Rosé is every bit as complex and sophisticated as its red and white cousins, so it’s no wonder that both rosé enthusiasts and brand-new bandwagoners are turning to wine experts for help in pinning down their go-to summertime sip.
Based on our tabulations of these connoisseurs’ favorite wine bars, plus over 350 phone calls to wine bars to determine their selection, we’ve identified the best cities in the country for exploring rosé! We included each city’s Walk Score to give you an idea of how easy it is to stroll from bar to bar, and median home sale price to help you assess cost of living.
Rosé is best enjoyed chilled, among good conversation and company — and of course, with a safe ride home lined up! Here are the best cities for rosé lovers:
1. New York, NY
Walk Score: 89
Median Home Sale Price: $900,000
Native New Yorkers will tell you that there are few things more perfect than a summer’s day in NYC — but even the most memorable day in the Empire State would get an instant boost with a refreshing glass of rosé. There are wine bars sprinkled throughout the city, many of which boast awe-inspiring selections of rosé.
We recommend: Instead of taking a bite out of the Big Apple, take a sip of it instead with a pinot noir rosé that has subtle flavors of crabapple and watermelon. It’s an elegant option that has a bit of an edge — much like New York itself.
Notable wine bars: Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, Buvette Gastrotheque, Charlie Bird, Corkbuzz Wine Studio, Daniel, Donostia, Eleven Madison Park, The Four Horsemen, Gabriel Kreuther, Gramercy Tavern, Hearth, i Trulli, June, Kaia Wine Bar, La Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels, Le Bernardin, Lelabar, Marta, Molyvos, Momofuku Ko, Peasant, Rebelle, The Ten Bells, Terroir, Wallse, Wildair
2. New Orleans, LA
Walk Score: 58
Median Home Sale Price: $319,000
The Big Easy may be famous for Bourbon Street, but with the dozens of options available to wine lovers across all of the city’s wine bars, Rosé Avenue may as well be on the map, too. Perhaps the best part about enjoying a glass of wine in New Orleans is being able to sip it while taking in a live jazz performance and truly soaking up the culture of this historic, colorful city.
We recommend: Grenache rosé is as bold as New Orleans with its deep red hue and notes of allspice — perfect for pairing with a zesty Cajun dish like jambalaya.
Notable wine bars: Bacchanal Wine, Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, Patrick’s Bar Vin
3. San Francisco, CA
Walk Score: 86
Median Home Sale Price: $1,250,000
An artistic community like San Francisco is bound to be full of muses, and rosé seems to be one of its favorites. Better yet, it’s also an artistic expression in the Golden City: some wine bars, like the Liholiho Yacht Club, make and serve their own in-house spin on rosé.
We recommend: Zinfandel rosé, which is also known as White Zinfandel, is a sweet crowd pleaser that’s versatile enough to be enjoyed across the city’s many attractions, whether you’re touring the local wine country or soaking up some sun on the beach.
Notable wine bars: 20 Spot, A16 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Amelie Le Bar a Vin, Aquitaine Wine Bistro, Bar Bambino, The Barrel Room, Coi, Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant, Fig & Thistle, The Hidden Vine, High Treason, Hotel Biron Wine Bar & Art Gallery, Liholiho Yacht Club, Press Club, Terroir Natural Wine Bar & Merchant, Union Larder, Wine Kitchen
4. Dallas, TX
Walk Score: 46
Median Home Sale Price: $461,000
Summer temperatures in Dallas can peak over 100 degrees in the summer, so enjoying a glass of rosé is a natural fit for a warm evening watching the sun set over the Lone Star State. Cowboys and cowgirls can treat themselves to rosé from across the world, and even wines bottled right in Dallas.
We recommend: Everything’s bigger in Texas, so go for it with the bold, unique flavor of Tempranillo rosé, which has an eclectic mix of fruity and spicy notes — an exciting complement to a complex Tex-Mex or classic ribeye steak dinner.
Notable wine bars: The Alcove, Cork, Crú Food & Wine Bar, FT33, Mercy Wine Bar, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Stoney’s Wine Lounge, Times Ten Cellars, Veritas Wine Room, Whitehall Exchange
5. Washington, D.C.
Walk Score: 77
Median Home Sale Price: $595,000
Washington, D.C., has a bit of a no-nonsense reputation — after all, it is where our nation’s leaders make huge decisions. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had in D.C.! Between the area’s specialty wine bars and world-famous restaurants, wine connoisseurs can treat themselves to rosé by the glass, bottle or even flight.
