Red or White? Explore Philadelphia’s Award-Winning Wine Scene

Philadelphia plays host to a multitude of American and international wines, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for any one of the city’s delicious eateries. Whether you’re looking for a wine-lover’s dream night out or in search of the next BYOB, Philadelphia is the perfect place for you. 

Tria

Wine, cheese and conversation: Trifecta! With locations in Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square and Washington Square West, Tria Cafe is Philadelphia’s favorite hangout for adventure-seekers and newbie wine enthusiasts alike. Come here to explore a unique, ever-changing menu full of Zippy Whites, Sociable Reds, Stoic Cheeses and even Profound Beers. Each Tria location has its own personality, but any is a great place for hanging out with friends, after-work drinks or the perfect date night. 

Wine School Philadelphia

Currently sold out until August, classes at Wine School Philadelphia are something you’ll have to plan for. Take an introductory class such as Sommelier Secrets, or dig deeper with World Atlas of Wine, Drinkable History and Spanish Wine Academy. Wine School Philadelphia is also home to the Sommelier Smackdown–settle down for the evening and let two of the city’s top wine professionals ply you with the their ideal food and drink pairings. Only one of them will win the evening, but you will definitely go home satisfied.

Lacroix Restaurant at the Rittenhouse

Lacroix at The Rittenhouse Hotel is a beloved institution for everything from Mother’s Day brunch to formal dinners, but not to be forgotten are Bar 2010 and the Library Bar. Visit for an award-winning wine list that will take you from Spain to Austria to Chile to California, and pair the sommelier’s offerings with soft-shell crab, zucchini and riccota tart, dry aged roast duck and strawberry pavlova. 

a.kitchen+bar

Another Rittenhouse Square standout, a.kitchen boasts one of Philadelphia’s most extensive wine cellars. By the glass or by the bottle, a.kitchen’s well-informed staff is ready to show you all the wine world has to offer from classic France to eastern Europe, Australia and the Sierra foothills of California. Not feeling quite so traditional? Check out one of a.kitchen’s wine inspired cocktails, like the Gamay-be with Corazon Blanco Tequila, Gamay Rouge, ginger and Angostura. 

Cook—Philadelphia’s Collaborative Kitchen-Classroom

Don’t be fooled by the simple name: Cook is Philadelphia’s premiere display kitchen or, as they say themselves, Philadelphia’s Collaborative Kitchen-Classroom. This summer, Cook is hosting its first wine and dessert class featuring 3 cheeses, blueberry and sour cherry compotes, paired with Alysian Vermouth; and chocolate plum claufotis, paired with Historic Series Madeira. Cook will also hold a Galer Estate Wine Dinner with Adam Diltz and Virginia Mitchell; and Wine and Swine: The Basque Edition with Nick Macri of Reading Terminal Market’s La Divisa Meats.