When you think of wine bars, your mind probably doesn’t default to locations in New Jersey. But as it turns out, there’s a whole crop of spots in the area with really great wine. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or are simply looking for a place to grab a glass (with a date, friends, or solo), it’s always a good idea to have a wine bar or two in your rotation. Read on for a list of our favorite wine bars in North Jersey.
Amanti Vino | 30 Church Street, Montclair
While not a traditional wine bar, we would be remiss not to include Amanti Vino on the list. This wine shop has free tastings on Saturday afternoons, which is a great way to start off a date night or an evening with friends. Everything in the shop is hand-selected by the owner, with many specialty options from small and organic vineyards. In the warmer months, Amanti Vino has outdoor seating, so it’s easy to purchase + enjoy a bottle pre or post-dinner — just remember to BYOC (bring your own cup). They also sell cheeses, charcuterie, and other small snacks.
Read More: All About Make Wine With Us in Wallington
Aumm Aumm | 7701 Broadway, North Bergen
At Aumm Aumm it’s all about pairing classic Neapolitan cuisine with the perfect glass of vino. The restaurant has a wide range of 150+ wines to choose from, from a traditional Barolo to a California Pinot Noir, and everything in between. Co-owner Monica Faraoni is a producer of Le Solive Wines, and she wanted to create a wine bar where customers could explore not only her wines, but also other fine boutique vineyards around the world.
Bar Boutique | 110 E Main Street, Ramsey
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Owner Andrew Matarese has a passion for wine, and opened Bar Boutique to share that passion with others. Prior to opening, Matarese earned his advanced wine and spirits certification and traveled to renowned vineyards in South Africa, France, Italy, South America, and Napa Valley — savoring stories about worldly wines and winemaking that he now shares with patrons. Bar Boutique has a relaxed, yet chic interior, with seats at the bar, sit-down spots indoors, and an outdoor dining area with an awning. There’s also a wine shop for those who wish to purchase to-go bottles.
Grand Vin | 500 Grand St, Hoboken
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This Hoboken favorite’s wine selection consists mainly of bottles from traditional winemaking regions in Italy, France, and California. But more interestingly, there are a handful of bottles from non-California US, including a light-bodied, highly drinkable co-ferment of four grapes made in upstate New York (‘Barry Family Cellars Four Track Demo Red Blend Finger Lakes’). Grand Vin also has a private label chianti made from organically farmed Sangiovese with notes of cinnamon and berries. The restaurant also hosts wine-tasting events.
Rosie’s Wine Bar | 514 North Avenue, Garwood
Rosie’s mission is simple: to spread the joy of wine. This means attracting new wine drinkers and also educating people who already love wine with new insights. The bar serves a wide selection of wines by the glasses that is ever-changing based on seasonality and staff favorites. Guests can also create their own flights to experiment with different wines. Bottles are also available to purchase (they have 250 types to choose from) to uncork at the bar or to bring home.
Spuntino Wine Bar + Italian Tapas | 70 Kingsland Road, Clifton
Spuntino is a local gem. Not only do they have an extensive, nationally-rated wine list (just over 600 wines!), but they also have an incredible menu of Italian tapas to pair with. We’re talking eight different types of bruschetta, arancini, meatballs, pastas, pizza, and so much more (MG pro tip: get the Ciambelle, or zeppoles, for dessert). The ambiance is that of a rustic wine cellar, and there’s both a bar area for keeping it casual and a more formal dining section. And if you’re curious about different types of wine, be sure to stop by for “Explore The Bin Mondays” where featured bottles are 50% off from 4PM to close.
Tomasello Winery Tasting Room At Abma’s Farm | 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff
(Photo credit: Tomasello Winery Tasting Room at Abma’s Farm)
Tomasello Winery is located in Hammonton, New Jersey, and also has tasting rooms all throughout the state. The one located at Abma’s Farm is situated in an old converted barn from the 1700s, which gives it a quaint and charming feel. There’s a market attached to the building, which is great for picking up light bites to go with your tasting. It’s also next to a petting zoo, making this a perfect outing for the whole family. The tasting room is open every day except Sundays until 5:30PM, and reservations are recommended.
See More: Hoboken + Jersey City Restaurants with Noteworthy Wine Lists
Uncorked Lounge | 650 Union Boulevard, Totowa
Uncorked is a retail wine shop with a complete service bar, and while unassuming from the outside, the interior is warm and cozy. The wines that Uncorked serves change constantly, and the spot periodically has wine-tasting events to help introduce new wines and educate patrons. While the Uncorked does not serve food, this is a great place to stop to get a drink while waiting for a table at the Italian restaurant, Nicola’s, next door. The spot also gives guests the ability to bring in outside food.
