Wine bar
Unclaimed profileBar a Vin
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A Georgetown wine bar with a serious French accent, Bar a Vin delivers a wine list spanning Alsace to Burgundy, plus a rotating cocktail menu that includes zero-proof versions. The dessert menu extends the program with rare spirits and aged wines. Customers praise the expertly crafted cocktails and extensive French wine selection.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Rose Window, a sparkling wine cocktail with vermouth rouge and elderflower. For wine, try the Christian Lauverjat Sancerre or a glass of Champagne Dumont. Finish with the Siècle Old Fashioned, made with Bhakta 1928 and Cardamaro.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the deep French list, while cocktail fans can explore creative originals like Hay Fever and the Armagnac Old Fashioned. The zero-proof options make it welcoming for non-drinkers, and the dessert spirits appeal to after-dinner sippers.
- When should I go?
- The cocktail menu changes by meal period, so brunch, lunch, and dinner offer different selections. Evening visits allow for the full dinner menu and dessert spirits.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14 to $18, wines by the glass $12 to $32, beers $8 to $14, and zero-proof cocktails $12 to $16. Dessert wines and spirits are priced per pour, with whiskeys up to $50.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine list's French focus is matched by a cocktail program that uses French ingredients like vermouth rouge, Lillet, and Armagnac. The dessert menu's dedicated spirits selection, including rare eaux-de-vie and amari, is a rare find.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Rotating 'Cocktails à la Maison' with French-inspired ingredients, including classics and originals. Zero-proof versions of Jasmine and Hay Fever are available. Prices are reasonable for the quality.
Menu strengths
- — Creative cocktails with French ingredients like Capitoline vermouth rouge and Lillet Blanc.
Standout selections
- — Rose Window: Capitoline vermouth rouge, elderflower, lemon, sparkling wine.
- — Armagnac Old Fashioned: Armagnac, Lillet Blanc, aromatic & orange bitters.
- — Siècle Old Fashioned: Bhakta 1928, Cardamaro, chocolate bitters.
Pricing: $14-$18
Wine
Extensive French-focused list with regions from Alsace to Burgundy. Offers many by-the-glass options and a dedicated dessert wine selection with rare finds.
Menu strengths
- — Deep French coverage including Sancerre, Beaujolais, Burgundy, and Champagne.
- — Dessert wine list features sherry, port, Jurançon, Maury, and Pineau des Charentes.
Standout selections
- — Christian Lauverjat, Moulin des Vrilleres, Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc (2025).
- — Famille de Mondeville, Champagne Dumont, Côte des Bar, Brut (NV).
- — Emilio Lustau, Don Nuño Solera Reserva, dry Oloroso sherry.
Pricing: Glasses $12-$32, bottles $48-$128
Beer
Small but curated selection of French, Belgian, and American beers, plus a French cider. Includes a non-alcoholic IPA.
Menu strengths
- — Includes Belgian sour red ale Rodenbach Grand Cru and French farmhouse ale.
Standout selections
- — Rodenbach Grand Cru, Flemish sour red ale.
- — La Maison Ferré, La Cave de Gabriel, cidre brut.
Pricing: $8-$14
Nonalcoholic
Impressive non-alcoholic program with zero-proof cocktails, dealcoholized sparkling rosé, non-alcoholic beer, and fresh juices. Zero-proof cocktails are priced on par with regular ones.
Menu strengths
- — Zero-proof cocktails like Fièvre des Fleurs and Tulipe are crafted with non-alcoholic spirits.
Standout selections
- — Fièvre des Fleurs: non-alcoholic gin, elderflower, lemon, grapefruit, grenadine.
- — Fauxpéritif Spritz: Undone Apéritif, sparkling water.
- — Pierre Chavin, Pierre Zero Signature, dealcoholized sparkling rosé.
Pricing: $8-$16
Spirits
Dessert menu reveals a deep spirits list: whiskey, brandy, eaux-de-vie, amari, and aperitifs. Includes rare and aged bottles, with a French emphasis.
Menu strengths
- — Broad whiskey selection spanning bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, Japanese, and French.
- — Rare brandies like Tesseron XO Cognac and La Muse Verte absinthe.
Standout selections
- — Ardbeg, 10-Year Single Malt Scotch.; Tesseron, XO, Cognac.
Pricing: $10-$50 per pour
How it sits with the food
The French bistro menu pairs naturally with the wine list; Sancerre suits shellfish, while Burgundy reds match poultry. Cocktails like the Armagnac Old Fashioned can stand up to rich desserts.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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