Wine Bar
Unclaimed profilePress 626 Wine Bar
Norfolk, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Press 626 is a wine-first bar with a list topping 200 bottles, a by-the-glass range across red, white, rosé, and sparkling, and a local Virginia section. House classics and craft cocktails run $12 and $14, and the beer list covers familiar labels and a few craft picks. The $10 Wine Wednesday flight is a draw. A solid, no-frills beverage program.
- What should I order?
- For wine drinkers, the by-the-glass list offers breadth from $9 to $20; the Wine Wednesday flight is a value. Cocktail fans can start with the Press Paloma or the Old Fashioned, both $12. The Limoncello Spritz ($14) offers a housemade twist.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts will find a deep list and a dedicated local section. Cocktail drinkers have a range of classics and originals. Beer drinkers have a modest but varied selection. The $10 Wednesday flight may appeal to value-seeking groups.
- When should I go?
- Wine Wednesday is a supported highlight, offering a $10 flight. Happy hour is mentioned on menus but details are unverified.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails are $12 (house) and $14 (craft). Wine by the glass runs $9–$20, with bottles from $22 to $199. Beer is $4–$10. A $10 Wine Wednesday flight is offered.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine program stands out for its size—over 200 bottles—and its local Virginia emphasis, rare for a neighborhood wine bar. The cocktail menu splits into house and craft tiers, and the beer list includes a Rochefort 8 and Old Rasputin, showing range beyond the usual.
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
A well-structured cocktail menu offers house classics at $12 and craft originals at $14. Ingredients include pisco, Aperol, and housemade limoncello. Margarita variations add flexibility. The list is broad but not revolutionary.
Menu strengths
- — Clear house and craft tiers with distinct pricing.
- — Creative ingredients like strawberry-infused vodka and pear ginger syrup.
Standout selections
- — Press Paloma – Blanco tequila, grapefruit syrup, lime, soda water ($12).
- — Limoncello Spritz – housemade limoncello, sparkling brut, soda water ($14).
Pricing: House classics $12; craft cocktails $14.
Wine
A wine list exceeding 200 bottles, with a by-the-glass selection covering red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Extensive Champagne and sparkling options, plus a Virginia wine section. The $10 Wednesday flight is a notable value.
Menu strengths
- — Over 200 wines by the bottle.; Dedicated Virginia wine section.
- — Wine by the glass includes a range of styles and prices.
Standout selections
- — Bauget-Jouette 'Carte Blache' – NV Champagne, France ($49).
- — Elk Cove Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon ($39).
- — Araujo Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, 2011 ($199).
Pricing: Wine by the glass $9–$20; bottles from $22 to $199; Wine Wednesday flight $10.
Beer
A compact beer list balances familiar lagers with craft picks like a gose and an imperial stout. Includes Rochefort 8 and Old Rasputin. Ciders and hard seltzer are also available. Not a destination, but adequate.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of styles from light lager to Belgian strong ale.
Standout selections
- — Trappistes Rochefort 8 Belgian Ale ($10).
- — North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout ($6).
Pricing: Beer prices range from $4 to $10.
Nonalcoholic
The menu includes a mocktail section, but no specific drinks or prices are documented. The existence of the category is a positive, but the lack of detail limits assessment.
Spirits
Spirits appear as components in cocktails, with vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, pisco, and mezcal mentioned. No dedicated spirits list or pricing is available. The range suggests a capable back bar.
Menu strengths
- — Variety of spirits used across the cocktail menu.
How it sits with the food
The food menu includes small plates, cheese boards, sandwiches, and desserts, which pair naturally with the wine list's breadth. The Virginia wine section offers local pairings with the cheese boards.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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