Old World by the glass, done right
Logan Circle · Washington · Contemporary American, Wine Bar · Visit Website ↗
Updated October 2026
Reviewed March 7, 2026 · How we review
RagingWine reviewed Cork Wine Bar & Market’s wine list and gave it The Rager — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Cork hits that sweet spot between serious and approachable — this is a neighborhood spot that takes wine seriously without making you feel like you need a degree to order. The by-the-glass program runs 18+ deep with a clear Old World bias, and pricing starts at $6 for a 2oz taste, which means you can actually explore without emptying your wallet.
Cork's list reads like a European wine map with real depth: Loire Valley gets proper attention (Sancerre, Anjou), Burgundy and Bordeaux anchors are solid, and there's thoughtful representation from Piedmont, Friuli, and Rioja. The bottle range tops out around $74, keeping things accessible while still offering serious wines like the Gueyrosse St. Émilion Grand Cru 2015. What stands out is the curation — these aren't just the usual suspects, but producers like Jean-Marc Brocard and Château Soucherie that show someone's actually tasting and choosing intentionally. The Italian selection runs deeper than most wine bars, with regions like Puglia and Friuli that often get skipped.
Eighteen-plus options by the glass is serious business, especially when they're pouring things like Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rouge and Vietti Perbacco alongside the Dumont Brut Champagne. The 2oz/4oz pour structure ($6-$14 / $7-$27) is smart — you can taste your way through half the list for the price of one bottle elsewhere. This is a by-the-glass program built for exploring, not just offering a token red and white.
Vietti Perbacco 2022 — $27
Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont's top producers at this price point is a steal — entry-level Vietti that drinks well above its weight
Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rouge 2019
Everyone orders Sancerre blanc, but this Pinot Noir from one of the Loire's best shows why the region does more than just Sauvignon Blanc
Dumont Brut Champagne
Solid enough bubbles, but at this price point you could explore one of their more interesting Loire sparklers or go full Champagne somewhere else
Château Soucherie Anjou Blanc + Burrata
Loire Chenin Blanc's texture and acidity cut through rich cream while the wine's subtle sweetness plays off the burrata's milky freshness
The Bottom Line
Cork is what every neighborhood should have — a wine bar that knows its stuff but doesn't make you feel tested. The Old World focus is executed with real depth, prices are fair, and the by-the-glass program alone is worth the trip.
· Washington · Mediterranean
Zaytinya's wine list is one of the more focused and honest Greek programs you'll find at a mid-to-high scale restaurant in D.C. The by-the-glass selection is wide, the pricing doesn't insult you, and the Greek variety depth is genuinely impressive. If you've been waiting for a reason to finally figure out what Xinomavro tastes like, this is your spot.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Washington · Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão's wine list is exactly what a national Brazilian steakhouse chain's wine list looks like: functional, familiar, and priced for margin rather than your benefit. The by-the-glass count is impressive on paper, but most of the options are labels you've seen at your grocery store for a fraction of what they're charging here. If you're coming for the meat — and you should be — stick to the Catena Malbec and enjoy the show.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Washington · Washington · Steak House
A 20-wine by-the-glass list with every pour between $14 and $30, split across four sparkling, six white, two rosé and eight red. With a steak, start with the $26 Clos Duval Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or the $22 Monte Antico Supremus; for the cheapest glass, take the $14 Dr. Loosen Riesling. Pour sizes aren't posted and the page is undated, so confirm today's wines. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
Downtown DC · Washington · Steakhouse
A steakhouse beverage menu with 30 wines by the glass and a bottle list that is mostly California, with some France, Italy and Portugal. Start with the $9/glass happy hour Bonanza Cabernet if you arrive in the window, or the Eroica Riesling, the only Riesling on the glass list, and ask for prices because regular wine prices aren't posted. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
Georgetown · Washington · Seafood, Steakhouse
An unpriced list that is easier to read for what it offers than for what it costs. If you want Bordeaux, ask for the 2020 Margaux de Brane Cantenac, or look at the Brunello di Montalcino in Sommelier's Selections, and get the price before you commit. This unrated guide covers the posted Beverage Menu, not service, storage or markups.
Washington · Washington · Latin, Vegetarian
A wide-ranging list with 14 wines by the glass from $17 to $95 and a bottle book that runs from $60 to $1,275. Start with the $17 Eichinger Grüner Veltliner or the $20 Pêcheur Trousseau, and ask for the Natural Wines section if you want something low-intervention. This unrated guide covers the posted wine list, not service, storage or markups.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
List Variety
Markup
Glassware
Staff
Specials & Deals
Storage & Temp
