Grape Expectations: The Haute 5 Wine Bars in Atlanta

Atlanta is filled with wine spots that accommodate even the most discerning connoisseur. And now with the new Georgia law allowing diners to take their wine to go, you may as well as order the bottle. Here is at look at the Haute 5 spots to sip vino in Atlanta.

Parish
Located in the old fourth ward, Parish is one of those neighborhood spots that you can go for a glass of wine and stay for a delicious dinner. Although the main dining room offers all of the choices, the best bet is to head downstairs where you can really revel in the wine selection and market goodies. General manager and resident sommelier Justin Amick is always on hand to give you suggestions in both the restaurant and in the market.

Parish is located at 240 N. Highland Ave., 404.681.4434.

Steel
The Asian-fusion restaurant is kind of a hidden gem for many Atlanta oenophiles. Located in the glass Plaza Midtown building, Steel, has a wine room that will blow you away. But it is not just for show, the collection displayed on all of the walls is extensive and is all available for the taking. But aside from the wine room, the restaurant has a very stylish, Zen feel to it. There is something sexy about the water fall curtains lining the bar and the water fountain located in the front of the space. A great place for a romantic evening shared over a great bottle of wine.

Steel is located in Plaza Midtown, 950 W. Peachtree St. N.W., 404.477.6111.

Murphy’s
This neighborhood restaurant has been a long time favorite. Sitting on the corner of the hip Virginia Highlands neighborhood, you will always find a crowd waiting outside. Recently they have opened a retail wine stores attached to the restaurant. For some great summer blends, you should swing by “Warm Weather Favorites” class on June 29. This class is part of the Murphy’s Tuesday Wine Series offered at Murphy’s.For more information about Murphy’s and Tuesday Wine Series, go to www.murphys.com.

Murphy’s is located at 977 Virginia Ave. N.E., 404.872.0904

Ecco
Great dining and drink spot in Midtown. The design is beautiful as well including  the open-air patio and over-sized bar wraparound bar. The menu features seasonally-inspired cuisine with European accents and has a great selection of cured meats and cheeses. There is also an adventurous , nationally-recognized wine list representing both boutique and well-known European vineyards with many exclusive selections to choose from.  The charcuteries pair perfectly with a glass of wine.

Ecco is located at 40 Seventh St., 404.347.9555.

Two Urban Licks
Two Urban Licks has a wine menu like you have never seen.  Even if you have seen it all, you have not seen this.  They are the first place in the country to offer Wine on Tap. If you don’t believe us, you can see for yourself, as the stainless steel barrels of wine are prominently displayed in a 26 foot steel and glass tower for all to see.  And even if you are not in a wine mood, we are willing to bet you will want to try a glass after seeing the gravity-flowed system hard at work.  Aside from the wine, TWO also has a great inventive menu and some other really intriguing cocktails.

Two Urban Licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., 404.522.4622.