Wine bar
Unclaimed profileDistrict Winery
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
District Winery is an urban winery that produces a broad portfolio on-site, sourcing grapes from Finger Lakes, Lodi, and Suisun Valley. The tasting room offers a deep wine list by the glass and bottle, along with guided tastings and happy hour specials. A small beer list and two wine-based cocktails round out the program. Customers praise the wine quality and variety, particularly the sparkling rosé and Zinfandel.
- What should I order?
- Start with the 2019 Blanc de Blancs from Finger Lakes, a sparkling with apple and brioche. For white, the 2018 Riesling offers bright acidity. The 2022 Pinot Noir from Los Carneros shows cherry and spice. Consider a guided tasting to sample the range, especially during happy hour when glasses are $10.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts interested in urban winemaking and regional grape sourcing will find much to explore. Those seeking a curated tasting experience or a waterfront setting with a broad wine list will appreciate the program. Beer drinkers have a few local options, but the focus is clearly on wine.
- When should I go?
- Weekday afternoons may be quieter; evenings can get lively. The patio is a draw in good weather.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wine by the glass ranges from $12 to $18; bottles from $48 to $72. Private guided wine tastings are $50 per person, and wine and cheese pairing is $55. Happy hour glasses are $10.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- As the first commercial winery in DC, District Winery produces its wines on-site using grapes from boutique vineyards across the country. The program includes tours, tastings, and educational experiences, making it a destination for understanding American viticulture from an urban perspective.
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
A robust, on-site winery program with a diverse portfolio sourced from multiple US regions. The list spans sparkling, white, red, and rosé, with many vintages and styles. Guided tastings and flights add depth, while happy hour pricing makes exploration accessible.
Menu strengths
- — On-site winery producing a diverse portfolio from grapes sourced across the US, including Finger Lakes, Lodi, and Suisun Valley.
- — Extensive wine list with many varieties and vintages, including sparkling, white, red, and rosé.
Standout selections
- — 2019 Blanc de Blancs (Finger Lakes) – apple, pear, brioche, minerality; $18 glass / $72 bottle.
- — 2018 Riesling (Finger Lakes) – lime, pear, bright acidity; $12 glass / $48 bottle.
- — 2022 Pinot Noir (Los Carneros) – cherry, black currant, spice; $16 glass / $64 bottle.
- — 2018 Roussanne (Lodi) – banana pudding, prickly pear; $14 glass / $56 bottle.
Pricing: Wine by the glass $12-$18; bottles $48-$72; private guided tasting $50 per person; happy hour $10 glasses.
Beer
A small but considered selection of four beers, featuring local DC breweries and a German pilsner. The list supports the wine focus without competing for attention.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local DC brews from DC Brau and Right Proper, plus a German pilsner.
Standout selections
- — Corruption IPA (DC Brau) – 12oz, $7.
Pricing: Corruption IPA $7 for 12oz; other beers not priced on the menu.
Spirits
A minimal spirits program consisting of two wine-based cocktails. These offer a creative bridge between wine and cocktails but are limited in scope.
Menu strengths
- — Two wine-based cocktails use the winery's own wines as a base.
Standout selections
- — 'White' – riesling, ginger & apricot liqueur, soda.
- — 'Red' – zinfandel, brandy, raspberry liqueur, PAMA, soda.
Pricing: No pricing listed for the wine-based cocktails.
How it sits with the food
The tasting room offers wine and cheese pairings at $55 per person, suggesting a deliberate approach to matching the wines. Guests may also pair wines with the kitchen's offerings, though the menu details are not fully captured.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.