Airport Wine Bars are opening at airports across the country, providing the opportunity to sip a nice wine while waiting for a flight or during an airport layover
So you're looking for a nice glass of wine at the airport while you wait for your flight, or a few glasses of wine during a layover or other flight delay? Well, depending on where you are flying from, we may be able to put a glass of decent, if not excellent wine in your hand in no time. Airport Wine Bars are not as plentiful as airport brewpubs (which I am happy to say have proliferated quite rapidly) however, they are starting to become more prevalent. They are generally of two types: either providing a sampling of wines from around the country or world, such as Vino Volo, which also may feature some local offerings, or specializing in only local or regional wines, possibly operated by the winemakers themselves, such as the Yadkin Valley Wine Bar in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We have listed all the airport wine bars that we could find, as well as a few that are “in progress”, in alphabetical order by airport name with a couple of wine bars that have a presence at multiple airports listed at the end. Please let us know of any that we may have omitted. (originally published July 2008, updated November 2008, March 2009, December 2009, March 2010, May 2010, February 2011, November 2011)
Alphabetical Listing of Airport Wine Bars by Airport
Albany International Airport (ALB)
Hudson Valley Wine Bar
Located in Terminal B, post-security
The Hudson Valley Wine Bar features regional and other New York State wines, as well as food, and opened on May 12, 2010. See the full article on eXpectdelaYs.com for more details at http://expectdelays.com/cblog/archives/528-Hudson-Valley-Wine-Bar-Opens-At-Albany-International-Airport-ALB.html
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Vino Volo
Located in Terminal A
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Cisco Brewpub
Terminal B, post security
Don't let the name fool you as Cisco Brewpub serves food, as well as the beer of Nantucket's Cisco Brewery as well as wines from sister companies Nantucket Vinyards and spirits from Triple Eight Distillary. It is open from 5am to 9pm daily. It is located on the American Airlines side of Terminal B. Visit the Cisco Brewers web site for more information about their beer, wine and spirits.
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Charlotte Douglass International Airport (CLT)
Yadkin Valley Wine Bar
Located on the D/E connector between the Harley Davidson Store and Destination Charlotte and Starbucks, just before the corridor to concourse E.
The Yadkin Valley Wine Bar offers sales and tastings of Wines from the Yadkin Valley Winegrowers Association (YVWA). Wines can be purchased by the bottle, by the taste or by the glass. When I visitied they also had tasting flights available, allowing you to put together your own wine flight of red, white or reserve wines. The price is quite reasonable compared with some of the other airport wine bars since this store is a promotional venue for the wineries themselves. The member winemakers and winery owners work a few days a month at the store. The prices for bottles are the same as if purchased elsewhere. Visitors can also obtain information on visiting the member wineries. Wineries represented are Hanover Park Vineyard, RagApple Lassie Vineyards, RayLen Vineyards, Round Peak Vineyards, Shelton Vineyards, Stony Knoll Vineyards, and Westbend Vineyards. A nice extra touch is a small monitor in the wine bar that lets you check on your flight status while you are enjoying your wine.
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Dallas - Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
La Bodega Winery and Tasting Bar
Located at Terminal A Gate A15 and Terminal D Gate D14
La Bodega Winery and Tasting Bar is a quiet and relaxing place to spend time during a trip through DFW Airport. The atmosphere is a wine connoisseur's dream, complete with a grand selection of fine wines and decorative ornaments. Sit among the beautiful surroundings of grapevines and polished silver accessories while tasting a sample from the winery's large selection. Wine merchandise and accessories include delicate sterling silver and glass decorations that would compliment any living room and make charming gifts. Be sure to stop at La Bodega Winery when traveling through DFW Airport for a peaceful and enjoyable experience. (description from DFW website)
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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Vino Volo
Located at McNamara Terminal, on Concourse A by Gate A45
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Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Vino Volo
Located on Concourse C
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El Paso International Airport (ELP)
El Paso Vineyards
Located on the Ground Floor, Inside La Placita
Featuring vintages of the Zin Valle Vineyards, this watering hole carries a full bar and selection of beers. Healthy salads, delicious sandwiches and sweet & salty snacks round out the menu. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy true tastes of the region through these superb spirits and soak up the enticing West Texas sunshine in the Wine Bar’s relaxing landside setting. (Description from HMSHost) (opened March 19, 2008)
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Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Le Grand Comptoir
Located in Terminal C South, post security
Le Grand Comptoir is an authentic French brasserie and, with over 80 styles of wine available by the glass, it is truly unlike any other airport wine bar. Fresh, upscale and contemporary, its rich wood finishes are balanced by vibrant green hues, stonework accents, posh leather stools and a long, elegant brass bar dressed with modern pendant lighting. Its bistro-inspired fare includes signature crab bakes and tempting strawberry crepes, transforming a layover from tedious to delicious. Le Grand Comptoir also offers a premium bar, selection of handcrafted beers, and range of specialty coffees. (SSP America Description)
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Napa Valley Wine Bar (Closed)
Located in Terminal 1, Gates 1-3, post security
Operated by Anton Airfoods. Presumably they feature Napa Valley wines, but it is impossible to tell since neither the JFK or Anton Airfoods websites offers any description of this place. Let's hope they put more effort into their wine selection than they do into their web presence! If you have been here, please share your experience with us!