We recommend: D.C. is a melting pot that hosts decision makers from all over the world, so drinking a rosé that’s a motley of other wines seems only fitting. Provence rosé blends three to four rosés per bottle, and its crisp, fruity flavor satisfies just about every palate.
Notable wine bars: Acacia Bistro & Wine Bar, Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar, Cork Wine Bar, ENO Wine Bar, Fiola Di Fabio Trabocchi, Iron Gate, Kinship, Le Chat Noir Restaurant Français & Wine Lounge, Proof, Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar, Urbana Restaurant & Wine Bar, Vinoteca
6. Chicago, IL
Walk Score: 78
Median Home Sale Price: $295,000
Chicago is bustling during the warm summer months, so there are plenty of opportunities to revel in the rosé experience the way it was meant to be. For a perfect summer day, take a break from the heat of exploring Millennium Park or the Riverwalk with a chilled glass of wine, then top off the evening at one of Chicagoland’s acclaimed wine bars.
We recommend: Sangiovese rosé is both fruity and floral, and will evoke feelings of strolling through one of the Windy City’s botanical gardens or picking the perfect, locally-grown summer fruit at one of its farmers markets.
Notable wine bars: Ada St., Avec, Bar Pastoral, D.O.C Wine Bar, Davanti Enoteca, ENO, Intro, Naoki Sushi, Maple & Ash, Osteria Langhe, Pops for Champagne, Rootstock Wine & Beer, Sepia, Spiaggia, The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet, The Purple Pig, Eataly Chicago
7. Detroit, MI
Walk Score: 55
Median Home Sale Price: $35,000
When the temperatures rise in Motor City, there’s nothing quite as invigorating as taking a lakeside stroll with a fresh glass of chilled wine in hand. Rosé is not only a refreshing way to cool off between outdoor adventures at Belle Isle Park or the riverfront, but as a way to end a day of taking in the sights of the Institute of Art or Hitsville USA.
We recommend: Detroiters are a tough bunch, and only a strong breed of rosé is worthy of this city’s affections. Tavel rosé is as full bodied as they come in this category of vino, and its high alcohol content isn’t for the faint of heart.
Notable wine bar: Vertical Detroit
8. Seattle, WA
Walk Score: 73
Median Home Sale Price: $729,000
Seattle is a beautiful city with plenty of year-round outdoor activities, but since the rain is known to come down at a moment’s notice, it’s no surprise that it’s also famous for its indoor retreats. Coffee shops, gourmet restaurants and wine bars are at every turn of the city, and rosé lovers have no shortage of options for finding a flat or sparkling drink to satisfy their cravings.
We recommend: Seattle may be known for its rainfall, but its beautiful cityscape shines through even the grayest of skies. Similarly, Sangiovese rosé is bright and rich and seems to light up any glass, and its dry finish will help wine enthusiasts feel sheltered when the rain starts to pour.
Notable wine bars: Bar Cantinetta, Bateau, Bottlehouse, Cafe Pressé, Canlis, El Gaucho, Fonté Café & Wine Bar, Le Caviste, Poco Wine + Spirits, Purple Café & Wine Bar, RN74, The Sitting Room, The Tasting Room, Ten Mercer
9. Boston, MA
Walk Score: 81
Median Home Sale Price: $888,000
If there is a more refreshing way to enjoy a summer breeze flowing off of Boston Harbor than with a fresh glass of rosé in hand, we certainly can’t think of it. Beantown offers a gargantuan list of ways to enjoy a glass of wine, whether your wish is to visit a specialty wine bar, share a bottle over a decadent meal or even watch a Pats home game with a glass of grape.
We recommend: Bostonians are known for being fearless, which is exactly the type of crowd that Cabernet Sauvignon rosé was made for. With its exotic flavors of cherry, black currant and bell pepper and its Red Sox-hailing, ruby red glow, it’s the perfect option for locals (and those pretending to be).
