Denver may be better known for its frosty Rocky Mountain brews, but this metropolis has a vibrant wine scene that can’t be ignored. Once a gold-mining town, Denver has moved past meat and potatoes to become a diverse, vibrant dining destination. That’s why, for the first time ever, Wine Spectator is taking its Grand Tour—an evening walk-around tasting of more than 200 outstanding wines—to the Mile High City, on May 11.
To help round out your trip, Wine Spectator reached out to several leading Denver sommeliers (many run Wine Spectator Restaurant Award wine programs), asking where they go for a glass of wine when they’re not on the floor. Their picks include a hip Champagne bar, an Italian-Indian fusion spot serving natural wine gems, a famed sushi chef’s outpost with an eclectic collection and more. Check them out!
12 Top Wine Bars and Restaurants in Denver
- Tavernetta
- The Lounge at Edge at the Four Seasons
- Major Tom
- Barcelona Wine Bar
- Noble Riot
- Hop Alley
- Brasserie Brixton
- Potager
- Restaurant Olivia
- Spuntino
- Matsuhisa Denver
- Vin Rouge Wine Bar
Get tickets now at grandtour.winespectator.com!
Union Station
Tavernetta
“If I were on a game show or taking part in some 400-level trivia and the host described ‘something mindfully curated, super focused, super deep, super broad with double rainbow-like verticality,’ my answer, right or wrong, would likely be ‘What is Tavernetta?’ Within the thematic context, one can fulfill just about any vinous fantasy supported by the gracious and more-than-willing troop of well-conditioned members of the service team, who are armed with the knowledge and passion to navigate a decidedly fetching selection. If you want to get ‘first-night-after-the-winning-lottery-ticket crazy,’ you can do it here. If you want to drink an affordable bottle of really well-made something wearing a pair of flip-flops at the bar, you can do that too! Everything with intention, everything with purpose … get in there!”—Vajra Stratigos, director of operations of Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
The Lounge at Edge at the Four Seasons
“The lounge area [at Edge at the Four Seasons] has a full wine list available, as well as rotating by-the-glass wines—California, Oregon, France—and small delicious bites to pair with your wine of choice. It’s a very nice place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of Champagne. They also have something fun: If you commit to two glasses of any bottle on their list, they will Coravin it for you.”—Adel Bukary, director of operations for Award of Excellence winner Le Bilboquet
RiNo (River North)
Major Tom
“I think of Major Tom as a badass Champagne bar into which a gorgeous open kitchen crash-landed. This is my go-to to find deeper cuts of Champagne that I don’t see available very often. Killer dishes and an emphasis on hospitality mean that I recommend this spot all the time. I’m blessed and cursed with the fact that this is a seven-minute walk from Noble Riot and love that it’s kind of tucked into a compound of pleasure in the heart of the RiNo neighborhood.”—Troy Bowen, owner and wine director of Award of Excellence winner Noble Riot
Barcelona Wine Bar
“Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of RiNo, Barcelona Wine Bar stands out as a hotspot since its opening in 2018. With a dedication to clean flavors and a focus on Spanish and Mediterranean tapas, it offers an enticing culinary experience. The restaurant boasts an impressive collection of wines, spanning over 100 regions in both South America and Spain. This diverse selection ensures there’s something to suit every palate. Barcelona Wine Bar isn’t just a place to dine; it’s a destination for special occasions and girls’ nights out alike. The inviting atmosphere sets the stage for memorable moments, where friends can gather and indulge in shared plates of delicious family-style paella. And when paired with an Albariño from Rías Baixas, the experience becomes truly magical as the wine’s vibrant notes complement the rich flavors of the dish, creating a symphony for the senses.”—Elysse Altamirano, food and beverage operations manager and sommelier at Award of Excellence winner Fire
Noble Riot
