on Italian wines and features selections from California, Oregon, Washington and Virginia. But there’s one thing that all the wines have in common. “All of our wines by the glass are organic, biodynamic or sustainable,” said manager Joe Ervin. “That’s a requirement before it goes on our menu.” But it’s far from a stuffy joint. Urbana was named one of D.C.’s “Hottest Restaurant Bar Scenes” at the Restaurant Association of  Metropolitan Washington’s RAMMY awards.
Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar: 2121 P St., NW, D.C.; 202-956-6650; www.urbanadc.com

Grand Cru Wine Store and
Vineria Cafe
Located in a tucked-away courtyard in Ballston, Grand Cru was the brainchild of Troy Thorpe and his wife Yelena. It offers a wine store and restaurant in one, bursting with more than 450 wines from all over the world. Customers can peruse the reasonably-priced offerings and then enjoy their selection inside or on the expansive patio for a $5 corkage fee. That’s a big change from the high markups that restaurants and bars have traditionally placed on bottles. Grand Cru also offers free wine tastings and free membership in their wine club, which gets you discounts on selected wines.
Grand Cru Wine Store and Vineria Cafe: 4401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-243-7900;
www.grandcru-wine.com

Planet Wine Shop
This “down to earth wine shop” in Alexandria is part of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which also owns the Evening Star Café (next door) and Arlington wine hotspot Tallula. Chef Will Artley of Evening Star is excited about his new venture, a 14-person chef’s table located right in the middle of the Planet Wine shop. He’s planning special tasting menus that pair small bites (comprised of locally grown ingredients) with suitable wines. Customers can also browse the store, select a wine, and enjoy it with their dinner at Evening Star for a small corkage fee. Membership in the store’s Bottlerocket wine club will get you discounts on wine and invites to special tastings and wine seminars.
Planet Wine Shop: 2004 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-549-3444;
www.planetwineshop.com

Domaso Trattoria Moderna
Since November, this stylish restaurant, bar and lounge has been drawing crowds in Rosslyn. Inside the Hotel Palomar, Domaso also includes Domasoteca, a wine shop offering Thursday wine tastings featuring a different wine region along with cheese or chocolate. Wine manager William Smith looks for obscure and flavorful, but reasonably priced, Italian wines. “We try to find the diamond in the rough that no one’s ever heard of,” he said. The patio offers stunning views of Georgetown and a live music series is set to begin soon.
Domaso Trattoria Moderna: 1121 N. 19th St., Arlington, VA; 703-351-1211;
www.domasotrattoria.com

Cheesetique
This Del Ray cheese shop and wine bar takes the usual “wine and cheese” combo and flips it around. It’s definitely more of a “cheese and wine” bar here. Owner Jill Erber always intended the wine bar to be an integral part of her cheese shop, but didn’t have the square footage until a larger space recently became available a couple of doors down from her original location. Wine flights change weekly and are paired with selections from Erber’s extensive cheese offerings. She strives to educate customers on what they’re drinking and eating. “I want to open people’s eyes to something they haven’t tried before, or a new combination.”
Cheesetique: 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; 703-706-5300; www.cheesetique.com

Veritas & Enology
Tucked around the corner from the Russia House, Veritas offers an extensive selection of themed wine flights, including ones called “Backpacking in Italy,” “Bordeaux Threesome,” and “Three Deadly Zins.” Cheese, charcuterie (meats), and desserts are offered as accompaniments here, as they are at sister establishment Enology, located near Cactus Cantina on Wisconsin Avenue. Enology is the new kid on the block, having opened in the middle of last month. What makes them stand out is that everything is American. This includes the 80 wines offered by the glass, and 200 by the bottle. Being new, tastings and events are still in the planning stages, but stay tuned.
Veritas: 2031 Florida Ave., NW, D.C.; 202-265-6270; www.veritasdc.com
Enology: 3238 Wisconsin Ave., NW, D.C.; 202-362-0362; www.enologydc.com

Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro
Reston’s first wine bar opened in May of this year. Located inside the Westin Reston Heights hotel, Vinifera features a selection of more than 200 wines from all around the world.
Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro: 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA; 703-234-3550; www.viniferabistro.com

