How to drink correctly: where are the best wine establishments in Petersburg
For several years now, St. Petersburg has been a true wine mecca of Russia. Both beginner wine lovers and professional sommeliers flock here in search of exclusive novelties and trendy exotic varieties. Indeed, many of the city's wine establishments can provide a truly rich selection and immerse you completely in this wonderful wine world.
Main attributes
To truly immerse yourself in the wine atmosphere of St. Petersburg, you need to know certain rules and stages of tasting. Let's start with two items that we will need for this.
Glass
Just as theater begins with a coat check, wine tasting begins with a glass. The most universal glass is considered to be a vessel, slightly narrowed at the top, made of thin glass with a volume of 400-500 ml on a long stem. A glass made of thick glass will not be suitable as it will add a "glassy" taste that spoils the wine. This type of glass is especially detrimental for refined wines made from Pinot Noir or Riesling.
To fully enjoy the wine and feel all its nuances, you should hold the glass by the stem. This position will help you: see the wine completely, avoid warming it with your hand's heat, avoid extraneous smells, and easily swirl the wine in the glass. The latter action helps saturate the wine with oxygen and reveal the aromatic nuances of the wine. The only exception is sparkling wines, which are not typically swirled due to their carbonation.
To fully enjoy the wine and feel all its nuances, you should hold the glass by the stem. This position will help you: see the wine completely, avoid warming it with your hand's heat, avoid extraneous smells, and easily swirl the wine in the glass. The latter action helps saturate the wine with oxygen and reveal the aromatic nuances of the wine. The only exception is sparkling wines, which are not typically swirled due to their carbonation.
Decanter
For some wines, decanting is recommended – this is the process of pouring wine into a special carafe to separate natural sediment or to saturate the wine with oxygen. The vessel into which the wine is placed is called a decanter. There are two main types: one with a wider base and neck, and one with a narrower profile. The first type is designed for young wines that need aeration, while the second is for aged wines that do not need intensive contact with oxygen.
In France, aeration is called "carrafage" from the word "carafe." The term "decanting" there is used only for the procedure of separating sediment from aged wine. In Russia, there is no such distinction; both processes are called decanting. As a rule, red wines are decanted, but increasingly sommeliers are departing from these canons. For example, orange wine, which is infused with skin during production, has a rather tart taste, and to soften it, the wine is poured into a decanter.
In France, aeration is called "carrafage" from the word "carafe." The term "decanting" there is used only for the procedure of separating sediment from aged wine. In Russia, there is no such distinction; both processes are called decanting. As a rule, red wines are decanted, but increasingly sommeliers are departing from these canons. For example, orange wine, which is infused with skin during production, has a rather tart taste, and to soften it, the wine is poured into a decanter.
Stages of tasting
Proper wine tasting consists of three main stages that help determine the quality of wine in the glass and its characteristics.
Visual contact
Every tasting begins with a visual analysis of the wine. A healthy wine should have a lively shine without foreign particles on the surface. To determine the intensity of color, its shades, and degree of transparency, the glass should be raised to eye level and slightly tilted. The main thing is that this should be done against a light source or against a white surface.
Pay attention to the rim or disc of the wine. It can help determine the real age of the wine. For example, a bright ruby color with a purple tinge in red wine will always indicate the youth of the drink, while a copper-tending shade indicates a venerable age.
Note the "tears" or "legs of wine" that form inside the glass. If they flow down quickly, this indicates the lightness of the content, while those slowly creeping down indicate the thickness of the drink. This is clearly visible in sweet wines, which have a viscous structure. Viscous "tears" are also one of the indicators of high alcohol content.
Pay attention to the rim or disc of the wine. It can help determine the real age of the wine. For example, a bright ruby color with a purple tinge in red wine will always indicate the youth of the drink, while a copper-tending shade indicates a venerable age.
Note the "tears" or "legs of wine" that form inside the glass. If they flow down quickly, this indicates the lightness of the content, while those slowly creeping down indicate the thickness of the drink. This is clearly visible in sweet wines, which have a viscous structure. Viscous "tears" are also one of the indicators of high alcohol content.
Olfactory contact
Aroma is one of the most important parameters of wine during tasting. The breath you take when you first lean over the glass is called the "first nose" by experienced tasters. At this moment, you become acquainted with the first aromatic shades of the wine. Here you can already feel the varietal characteristics and technology of the wine.
Then you need to slightly aerate the wine so that it opens up in aroma. The glass can be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on individual preferences. After that, the nose needs to be lowered into the glass again. If there are frankly unpleasant tones in the wine, this indicates a defect in the wine. For example, the smell of dog hair or a dirty wet rag signals spoilage of the wine.