Idlewild Wine Bar
Located in Terminal 1
Idlewild emulates a sidewalk cafe and offer wines from America's top producing regions, with an emphasis on Hudson Valley varietals. (HMSHost description)
Vino Volo
Located in Terminal 8, post security
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Cibo Bistro and Wine Bar
Located in the US Airways Terminal
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Lambert – St. Louis International Airport (STL)
Missouri Wine Bar
Main Terminal, Upper level, post security
The Missouri Wine Bar offers travelers the luxury of wine tasting at the airport. Local boutique vineyards and award-winning varietals anchor the selection of tastings by the glass. Designed to complement the featured wines, the menu includes artisanal breads and salads of fresh greens, nuts, cheeses, olives and fruits. For those with an appetite, Missouri Wine Bar also serves food from nearby Brioche Dorée Café. (description from HMSHost press release)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM--Sat 11AM-7:00PM--Sun 11AM-7PM
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Memphis International Airport (MEM)
Memphis City Blues
On B concourse near gate B-5, post-security
This wine bar just opened at the end of February 2009. 38 wines are available by the glass. Some food items such as appetizers and breakfast as well as beer and mixed drinks are served. Hours are reported to be from 7 am - 7:30 pm, but details are unconfirmed as the Memphis International Airport website has no details about this wine bar.
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Miami International Airport (MIA)
Beaudevin
Located post-security on Concourse D
Beaudevin wine bar had its grand opening on February 17, 2011 at Miami International Airport. The Miami airport wine bar has both small plate offerings and entrées which are intended to pair perfectly with suggested vintages. Wine flights are also available to sample some of Beaudevin Wine Bar's offerings. Breakfast offerings are also available, and the wine bar also serves Illy Gourmet coffees. The world's only other Beaudevin wine bar is in the Brussels, Belgium airport
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Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Surdyk's Flights
Located post-security in the Airport Mall - Terminal 1 Lindbergh
"Now we bring you Surdyk’s Flights – a wine market and bar with the finest wine, spirits and artisanal fare. Stop in and enjoy a drink or meal before or after you fly, or take a snack with you on the plane. Browse our selection of wines from around the world- and because we’re past the security gate- take with you on the plane to enjoy at your destination, or give as a gift. Sip, savor and enjoy at Surdyk’s Flights!" "Surdyk’s Flights provides an enticingly fresh menu of breakfast, with fresh baked goods from local and organic ingredients, light fare, featuring plates of artisanal salumi or gourmet cheese, salads and sandwiches designed by Mary Richter, professional chef and general manager of Surdyk’s award winning Cheese Shop. Customers can enjoy favorites like the “Minneapple Panini” featuring roast turkey with apples and lingonberry spread." (Information from Surdyk's Flights web site) Learn more at surdyksflights.com.
M-Sa: 8am - 9pm, Sunday 10am-9pm (no retail sales on Sunday)
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Vino Volo
Located in Terminal C on Concourse C1 (Continental)
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Cibo Bistro and Wine Bar
Located on Concourse A-west & Concourse B (also at New York's LaGuardia Airport and Washington's Reagan National Airport)
Upscale Italian bistro with 32 wines by the glass from around the world.
Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar, authentic Italian cuisine served fresh. A distinctly themed, upscale facility within the OTG portfolio. Guests experience Italy with our fresh pasta, perfectly seasoned meats and exquisite seafood, all professionally prepared. Our saute are further enhances your experience with an open view of your Cibo Chef!
Following in the tradition of a classic Italian trattoria our staff is thoroughly trained in the culinary arts. Assisting our patrons with entree selection and beverage is our pleasure. Our menu provides more than 32 select wine from around the globe in constant rotation. Served by the bottle or glass. (Description from parent company OTG website)
Vino Volo
Located on the B/C Connector
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Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
California Vintages
This refreshing, seasonal location draws traveling wine connoisseurs an enthusiasts alike to its outdoor setting to enjoy their favorite vintage by the glass or other superb spirits. (company description) This wine bar reportedly opened on March 25, 2010 according to an HMHSHost press release. The exact location in the airport was not mentioned.