Best Cellars
This online wine shop also features not one but two locations in our area: Dupont Circle and Clarendon. Check their calendars for tastings and other special events.
Best Cellars: 1643 Conn. Ave., NW, D.C.; 202-387-3146;
www.bestcellars.com; and 2855 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA; 703-741-0404;
www.bestcellars.com

Paul’s Wine
Head up Wisconsin Avenue towards Friendship Heights and look for the old-school neon sign that has made Paul’s a landmark in the area since 1951. Tastings every Friday and free garage parking make this an easy stop.
Paul’s Wine: 5205 Wisconsin Ave., D.C.; 202-537-1900; www.paulsdc.com
Jaleo Wine Shop
At chef Jose Andres’ Crystal City location, this popular tapas bar and restaurant also features a wine shop. Check out his show on PBS, then head down there to pick up a red wine from Rioja, or a rare sherry.
Jaleo Wine Shop: 2250 A Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA; 703-413-8181;
www.jaleo.com

Sonoma/Mendocino
These sister restaurants were started in 2002 by friends Eli Hengst and Jared Rager, who met as undergrads at Middlebury College. Sonoma on Capitol Hill and Mendocino in Georgetown — strive to be neighborhood restaurants using local ingredients and renewable energy.
Sonoma: 223 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, D.C.; 202-544-8088; www.sonomadc.com
Mendocino: 2917 M St., NW, D.C.;
202-333-2912; www.mendocinodc.com

Bardeo
Offering small plates and wine flights in Cleveland Park, Bardeo calls itself Washington’s “smart wine bar.” It’s a perfect place to relax before or after checking out the latest summer blockbuster at the Uptown theater across the street.
Bardeo: 3311 Conn. Ave., NW, D.C.;
202-244-6550; www.bardeo.com

Oya
Winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2007, Oya concentrates on lesser-known East Coast wines. The Penn Quarter bar and restaurant is also known for its chic décor and lively bar scene.
Oya: 777 9th St., NW, D.C.; 202-393-1400; www.oyadc.com

Grapeseed
This Bethesda bistro develops its dishes to match specific wines. They offer small portions of the pairings and sampling is encouraged. Wine tastings are held monthly and $30 includes wines and tapas.
Grapeseed: 4865 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD;
301-986-9592; www.grapeseedbistro.com

Oakville Grille and Wine Bar
Oakville bills itself as “the perfect choice for guests attending a Strathmore show,” referring to the arts center and concert hall nearby. The name comes from a region of Napa Valley in California, and 70% of the wines offered here are from the Golden State.
Oakville Grille and Wine Bar: 10257 Old Georgetown Road., Bethesda, MD;
301-897-9100; www.oakvillewinebar.com

Bilbo Baggins
Profiled in On Tap’s June issue, this global restaurant and wine bar specializes in pinot noirs from Oregon and features 32 wines by the glass and a selection of 150 bottles to choose from.
Bilbo Baggins: 208 Queen St., Alexandria, VA; 703-683-0300; www.bilbobaggins.net

The Curious Grape
Named one of the best wine shops in the area, the Curious Grape in Arlington is a real find. Lots of events, and open seven days a week. The Curious Grape also features a free tasting bar.
The Curious Grape:  4056 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA; 703-671-8700;
www.curiousgrape.com

Rick’s Wine & Gourmet
This spot has been around since 1994, with plenty of tastings, events, and specials.
Rick’s Wine & Gourmet: 3117 Duke St, Alexandria, VA; 703-823-4600;
www.rickswine.com

The Wine Specialist
In its 14th year, the Wine Specialist offers lots of wines, of course, but liquor, sake and beer selections as well, so there’s something for everyone.
The Wine Specialist: 2115 M St. NW, D.C.; 202-833-0707; www.winespecialist.com

Unwined
Not only do they offer wine at Unwined, but cigars as well. Opened in 1996, this shop has plenty of events and specials each month. Throw in a microbrew selection, and you have a winner. To quote from their Web site: “Our specialty is finding that under $15 bottle that knocks your socks off!”
Unwined: 3690 King St., Alexandria, VA; 703-820-8600; www.unwinedva.com

Arucola
Ever wanted to travel to Italy? Well, you can do so by the bottle at Arucola. This fine Italian restaurant has wine from each region of Italy.
Arucola: 5534 Connecticut Ave. NW, D.C.; 202-244-1555; www.arucola.com.