Take Terroir, the new 24-seat wine bar in the East Village from the owners of Hearth and Insieme. Part wine temple, part café, Terroir (Latin for terra firma) takes its name and inspiration from wines deeply rooted in a region. Designed by the brothers of co-owner Paul Grieco, Terroir is the size of a jewel-box with a 16-seat communal table in the center.

Once you step inside, unwind with one of 24 wines available by the glass, sourced from all over the world. Get there early for the daily special from 5 p.m to 6 p.m., where you can choose from five different wines for five dollars each. Complement your vino and indulge in a small Italian menu of paninis (try the duck ham with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and Taleggio), hand-cut charcuterie plates (Iberico ham, duck prosciutto), and fried stuff (sage leaves with lamb sausage).

There’s even daily pasta and meatball specials.

And on a cold Winter day, who can resist that?


Terroir Wine Bar opens Wednesday (3/5).


Terroir Wine Bar
413 East 12th Street (off First Avenue)
(no phone available yet)
wineisterroir.com


Photo: Daniel Krieger

Named for the French river near Ducasse’s birthplace (and where he had his first culinary inspirations), the former Lespinasse space has been revamped by starchitect David Rockwell. Melding fresh modern touches with the hotel’s strong Beaux Arts features, Rockwell also nods to the lush liquids served within through décor in tones of Burgundy, Champagne and Chardonnay.

Ducasse has entrusted Chef Tony Esnault with the inspired menu of local ingredients, billed as “elegant cuisine of rich textures and new flavors.” And as the only chef in the world to have operated three Michelin-starred signature restaurants, you know Ducasse’s cuisine will be sublime. Yet it may just be the wine experience that will keep you coming back.

That’s because touching the bar top activates a digital projection of Adour’s impressive wine roster, which patrons can interact with and learn more about each bottle’s varietal, origin, and notes. The same technology is also featured in the Private Vault Room, the ultimate destination at Adour. There you can entertain 11 guests at an 11-foot table, beside your own leather-covered, temperature-controlled, private wine vault - complete with it’s own custom-designed album (bringing new meaning to the term “oeono file”.)

Cutting-edge technology and wine tastings - together at last.


Adour Alain Ducasse opens Monday, January 28th.


Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York, 2 East 55th Street (at Fifth Avenue), (212) 753-4500, starwoodhotels.com

Located across the street from Lincoln Center, Bar Boulud is a celebration of the art of French cooking and drinking. Begin by getting to know the wines of Daniel’s favorite French regions, Burgundy and Rhône Valley, as well as their “cousins” (wines blended from pinot noir, syrah, grenache, chardonnay and viognier grapes but made in California, New Zealand, Australia, and Chile). Wine connoisseurs will also appreciate the subtle notes, like the wine stain-inspired artwork, the walk-through wine cellar on the lower level, and the not-so-subtle notes, like the grand Tasting Table in the back of the restaurant.

And since good food and good wine go hand-in-hand, indulge in fare from the full bistro menu (view the menu). Consider hearty, winter staples like Navarin Au Romarin, lamb stew with vegetables, and Boeuf Aux Carottes, braised flatiron steak with carrot mousseline. There’s also a charcuterie bar, a stunning visual presentation of the restaurant’s excellent selection of artisanal cheeses, signature terrines and pâtés.

Superb French food and wine, and that certain je ne sais quoi - now on the Upper West Side.

Bar Boulud opens for dinner tonight.


Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway (near 64th Street)
Tel: (212) 595-0303
barboulud.com

Well, maybe that and the warmth of the Italian countryside to erase the chill of winter. Find just that in Felice (pronounced fay-LEE-chay), the Upper East Side’s new wine bar offering over 100 Italian wines and classic Italian dishes from Sant Ambroeus chef, Simone Parisotto.

Owner Jacopo Giustiniani delivers a piece of his family’s fine Italian winery to Manhattan with the help of Goldbar interior designer Robert McKinley. A reconstructed wine barrel entranceway leads into a contemporary space with subtle, rustic Italian details. Settle into one of the the cozy tables lining the room and start with some Insalata Di Carcion E Grana, paper-thin sliced artichokes with sharp parmesan cheese and hearts of palm. For mains try the Penne Alla Fiorentina, a comforting penne pasta prepared with tomato sauce and sautéed eggplant, topped with ricotta cheese.

And of course, there’s the wine. Indulge from an extensive collection of reds and whites, including select vinos from the Giustiniani vineyard. Add a decadent dessert prepared daily fatta in casa (literally, “made in house”), and the meal gets even better.


Felice Wine Bar
1166 First Avenue (at 64th Street)
Tel: (212) 593-2223

You’ve noticed good things come in threes.

So has Frederick Twomey. Seven years ago he set the wine bar trend in motion with Bar Veloce, his modern Italian wine bar with a solid list of wallet-friendly bottles and a finger food menu that paired perfectly. He did it again, Spanish-style, with Bar Carerra in 2005.

To complete his threesome vision, he’s going French. Introducing Solex, the swankiest new wine bar of the year. Inside this sleek and streamlined European-styled “fast bar”, you’ll find warm woods, counter-height tables, and a very futuristic curved ceiling. You’ll also find pastry chef Eric Hubert (Jean-Georges) whipping up small plates (view the food menu) like Cromesquis de Foie Gras, a bread crumbs-meets-foie gras explosion in your mouth (Be brave. It’s worth it.), Éclair Wellington, a decadent union of mushroom duxelle and beef filet topped with beef glaze. You can also indulge in savory tarts, charcuteries, and desserts (try the Bonbon Fondants au Chocolat Surprise).