Notable wine bars: Bar Boulud, Barcelona South End, Bin 26 Enoteca, BISq, The Butcher Shop, Craigie on Main, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Grill 23 & Bar, Les Zygomates, Meritage Restaurant + Wine Bar, Piattini Wine Cafe, Select Oyster Bar, Sip Wine Bar & Kitchen, Spoke Wine Bar, Troquet
10. Atlanta, GA (tied)
Walk Score: 49
Median Home Sale Price: $385,000
The South prides itself on its hospitality, and in Atlanta that includes offering locals and visitors an outstanding array of rosé to choose from. Whether you’re dreaming of a night out on the town to enjoy a sparkling option or prefer to bring a bottle home for a quiet night in, the A promises to treat rosé lovers of all tastes.
We recommend: If you’re in the Big Peach, it’s borderline criminal not to kick back with a glass of Syrah rosé, which is made with peach skin and delivers a flavor that will make all Georgians rejoice.
Notable wine bars: Barcelona Wine Bar, Bellina Alimentari, d’Vine Wine Bar, E. 48th Street Market, Empire State South, Krog Bar, Miller Union, Murphy’s, Portofino, Restaurant Eugene, Top Flr, Ziba’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
10. Portland, OR (tied)
Walk Score: 65
Median Home Sale Price: $525,000
Portland is filled with lush, beautiful scenery, and adventure seems to always be waiting just around the corner — as are the opportunities to discover a new rosé favorite. Whether you’re in the mood for an upscale dining experience or have a thirst for a behind-the-scenes experience at a local winery, Portland won’t disappoint even the most seasoned wine lover.
We recommend: The perfect complement to the City of Roses is a wine that’s not only beautiful in appearance, but also has notes of actual rose. Ask for a Mourvèdre Rosé which is known for floral hints of violet and rose.In addition to its floral notes, your tastebuds will be delighted by bold plum and cherry flavors.
Notable wine bars: Ambonnay, Ava Gene’s, Bar Avignon, Coopers Hall, Coquine, Le Pigeon, Noble Rot, Southeast Wine Collective
Finally, enjoy the top 10 bars with the most rosé options on the menu!
1. Terrior, New York, NY
- Number of unique rosés: 100
2. Vertical Detroit, Detroit, MI
- Number of unique rosés: 74
3. Addison at the Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA
- Number of unique rosés: 73
4. Bacchanal Wine, New Orleans, LA
- Number of unique rosés: 70
5. Rebelle, New York, NY
- Number of unique rosés: 41
6. Element 47 at The Little Nell, Aspen, CO
- Number of unique rosés: 40
7. Wally’s Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, CA
- Number of unique rosés: 39
8. The French Laundry, Yountville, SC
- Number of unique rosés: 36
9. Ça Va, Kansas City, MO
- Number of unique rosés: 30
10. The Barrel Room, San Francisco, CA
- Number of unique rosés: 30
Methodology
Using a collection of 15 rankings lists we first compiled a list of the United States’ 400 most-notable wine bars. If a wine bar was mentioned in one of these lists, it was considered notable. The more times a notable wine bar was mentioned across our lists, the higher that bar’s “notability” score.
We then called each wine bar in order to determine the range of selection in rosé options available (we favored “by the bottle” in our total count of range). The more numerous the rosé options, the higher the wine bar’s rosé score. We then multiplied the bar’s notability by its range of rosé offerings.
Lastly, we determined a city’s rosé score by adding up all of that city’s wine bar scores.
Therefore, in order for a city to rank on our list, it must be home to wine bars that have critics raving over both their existence and a wide selection of rosé (and of course they had to answer the phone). Quality, quantity and accessibility were all factors in determining our winners!!
Lists Referenced
The 21 Best Wine Bars in the Country
Gayot: Best Wine Bars in the US
Food & Wine: The Best Wine Bars in the US
Top 20 Wine Bars in America
Travel + Leisure: America’s Best Wine Bars
The Top Wine Bar in Each of America’s Major Cities — 2015 Edition
Top 10 Wine Bars
America’s Best New Wine Bars
The 19 Hottest Wine Bars Across the Country Right Now
The 9 Best Wine Bars in America
The best wine bars in America
Fodor’s Travel: America’s Best Wine Bars
Best Wine Bars
America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2016
America’s Best Wine Regions to Visit, Ranked by Sommeliers
What Rosé Should I Drink? A Guide to Styles of Rosé Wine
Did we miss a wine bar in your city that carries your must-have rosé? Tell us about it in the comments!
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