Wine bar
Unclaimed profileMaxwell Park
Washington, DC · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
A wine bar with serious range: more than 50 wines by the glass, half rotating on monthly themes. Pour sizes from 2.5 oz to full bottles, with temperature-controlled storage across four zones. Current theme spotlights South Africa, including a Cap Classique and a pét-nat. A 20% service charge replaces gratuity.
- What should I order?
- Start with the 2.5 oz half-pour of the 2022 House of Krone 'Borealis' Brut to sample the Cap Classique. Move to the 2023 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc or the 2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir for a deeper dive into South Africa.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking variety and flexible pours, especially those interested in themed explorations. The half-pour format suits curious tasters who want to try multiple wines without committing to full glasses.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the monthly theme changes, offering a fresh selection to explore. The rotating themes provide a reason to return regularly.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wines by the glass run $6–$18 for 5 oz; half-pours are about half that. Half bottles $22–$72, full bottles $44–$144. A 20% service charge is added in lieu of gratuity.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The combination of a large by-the-glass list (over 50) with a monthly rotating theme and four-zone temperature-controlled storage sets a high technical bar. The South African focus ('Reading Rainbow') demonstrates intentional curation.
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
Extensive list with over 50 by-the-glass options, rotating monthly themes, and flexible pour sizes. Temperature-controlled storage in four zones. Current theme spotlights South African wines.
Menu strengths
- — Over 50 wines by the glass, half rotating on monthly themes.
- — Flexible pour sizes from 2.5 oz half-pours to full bottles.
- — Temperature-controlled storage in four zones to preserve nuances.
Standout selections
- — 2022 House of Krone 'Borealis' Brut – Cap Classique, $8/2.5 oz, $15/5 oz.
- — 2023 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc – Cape Coast, $7/2.5 oz, $14/5 oz.
- — 2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir – Hemel-en-Aarde, $15/2.5 oz, $30/5 oz.
Pricing: Wines by the glass $6–$18 (5 oz); half bottles $22–$72; full bottles $44–$144.
Nonalcoholic
Single non-alcoholic wine option, a Lautus Pinotage rosé, offered in all pour sizes. No dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail or beer menu found.
Standout selections
- — NV Lautus Pinotage Rosé – alcohol-free rosé, $12 for 5 oz.
Pricing: Lautus Pinotage rosé: $6 (2.5 oz), $12 (5 oz), $24 (half bottle), $48 (bottle).
How it sits with the food
Food menu includes snacks, dips, meats, cheeses, and mains, providing solid pairing options, though specific pairings are not detailed in evidence.
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.