Sips & Stirs: 5 Budget Friendly Wine Finds in the Lower East Side

Wine bars are popping up all over the place but finding a quality glass of vino when you are on a budget seems to be the trickiest part. We've been loving the Lower East Side lately and sent out our resident wine expert Emily Goldman of Amateur Winos to pick some of the best wine options at her favorite wine bars. Amateur Winos is an excellent site for the person that loves a quality glass of grape but doesn't want to be bothered with all that fancy jargon and "wine speak." AW's simple and comprehensive wine reviews are fabulous and we are excited to welcome Emily's expertise in all things alcoholic to EE. 

5 Budget-Friendly Wine Finds in the Lower East Side

by Emily Goldman, Contributing Writer 

Bacaro's Vino Alla Salvia
Sage-inflused Bardolino Chiaretto
Photo: E. Goldman, Eatery Expert 

Bacaro 136 Division Street nr. Ludlow St. This wine bar is both romantic and rustic. The upstairs has a much more local vibe and the downstairs caters to cozy dates or festive celebrations. This completely Venetian wine bar includes every type of wine pour from ½ tasting portions (3oz) to carafes, as well as an extensive by-the-bottle list with upwards of 100 varietals to choose from. Not a wino? Their cocktail list is stellar. Before you even take your seat, make sure to order the Spritz ($10), which is a mixture of Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda and will immediately transport you to a palazzo in Venice with its hint of orange and refreshing bubbles.
White: Bianco di Custoza, Falasco, Veneto 2010 (1/2 $6, glass $9, carafe $18), which is a light white with nice hints of apple and honey.
Red: Valtellina Rosso, Sandro Fay, Lombardia 2010 (1/2 $7, glass $10, carafe $20) pairs well with anything on the very shareable food menu or could easily be drunk on its own.
Spicy Red: Valpolicella Classico, Tommasi “Rafael,” Veneeto 2010 (1/2 $8, glass $11, carafe $22) boasts black pepper and bold cherry flavors.
Rosé:: Vino Alla Salvia, a sage-infused rosé: ($10), which is a real gem actually created at Bacaro on a whim. They infuse bottles of the Bardolino Chiaretto, Zenato 2010 with sage leaves to make a delicious, refreshing summer cocktail.

Jadis Wine Bar
Photo: Alexis, NYC Sunflower

Jadis 42 Rivington Street nr. Forsyth St. While the name may make you think you’re stepping into a strictly French wine bar, Jadis actually offers a wide selection of wines that range from Argentina to Oregon, as well as an unbelievably tasty menu of small plates. A true Lower East Side establishment, this place loves its regulars and gives a warm welcome to newcomers. And with a daily Happy Hour from 5-7p where the first four white and red wines on the menu are half price, prosecco is $5, and Stella is $4 there is no reason not to become one of the regulars. Or if you are looking for a special Monday night, all bottles over $30 are 30% off, so even those on a budget can try out some of the more specialty choices on Jadis’ extensive list.

White: Torrentés, “El Origen” Reserva, 2009 (glass $7, carafe $18, bottle $25) from Mendoza, Argentina if you are jonsing for a not too sweet white with notes of tropical fruits and citrus.
Red: Clot del Pila, Domaine Boudrau, 2010 (glass $7, carafe $18, bottle $25) from Côtes du Roussillon, France is not only the most reasonably priced red, but also one of the restaurant owner’s absolute favorites. This dry, fruit-forward wine is clean and smooth, while at the same time, complex enough to merit a few glasses (or a carafe).
Rosé: Cuvée, Cep d’Or, St. Tropez 2011 (glass $8, carafe $22, bottle $29) This was a major show stopper for me. It's a dry, medium bodied rosé with a great acidity that is the ideal complement to the warm summer months.

'inoteca in Lower East Side, NYC
Photo: 'inoteca

‘inoteca 98 Rivington Street nr. Ludlow St. ‘inoteca's rustic wooden tables, high ceilings, and outdoor seating make it the perfect location for after work drinks, a cozy date, or a birthday party with your closest friends. While by-the-glass options start at $9, none exceed $12, and they have well-priced half carafe and bottle options, too. Their exclusively Italian wine list may seem daunting with a book of over 600 by-the-bottle selections, but head honcho of the 'ino empire Jason Denton makes it easier to narrow down the selection with their own wine label. Does this place get any cooler?

If you are in the mood for food, go straight for their mix and match Bruschetta (one -$3, three -$7, five -$12, seven -$16), which really affords the ability to experience lots of flavors on one plate from pesto to caponata di melanzane to gorgonzola & fig (a personal favorite). Everything pairs fabulously with the wines, and add in a plate of assorted meats and cheese, and you’ve got a great meal for two or starter for a group.

White: The ‘inoteca Bianco, 2010 ($9) has a nice lean body with hints of pear and apple.
Red: The ‘inoteca rosso, 2010 ($9) is a 100% Nebbiolo grape featuring bright acidity and a light body that pairs well with many options on the menu, or can easily be drunk on its own.
Bubbles: Prosecco, Bollic’ino ($9) is simple and refreshing, great for a celebration on a budget.

Sweet Grapes Wine Bar
Photo: E. Goldman, Eatery Expert

Sweet Grapes 39 Essex Street nr. Grand St. Recently opened in 2011, this is the quintessential local wine bar hang out in the Lower East Side. Boasting a decent sized menu of wine and a few specialty beers, Sweet Grapes caters to a crowd wanting a low key evening of drinking while at the same time promoting local talent with its live music every evening from 9p-midnight. The wine menu ranges from $6 to $10 by the glass with choices from all around the world including Argentina, Austria, and Italy.

White: Vinho Verde, Portugal 2009 ($7/$28) is extremely reasonably priced, slightly effervescent, and has that nice light freshness typically associated with the grape.
Red:  Montepulciano, Selva de Canonici, Italy 2007 ($9/$36) is fruit-forward and easy to drink with the wide variety of tasty bar snacks including charcuterie, cheeses and more.
Bubbles: Prosecco, Victoria ($8/$32) This is the perfect easy-drinking sparkling wine to start or end your evening. 

Medici Ermete, Lambrusco Reggiano
at De Vino
Photo: E. Goldman, Eatery Expert

De Vino 30 Clinton Street nr. Stanton St. This mostly Italian wine store is owned by a man who lives and breathes wine, growing up on a vineyard in Italy, and now transferring his passion to the Lower East Side. While he has wines of all price ranges, there are a few standouts within the $15 and under range. If you are ever on the corner of Clinton Street, check out this delightful little wine boutique. It's New York City to the tee with tons of Lower East Side flavor.
Bubbles: Prosecco by Ombra ($15) is a standout when you are looking to bring something festive to a celebration and not spend major cash.
White: For a light, fresh, and almost salty white wine try the Casa D’Ambra, Ischia Bianco 2011 ($15), which would easily pair with oysters or selfish.
Red: With Lambruscos regaining popularity, check out the Medici Ermete, Lambrusco Reggiano ($12) with its light bubbles, cherry flavor, and tannic quality, it would pair with any fatty, fried food like pizza or prosciutto. And for a simple red, he sells the Rainoldi, Rosso di Valtenni, 2010 ($15), which is dry, medium-bodied, with light tannins and a mineral quality.