And since this is a French wine bar, expect a fine selection of vins blancs, vins rouges, and Champagnes.

Wine bars for each of the Romance cultures - you gotta love it!


Solex
103 First Avenue (near East 6th Street)
Tel: (212) 777-6677

Covertly located down a little winding street in Chinatown, the brand new Bacaro is one of them.

You may know the story: the owners from highly-acclaimed Peasant (Dulcinea and Chef Frank DeCarlo) were inspired by the bacaros, or workingman’s pubs, in Venice and embarked on a two year journey to conceive what is easily the most romantic wine bar in Chinatown.

Once inside, you’ll leisurely unwind on bites (view the menu) of cichetti (Venetian traditional bar snacks) and wine. Lots of wine. While it boasts over 100 different labels, Bacaro specializes in vinos from the Nothern Italy region. And if a bottle is too ambitious, indulge in an ombra (Venetian dialect for shade) or a quartino – there are more than 30 to choose from. Cocktails are served, too. This Fall, you can choose from Prosecco Bellinis like Pomegranate, Sweet Tomato, or Sugar Pumpkin.

Then it’s time to take the subterranean tour. An inside and outside staircase both lead you to an underground catacomb of exposed brick archways with wooden farm tables, illuminated by soft lighting and warm candles. The vibe is sexy. There are even hidden rooms to discover.

A date-worthy destination it is.

Enjoy.

Bacaro soft opens tomorrow night with a Halloween party.


Bacaro
136 Division Street (near Ludlow Street)
Tel: (212) 941-5060

Time for a reward: the dream team behind Death & Co. is soft opening The Bourgeois Pig. Hopping across the street to a bigger, more inviting space the new Pig is refined – more discerning than dive.

The plush velvets and gold accents remain in the new spot, which will be the sole Bourgeois Pig (the West Village location is becoming a European beer bar to be called 124 Old Rabbit Club).

For the next two weeks the new Pig will only be serving drinks, but there’s plenty for you to fill up on. Reward you inner cocktail connoisseur with: ginger beer cocktails, a handful of champagne punch varieties and our personal favorite liquid dessert… The Port Flip – port wine mixed with dark chocolate, egg white and raspberry preserves, served in a snifter and topped with freshly whipped cream.

In a few weeks cheese boards will debut on the menu. Skip them. Instead, go for the Port Salute with a stout beer, a Baileys and dark chocolate mix, and the ever popular White Russian Fondue, a combo of Kahlua and white chocolate.

Sweet.


The Bourgeois Pig soft opens Thursday (10/11).


The Bourgeois Pig
111 East 7th Street (between First Avenue & Avenue A)
Tel: (212) 475-2246
thepigny.com (new website coming soon)

But, getting to the departures gate has never been fun… until now.

Enter Vino Volo, a new, high-end wine bar located in JFK International Airport. The clever name, Italian for “wine flight”, serves great wines by the glass (from $7 to $44). Wine flights are also available and reasonably priced, arriving with a coaster detailing the wines served (perfect for oenophiles).

There are also excellent small plates to complement your selection. Think mac & cheese with truffle oil, salmon rolls, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats.

And, if you’re new to wines, Vino Volo uses a simple matrix (Bright, Rich, Light, and Brooding) to help you decide.

Drink enough glasses and you might be the newest member of the Mile High Club.


Visit vinovolo.com to learn more about about Vino Volo.


Vino Volo at John F. Kennedy International Airport, American Airlines Terminal 8, Concourse B
Open daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tel: (718) 995-8466
vinovolo.com

But, one too many, and bang! - the inevitable hangover. Again.

For a buzz that’s just right, count on wine. And for a grand setting for vino, consider Madison & Vine, the brand new bistro & wine bar from Mark Grossich (The World Bar, The Campbell Apartment).

Located in The Library Hotel in Midtown, Madison & Vine seeks to replicate the same premium libations meets upscale lounge feel of Mark’s other posh establishments. There is an excellent and extensive wine list, edited by renowned sommelier Anthony Roberts (Gilt), with 20 wines available by the glass.

Since wining and dining are a natural combination, an American bistro menu is offered (yes, we have the menus.) Consider pairing your next red with a Kobe Beef Club Sandwich (flash-seared Waygu Kobe with Vidalia Onion Marmalade and Crisp Bacon) or The “Vine” Burger (a steak of a burger complete with beefsteak tomatoes and herb fries).

If you must have a refreshing cocktail, simply head upstairs to the rooftop lounge Bookmarks.

Mark owns that, too.


Madison & Vine in The Library Hotel
299 Madison Avenue (at 41st Street)
Tel: (212) 867-5535
hospitalityholdings.com

You remember the experience, even when the name escapes you.

But a bar called No Name on the eve of its opening? You’re at a loss for words, or names that is.

Under signage that still reads “The Candy Café”, this intimate, little wine bar in the West Village intends to do just that. The reds and whites will flow as the mysterious lady at 422 Hudson hosts her soft opening tonight.

With an anticipated menu of over a hundred eclectic, global wines and some light fare (charcuterie, cheeses, and olives) perhaps the owners (the team behind Park Slope’s Israeli restaurant Miriam) think it’s best to let you make your own associations by the glass.

Glasses also adorn the the center oval bar that dominate this tiny, simple neighborhood spot.

Maybe you’ll remember the wine list, even without a name.


Opens Tuesday (6/26).


No Name
422 Hudson Street (Leroy and Morton Streets)
Tel: (212) 206-0594