Capital Cooking with Lauren DeSantis: City Winery: Where You Should Be This Spring

Spring is finally hereeee! I never thought the winter would leave, but the District is finally starting to bloom!

I stopped by City Winery to kick off the start of spring, and I fell in love all over again with this urban wine country.

Although City Winery is a biiiit of an uber ride (in Ivy City), it is more than worth it. As soon as I arrived, I headed up to the wine garden on the 3rd floor to catch the sunset. I stepped out of the elevator, and proclaimed out loud to my girlfriends, “I think I am going to fall in love tonight.” The space was so cozy, so intimate, so beautiful. I felt like I was at a wedding, swaying to the live music, looking out at the view, tasting reds & whites from the cellar downstairs, snapping breath-taking images of my beautiful friends...everything just felt so right.

City Winery strives to deliver the highest-end combined culinary and cultural experience—whether it be for a romantic date night, a private event, dinner with friends, or a wine-fueled live-music evening.

I roamed around City Winery, going up and down the four levels, trying to find out what space I loved most. The wine cellar, located on the first floor, is easily seen by guests dining in the Barrel Room or drinking from wine kegs at the Bar. The Barrel Room Restaurant & Wine Bar features exposed brick walls, which goes perfectly with the aging oak barrels. The second floor is a giant Concert Venue, with iron railings and an expansive floor leading to a sound stage with a top-of-the-line sound system. It was so fun watching the live performances while indulging in hors d'oeuvres and speaking with the sommeliers for the perfect pairings.

The Wine Garden, on the third floor, left me speechless. The view was incredible, the attention to detail was exquisite, and the music was just right. I never wanted to leave this spot. I felt so special, as if the night was just for me even though hundreds of other guests were around. The top floor of City Winery, a second rooftop, also has beautiful views of the area and is the perfect way to end your night with a glass of frose.

City Winery has a special place in my heart. I can already picture myself having more romantic nights there this spring, indulging in wine in the garden and enjoying incredible concerts. The live performances are available multiple times a week, and they just came out with delicious spring dishes, featuring signature seasonal plates paired with wines served fresh on tap, straight from the modern cellar. I am smiling just thinking about heading over there again.

For tickets, reservations, menu and wine options, and any other information, go to: City Winery DC. I promise, you will have an incredible night. I am still swooning!