Wine bar
Unclaimed profileMaison Bar À Vins
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Maison Bar À Vins pairs a France-anchored, natural-leaning wine list—curated by Chris Ray of Lutèce—with a cocktail program of wine-driven, French-sensibility drinks from TPG's Suzy Critchlow. The bar pours by-the-glass from $14 to $34 and bottles from $56 to $1,600, while cocktails like the Maison Martini and If You Like Pineau Coladas hover at $18–$20. A compact beer and cider list, nonalcoholic options, and a deep French spirits selection round out the program.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Maison Martini: olive oil–washed gin, Blanche Armagnac, dry vermouth, and a bleu cheese olive. For wine, the NV Olivier Marteaux Meunier Blend 'Réserve' Brut Champagne at $34 a glass is a sharp pour.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who appreciate a wine list that leans French and natural will find a comfortable home. Cocktail enthusiasts looking for wine-based creativity will also be satisfied.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails $18–$20; wines by the glass $14–$34; bottles from $56 to $1,600; beer and cider $9–$12; nonalcoholic options $8–$18.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar pairs a France-focused wine list curated by Chris Ray of Lutèce with a cocktail program designed by TPG's Suzy Critchlow. Cocktails lean on wine-based elements and winemaker-made ingredients, a rare focus for a wine bar.
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
Wine-driven cocktails with a French sensibility, designed by TPG Beverage Director Suzy Critchlow. The list includes five named cocktails built around wine-based elements or winemaker-made ingredients, all priced $18–$20.
Menu strengths
- — Program designed by TPG Beverage Director Suzy Critchlow.
- — Cocktails built around wine-based elements, such as sparkling n/a gamay and Pineau des Charentes.
Standout selections
- — Maison Martini: olive oil–washed gin, Blanche Armagnac, dry vermouth, bleu cheese olive.
- — If You Like Pineau Coladas: Pineau des Charentes, Planteray rum, pineapple, coconut, sesame, clarified.
Pricing: $18–$20
Wine
Extensive, France-anchored list with organic and biodynamic producers, curated by Chris Ray of Lutèce. Covers Champagne, Burgundy, Loire, Alsace, and beyond, with by-the-glass and bottle formats.
Menu strengths
- — Curated by Chris Ray of Lutèce.; France-anchored selection with organic and biodynamic producers.
- — Broad by-the-glass range ($14–$34) and bottle list up to $1,600.
Standout selections
- — NV Olivier Marteaux, Meunier Blend, 'Réserve,' Brut — Champagne, $34.
- — 2023 Arnaud Lambert, Cabernet Franc, 'Clos Mazurique' — Saumur, Loire, $16.
Pricing: BTG $14–$34; bottles $56–$1,600
Beer
Compact beer and cider list with three named options, including a Bavarian hefeweizen, a Maryland hazy IPA, and a DC cider. Priced between $9 and $12.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local and regional options.; Three varied styles across three regions.
Standout selections
- — Ayinger Bräu Weisse — Bavarian hefeweizen, $12.; Anxo 'Cidre Blanc' — DC cider, $10.
Pricing: $9–$12
Nonalcoholic
Nonalcoholic program includes a radler, a botanical drink, a sparkling wine alternative, and a zero-proof cocktail. Priced from $8 to $18.
Menu strengths
- — Covers beer, cocktail, sparkling, and botanical categories.; Includes nonalcoholic sparkling wine and a botanical drink from Domaine Gut Oggau.
Standout selections
- — Domaine Gut Oggau 'Gut Feeling' — botanical drink with chamomile, yarrow, and dandelion, $18.
- — Untitled Art Grapefruit Radler — nonalcoholic radler, $8.
Pricing: $8–$18
Spirits
Deep French spirits selection including Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, plus Absinthe and more. Rare aged expressions available by the ounce.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive French spirits selection, including rare Cognacs and Armagnacs.
- — Priced per ounce, allowing exploration without full-bottle commitment.
Standout selections
- — Frapin 15 Ans d'Âge — Cognac, minimum 15 years aged, $20.
- — Delord 25 Year — Armagnac with toffee, prunes, dark caramel, rancio, $18.
Pricing: Priced per ounce
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