Philadelphia Weekly

Point blanc: Vintage is the perfect place to unwind after work.

Key:
D: Wine-centric decor.
#: More than 10 wines by the glass.
K: Knowledgeable bar/service staff.
F: Food's the real star.
$: A buzz here'll cost ya.
C: Cozy, homey spot.

They're trendy, they're pricey, they're cheesy, and they're popping up everywhere. No, not ridiculous over-bred miniature dogs. Wine bars. Our beer-friendly burg seems to have been overrun with them overnight, which is music to many a Europhile's ears.

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If You Can't Make up Your Mind

Located inside the Penn's View Hotel, Il Bar (Front and Market sts. 215.922.7600) is home to the world's largest wine preservation system, meaning that for selection they're unsurpassed. They offer dozens of wine flights, and their generous and knowledgeable bar staff gave me a complimentary glass of bubbly to go with the strawberries I'd brought along as a snack. Stick to their smaller pours if you're not up for emptying your wallet. # K $

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If You're Hungry

A little more formal than some, Jose Garces' Tinto (114 S. 20th St. 215.665.9150) is the latest wine-and-dinery in Philly and definitely the most gastronomically intense. Billed as a Basque wine bar, this joint is really a showcase for some of the best eats in town. Their wines by the bottle offer a less expensive alternative to the sometimes pricey glass selections, but after a couple inspired tapas you won't care what you're paying, as long as that warm, fuzzy feeling doesn't stop. D # K F $

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If You're Not a Cheese-Eating Surrender Monkey Hater

Sure, the Simpsons gag was pretty funny. But if you discount French contributions to food and wine on those grounds, a) you're an idiot and b) you'd be missing out on the lovely Vintage (129 S. 13th St. 215.922.3095), a gem whose extensive wine list, charming (French) owners and enormously friendly staff make it just the place to unwind after a nasty day at work. Skip the wine list and chat up the bartenders--they'll help you choose something perfect. D # K C

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If Hearing Dean Croon Makes You Want a Drink (or Two)

South Philly's Chick's (614 S. Seventh St. 215.625.3700) is an Old World retread. The Eurocentric wine list, dark-wood decor and even location are steeped in history. Don't let that fool you, though: This isn't grandma's wine bar, and the friendly staff is eager to make your visit a fresh, exciting experience. # K C

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If Your Out-of-Town Guests Need to Be Impressed

Who doesn't have a soft spot in their heart for Tria (18th and Sansom sts. 215.972.8742), the wine/beer/cheese palace that might even be responsible for this whole wine-bar trend? Whether your guests are visiting from small-town Pennsylvania or the Big Apple, Tria is homey enough to make them feel welcome, but also debonair enough to impress. And heck, even if you're tagalong-free, there's nothing like a glass of good vino and a board of delicious cheese to improve even the most mediocre of days. # K C