is a city for cocktailing, no doubt.  But it's also (arguably) the best food town in America.  And where there is great food, there has to be great wine.  Of course the city's storied Creole temples, places like Commander's and Arnaud's, offer wine cellars that are world class.  But even if you're on a budget, you can sip and sample, enjoy small plates and conversation at wine bars from uptown and Mid-City to the Seventh Ward.In the past few years, a spate of interesting wine shops/lounges have sprung up offering thoughtfully curated options and seasonal picks.If you’re really serious about wine, consider booking your trip around the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, an annual eating orgy that falls over May 25-29 in 2016.  Attracting some 10,000 gourmands and oenophiles,  this event is jam packed with food and wine seminars and tastings, special wine dinners and events like the Royal Street Stroll to visit galleries and sip vin and the big Grand Tasting at the Convention Center.

In case you feel guilty about all the excess, remember that a portion of your spendings benefit local non-profit organizations, from food banks to culinary schools, with more than $1 million raised to date.  Photo courtesy of W.I.N.Ogood wine with christmas dinner Wine Institute New Orleans (W.I.N.O) advertises itself as a triple threat: wine bar, wine school and wine store. top rated wine blogsThe wine bar uses a state-of-the-art wine serving system made by the Italian company Enomatic, which allows you to taste wine by the...  bc wine best in the world Photo courtesy of Jing a Lingbest not dry red wine

Orleans Grapevine is a French Quarter Wine Bar & Bistro with a casual fine dining component as well. Start with the wine, which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. Come in between 4-6 pm to try a "Wine Flight", a three wine sampling to...  best not dry red wine Photo courtesy of Johnnew wine 2015 half week This Garden District spot for sipping is relatively new to the scene and oh so worth discovering. The place is intimate, and ideal place to break from strolling and shipping for a glass or three. Wine flights and half-glasses give the curious...   Photo courtesy of Pearl Wine Co. Owner Leora Madden has been fascinated with wine since her first visit to a Sonoma winery at the age of 14. She lived in wine country for seven years before bringing her informed palate to New Orleans. Besides wines Pearl offers a smart...  

Photo courtesy of Revol Webb This forward thinking little wine shop and lounge is a bright spot of vin culture along the emerging artsy St. Claude corridor that flanks the Marigny, Bywater and the Seventh Ward. Specializing in high quality, small production wines from...   Lounges in New Orleans 10 Best New Orleans Cocktail Bars, from Highbrow to Low 10Best New Orleans jazz clubs for feeling the groove Get Your Game Face on at a New Orleans Watering Hole Gay Clubs in New Orleans Photo courtesy of Patrick's Bar Vin Patrick's Bar Vin in the Mazarin Hotel is an intimate wine bar that, though located not far from Bourbon Street in the Quarter is an oasis of refined good taste and delicious vin. The crowd tends to be older, enjoying options like 20-plus...   Photo courtesy of Tommy's Wine Bar Tommy's Wine Bar is adjacent to Tommy's Cuisine, an upscale Creole-Italian restaurant tucked away on Tchop in New Orleans' Warehouse District. The wine bar serves more than a dozen wines by the class, with another 150 or so bottles on the list.

Photo courtesy of DoctorWho Bacchanal isn't like any other spot in town. Definitely off the beaten path, Bacchanal is a hybrid hang out that attracts artists, foodies and locals to chill, graze and listen to live music on the edge of the Bywater. The vibe is nonchalant...   Photo courtesy of Delachaise Delachaise is that mystery spot that you might cruise right by without noticing during a daylight trip on the St. Charles streetcar. Come evening, and it's another story. The outdoor patio, lit with twinkle lights, is always buzzing with a...   Photo courtesy of Dominic Lockyer Swirl Wine Bar & Market is a neighborhood gem with an international selection of carefully curated wines with an emphasis on European vintages. Small plates are available, prepared by 1000 Figs and served at Swirl. If you just want to...   (Broadway Between W 143rd St & W 144th St) Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 12:00 PM - 10:45 PM If you haven't made a reservation for Valentine's Day by now, you're a failure.