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Portland International Airport (PDX)
The Rose City Cafe & Wine Bar [Closed]
Located just inside the Portland International Airport on the Ticket Lobby Level, pre-security checkpoint.
All the time in the world or no time to waste. Rose City Café operates on your schedule. Have a minute? Sit back, relax and enjoy a selection from our upscale wine bar and service as warm as the surroundings. Savor our steaks, sandwiches, pasta and other specialties so delicious you'll lose an hour or two. In a bind? Order the freshest hand-rolled sushi and get moving. Where grab-and-go meets great little café. (Company description) The Rose City Cafe wine bar serves a selection of Oregon and Northwest fine wines.
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Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU)
Carolina Vintages
Located in Terminal 2 near Gate D3
"Here, find a wine bar with the best North Carolina vintages and a dining room featuring dishes with fresh, organic and locally grown ingredients." Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and full entrées are served, and North Carolina products are featured. Wines are available by the bottle or glass, and Draught Microbrew beers are also available. For more information and food and wine menus, visit the Carolina Vintages web site.
5am - 8pm
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Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Cibo Bistro and Wine Bar
Located in the National Hall, South (outside security)
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Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Vino Volo
Located in Terminal A
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Vino Volo
Located in the Central Terminal Marketplace
Vintage Washington Wine Bar
Located Pre-securty in the Main Terminal behind the Continental Airlines Ticket Counter
Offers a sampling of Washington State wines by the glass or bottle as well as a full service restaurant. There is also a Vintage Washington Wine Bar at the Spokane International Airport
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Spokane International Airport (GEG)
Vintage Washington Wine Bar
Located post-security in the central area between Concourses A and B
This full-service bar and casual dining restaurant celebrates the heritage and growing legacy of Eastern Washington's wine industry. Showcasing wines from seven prominent wineries in the Spokane area, Vintage Washington will feature local wine-tastings along with a variety of beers, spirits and a full casual-dining menu from Chili's, one of America's favorite restaurants. (Company Description)
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Airport Wine Bars Coming Soon, to an airport near you!
Airport Wine Bars with Multiple locations
Cibo Bistro and Wine Bar
At Philadelphia International Airport (PHI), New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Washington's Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Upscale Italian bistro with 32 wines by the glass from around the world.
Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar, authentic Italian cuisine served fresh. A distinctly themed, upscale facility within the OTG portfolio. Guests experience Italy with our fresh pasta, perfectly seasoned meats and exquisite seafood, all professionally prepared. Our saute are further enhances your experience with an open view of your Cibo Chef!
Following in the tradition of a classic Italian trattoria our staff is thoroughly trained in the culinary arts. Assisting our patrons with entree selection and beverage is our pleasure. Our menu provides more than 32 select wine from around the globe in constant rotation. Served by the bottle or glass. (Description from parent company OTG website)
Vino Volo
(read the full story at eXpect delaYs here: http://expectdelays.com/cblog/archives/343-Vino-Volo-Expands-National-High-End-Wine-Tasting-Concept-to-Detroit-Metropolitan-Airport.html)
Company description: Each Vino Volo store combines a cozy wine lounge and restaurant, a tasting bar, and a boutique wine retail area into a sophisticated, post-security retreat for air travelers. “Vino Volo is a completely new concept in wine retail and travel. We provide a unique wine tasting opportunity for air travelers looking for a place to spend their time before boarding,” said Doug Tomlinson, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vino Volo. “We have completely reinvented the pre-travel experience at the airport by offering our guests a comfortable refuge while allowing them to taste and buy extraordinary wines at all price points. We select what we think are the best wines in each price category and organize them into tasting flights.”
Vino Volo newest location is at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). This will add to the list of highly successful locations Vino Volo currently operates. Nationwide you can discover great wines at the Vino Volo in Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport’s (IAD) Concourse C, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) Central Terminal Marketplace, Sacramento International Airport’s (SMF) Terminal A, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport’s (BWI) Terminal A, New York’s JFK International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8, and Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) B/C Connector. Vino Volo also has opened in Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Not Really An Airport Wine Bar, but ....
Newark International Airport
Gallagher's Steakhouse
On the Concourse to Gates C120 - C139
While not a wine bar, rumor has it that this airport version of the famed New York steakhouse has a decent wine list, including wines by the glass. (http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/tasting-room/2007/6/29/The-Wines-of-Newark-Airport)
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I hope this article will help you find a decent glass of wine at the airport on your next layover. Please let us know your experiences at any of these establishments, as well as any airport wine bars that we may have omitted.
Remember - if you eXpect delaYs you can beat them! (or you can at least have a decent glass of wine to make your delay more tolerable ;-) )
Happy travels!
-Gus