Wine bar
Unclaimed profileCork Wine Bar and Market
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Cork Wine Bar and Market is a wine-first destination with a list organized by region and country, offering many wines in 2 oz and 4 oz pours. The Cork Flight Club adds a monthly subscription with hand-selected bottles and educational content. Weekly tastings and a market component round out the experience. Beer and non-alcoholic options are limited but serviceable.
- What should I order?
- Start with a by-the-glass pour of L'Oiselinère Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine ($6/2 oz, $12/4 oz) or the Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc ($8/2 oz, $15/4 oz). For a bottle, consider the Von Winnings Estate Trocken Riesling 2022 at $57.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking small-producer selections and educational opportunities will appreciate the Flight Club and weekly tastings. Those who enjoy exploring wines by the glass in varied pour sizes will find the format appealing.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal for tastings and flights; the downstairs bar is bustling while the upstairs dining room offers a quieter atmosphere. Weekly tastings provide a structured way to explore the list.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wines by the glass range from $6 to $20 for 4 oz pours; bottles range from $45 to $82. Canned beers are $8 to $12, and tea is $4. A 5% service charge is added to checks.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The dual-level layout—a lively shop and bar downstairs and a more spacious dining room upstairs—sets the stage for a wine-focused experience. The Cork Flight Club and weekly tastings emphasize education and discovery.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Wine
An extensive, regionally organized list with many by-the-glass options in 2 oz and 4 oz pours. Small producers, women winemakers, and diverse regions are featured. The Cork Flight Club and weekly tastings add educational depth.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive wine list with many by-the-glass options and small producers.
- — Cork Flight Club offers monthly hand-selected wines with educational content.
- — Weekly tastings and private events provide interactive experiences.
Standout selections
- — L'Oiselinère Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine – Melon de Bourgogne, Loire, France. $6 (2 oz), $12 (4 oz).
- — Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois – Sauvignon Blanc, Loire, France. $8 (2 oz), $15 (4 oz).
- — Dumont Brut Champagne – Chardonnay, Champagne, France. $14 (2 oz), $27 (4 oz).
- — Von Winnings Estate Trocken 2022 – Riesling, Pfalz, Germany. $57 (bottle).
Pricing: Wines by the glass range from $6 to $20 for 4 oz pours; bottles range from $45 to $82.
Beer
A small but local selection of canned craft beers from Maryland and DC, including a pilsner, a vanilla porter, and a hazy IPA.
Menu strengths
- — Features local craft beers from Maryland and DC.
Standout selections
- — Silver Branch Glass Castle Pilsner – Silver Spring, Maryland. 12 oz can, $9.
- — Bluejacket Lost Weekend Hazy IPA – DC. 16 oz can, $12.
Pricing: Canned beers range from $8 to $12.
Nonalcoholic
Offers French press coffee and assorted teas from Le Palais de Thés, providing basic non-alcoholic options.
Menu strengths
- — Provides non-alcoholic beverage options including coffee and tea.
Standout selections
- — Le Palais de Thés – assorted teas, $4.
- — Coffee French Press – French press coffee.
Pricing: Tea is priced at $4; coffee price not listed.
How it sits with the food
The wine list is complemented by small plates, and guests mention enjoying wine flights with them. The award-winning fried chicken is a notable pairing option, though portions are described as small for the price.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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