Cork Wine Bar

Located in the West Village, four doors from the corner of McKinney Avenue and Cityplace West, this tasting lounge puts a modern spin on the average wine bar. Cork has six different themed state-of-the-art tasting stations, all of which are categorized--some by region or grape, others by rarity. After purchasing a "Cork Card" (a pre-loaded ATM-ish card for wine purchases) patrons can swipe their cards, and experience a taste or glass of the wine. Tastes are one-ounce samples, and glasses are five-ounces; prices vary depending on the type of wine chosen, which means you can taste some of the rarest wines for just a couple bucks. Cork also provides wide variety in its retail selection, and a basic menu of appetizers consisting primarily of cheeses and tasty crackers. Oh, and its chic backroom can be rented out.