“When I want to get sassy, really get into the Kool-Aid drinking mode and really steep myself in a polarized creative expression, this joint checks the boxes. It reminds me of a few wine bars in NYC with its unbridled approach—risky in all the right ways. If you’re into a choose-your-own-adventure sort of evening, check it out. You could be a dragon or the dragon slayer here … not kidding. When the service team gets geeked out on wines that had stuck fermentations, or that were made using ancient methods or that are basically unavailable in most markets, well, you know you’re in for a treat. Actually, more like a giant red wine syrup–soaked chocolate cake!—Vajra Stratigos
Hop Alley
“Hop Alley provides me with the best chance to drink exactly what I want outside of my own bar or home. Chenin, Riesling and Beaujolais are always readily available and pair so well with the delicious, playful and intricate Szechuan dishes. The somm Jake knows what’s up and although sometimes it feels like the list was made just for me, I would bet a lot of drinkers with different tastes would feel the same. I get a seat at the bar and either order a wine that’s been— like an earworm for my mouth (a mouthworm?)—constantly looping in my head or just let Jake do his thing, knowing he’ll do it right.”—Troy Bowen
North Denver
Brasserie Brixton
“Neighborhood-y, happy hour, wine-friendly food and a thoughtful selection of mostly bio and natural wines makes me a bit ‘jelly’ of the folks that can walk here. I like [Brasserie Brixton] for its chill, artsy, almost St. Germain-like feel and a staff that’s open about their status as ‘students of wine.’ These elements, and abundant charm, render this a lovely, unpretentious spot for a good bottle of grape juice, especially on a cold Denver evening.”—Vajra Stratigos
Capitol Hill
Potager
“Many of my friends have worked at this classic and seminal farm-to-table Denver institution since it opened in 1997. The current chapter, with new owners since 2019, is vibrant, intensely committed to family—their own, the team’s, the farmers’, their guests’—and serves up delicate and curious seasonal dishes with an attention to wines that is just as thoughtful and precise as the dishes. You can dip into new and fun wines like the Orixe Sotelo Nebola Blanco [an Albariño blend from Monterey County] or richer bottlings like a 2001 Taken from Granite Swan Song Cabernet [from Rennaissance Vineyards the Sierra Foothills]. I like that there’s always a mix of young and old guests laughing in what I refer to as the ‘apocalyptic bistro chic’ space.”—Troy Bowen
Wash Park
Restaurant Olivia
“We are so lucky to have a restaurant like Olivia in Denver. Soulful hospitality runs through everything they do, and the wine and food pairings are simply ethereal. Our friend Scott Thomas runs the wine program at Olivia—he is a true authority on all things Italian. His list is just so beautiful.”—Scott Mattson, owner and wine director of Award of Excellence winner Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club
Cherry Creek
Matsuhisa Denver
“[Mastuhisa is] one of my favorite eclectic wine lists in Denver. So many fun Champagnes, all regions and grapes can be found on their wine list. They even have not one but a few Aligotés on their by-the-glass list and you don’t see that very often, and a rosé from Japan.” —Adel Bukary
Highlands
Sptiuntino
“A few blocks from our house in the Highlands, husband-wife team Cindhura Reddy and Elliot Strathmann run a brilliant Indian-Italian fusion concept called Spuntino. Cindhura’s dishes are so complex, so original and packed with flavor. Elliot’s bottle list is an ever-evolving treasure trove of gems that lean a bit toward the natural and end of the spectrum. Elliot’s digestif program is also a thing of legend in the Denver sommelier community.”—Scott Mattson
Berkeley
Vin Rouge Wine Bar
“Vin Rouge Wine Bar and Tasting Room stands out as a gem in Denver. It’s a welcoming haven for boutique natural wines sourced from around the globe. Under the careful stewardship of owner Jen and her attentive staff, patrons are treated to an immersive experience where conversations about wines are encouraged and cherished. The modern ambiance of Vin Rouge, coupled with its tranquil setting, creates the perfect backdrop for exploring its extensive collection of wines. Every visit offers an opportunity to discover new varietals and engage in discussions about the latest trends shaping the wine world. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Vin Rouge promises an unforgettable journey through the world of wine, making it a must-visit destination in Denver.”—Elysse Altamirano