At least that's how it'll feel as you frantically scroll through OpenTable, only to find you can dine at 5 p.m., 11 p.m., or anytime you like at TGI Fridays. Instead of competing with every jerk in the city for a table (and the privilege of spending a week's pay on price-inflated tasting menus), head to one these spots where you can have it all: ambiance, wine and a few bites.Presenting our ten most romantic wine bars to get you through next week:Aria Wine Bar Although the candlelit interior of Aria exudes charming, Italian rusticity, the lead-up to the bar really sets the mood. Where else in the city can you find an ingenious scaffolding-pergola strung with romantic lights? The wine list offers an appreciative nod to the women producers of Italy, and the menu covers a host of Italian small plates to keep the night as affordable as you want. 117 Perry Street, 212-242-4233Ten Bells As your eyes adjust to the dimly lit room, low-slung ceiling and flickering candles, it's easy to feel tipsy, even if you're sober.

Fortunately, all this sexiness comes with a serious wine list regularly updated by the French owners. The kitchen serves a collection of internationally inspired dishes plus a regular rotation of oysters, perfect for stimulating your evening if the setting hasn't already. 247 Broome Street, 212-228-4450The Vault at Pfaff's This sophisticated subterranean lounge in Noho is named after Charles Pfaff, an 1850's wine and beer connoisseur who ran a watering hole frequented by the likes of Walt Whitman. Meant to evoke that era, the décor offers cozy seating and an elegant bar with a hand painted backsplash. Although a cocktail den at heart, Pfaff's offers a thoughtfully curated wine list that includes grower Champagnes. Table reservations recommended, but not required. 643 Broadway, 212-253-5421Library Bar at the Nomad Who said the library wasn't sexy? What could've easily felt like a Midtown Ivy-League gentlemen's club, manages a buzzy date-spot feel after sunset. The fashionable set lounge in the book-lined room, sipping cocktails and wine from one of the best lists in the city.

Snuggled in the corner with a few dishes from the exceptional kitchen, your date won't mind passing on (as you walk by) the pricey dining room tasting menu. 1170 Broadway, 212-796-1500Bourgeois Pig This go-to date spot has been around awhile, but there's a reason it always tops romantic bar lists: The sexy, blood-red interior feels like a cross between Louis XIV and Mae West. The wine list is varied and full of good bottles, whether you're paid like an intern or an executive. To compliment the wines (and cocktails!) are a selection of chocolate, cheese, and savory fondues. On Valentine's Day, they will be offering seated reservations for a 4-course menu paired with drinks. 111 E. 7th Street, 212-475-2246Casa La Femme Want to surprise your Valentine's date with an exotic dancer? Bring them to Casa La Femme in the West Village, the Egyptian oasis features belly dancers nightly. Reservations are required for V-Day dinner and the front room tables; for those afraid of commitment, the bar is free for you to come and go.

The wine list changes regularly, but always features European whites, reds, rosés and, of course, bubbles. 140 Charles Street, 212-505-0005Buvette If your date is more Etsy than EMM Group, romance them at this charming slice of French countryside on Grove Street. The kitchen is run by the superb Jody Williams who excels at packing loads of flavor into adorable packages; try the rabbit pot pie. Wines are French and Italian, ranging from Medoc to Montepulciano, and Beaune to Barbaresco. No reservations, so arrive early. 42 Grove Street, 212-255-3590Lela Bar Serious wine aficionados bring dates to Lela Bar to sample the stunning collection of bottles and by the glass offerings. No matter what day of the year it is, the long oval bar is crowded with canoodlers. The chance to supplement your bottle with nibbles like oysters, chocolate, meat and cheese, leaves you only one responsibility: Flirting. 422 Hudson Street, 212-206-0594DOC Wine Bar Brooklyn Ever wonder why Italy ranks at the top of every romantic destination chart?