Also observe the development and stability of the wine's aroma. Its absence or quick loss means low quality of the drink. And the final stage is the "bottom of the glass." It consists of determining what shades remain in it after the glass is empty. Sometimes in an empty glass, you can sense shades that were not present when the wine was in it.
Then you need to slightly aerate the wine so that it opens up in aroma. The glass can be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on individual preferences. After that, the nose needs to be lowered into the glass again. If there are frankly unpleasant tones in the wine, this indicates a defect in the wine. For example, the smell of dog hair or a dirty wet rag signals spoilage of the wine.
Also observe the development and stability of the wine's aroma. Its absence or quick loss means low quality of the drink. And the final stage is the "bottom of the glass." It consists of determining what shades remain in it after the glass is empty. Sometimes in an empty glass, you can sense shades that were not present when the wine was in it.
Taste contact
The tasting concludes with a taste evaluation of the wine. The first sip is called the "attack," which lasts approximately 2-3 seconds. It should be clearly expressed but not harsh. From it, you can determine the saturation of the wine – this is the sensation of density (body) in the mouth.
With the second sip, you need to "chew" the wine, that is, rinse your mouth with it a little. This will help determine the spectrum of taste that is present in it. The range can vary from piercingly acidic to honey sweet. It all depends on the type of wine. In red wine, tannins are added, responsible for the viscosity and astringency in taste. They can be both soft and very saturated.
The tasting concludes by determining how balanced the wine is. The balance of wine is the ratio of acidity, sweetness, and alcohol. The unity of all elements is important. The aftertaste should leave a pleasant flavor trail.
With the second sip, you need to "chew" the wine, that is, rinse your mouth with it a little. This will help determine the spectrum of taste that is present in it. The range can vary from piercingly acidic to honey sweet. It all depends on the type of wine. In red wine, tannins are added, responsible for the viscosity and astringency in taste. They can be both soft and very saturated.
The tasting concludes by determining how balanced the wine is. The balance of wine is the ratio of acidity, sweetness, and alcohol. The unity of all elements is important. The aftertaste should leave a pleasant flavor trail.
Wine places
We've familiarized ourselves with the theory of tastings, now it's time to move on to practice. Certainly, there are many wine routes in St. Petersburg, but you should definitely visit these five establishments steeped in wine-drinking culture.
Wine Gogh
Wine Gogh restaurant is an amazing place where wine, food, and art intertwine. The establishment is dedicated to the outstanding artist Vincent Van Gogh. This is reflected both in the interior and in the dishes of the restaurant, referring to famous paintings. The menu is small but well-thought-out and regularly updated. Fusion-style dishes successfully balance between Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisine.
In the restaurant's wine list, you can find almost everything: from trendy Russian to fashionable non-alcoholic wines. Many interesting items are poured by the glass through the Coravin system, which allows you to taste wines without opening the bottle. There are also tasting sets that allow you to get acquainted with wines from different regions. There is also a sabrage service – opening sparkling wine with a saber or other handy object by cutting off the neck.
Address: Malaya Konyushennaya St., 7
In the restaurant's wine list, you can find almost everything: from trendy Russian to fashionable non-alcoholic wines. Many interesting items are poured by the glass through the Coravin system, which allows you to taste wines without opening the bottle. There are also tasting sets that allow you to get acquainted with wines from different regions. There is also a sabrage service – opening sparkling wine with a saber or other handy object by cutting off the neck.
Address: Malaya Konyushennaya St., 7
There are two versions of the origin of sabrage, but both relate to Napoleonic times. The first one states that officers of the French army opened bottles of champagne in this way after successful campaigns. This is quite likely because the French word sabre translates as "saber." The second version is related to the Cossacks who discovered the cellars of Champagne when they drove the French home after the war.
Lenina 20
The bar from the Vinoterra company has gathered about 200 positions from the best boutique wineries around the world in its wine list. Here you'll find biodynamic, organic, and orange wines, as well as traditional French, German, Italian, and Spanish classics. But the choice is not limited to the wine list only; you can purchase any wine in the namesake wine shop next door. The bar will serve it without a corkage fee, meaning without the restaurant markup. The wine bar menu is specially created to pair with the rich wine assortment. It includes the author's interpretation of dishes from cuisines around the world.
The establishment constantly hosts all kinds of wine events and master classes. For example, the bar's sommelier can teach the art of sabrage, that is, opening sparkling wine using almost any handy object. He will reveal the secrets of safe technique and train your hand for spectacular sabrage. The master class is accompanied by a story about the methods of producing sparkling wines and life hacks when choosing them in a store or restaurant.
Address: Lenina St., 20
The establishment constantly hosts all kinds of wine events and master classes. For example, the bar's sommelier can teach the art of sabrage, that is, opening sparkling wine using almost any handy object. He will reveal the secrets of safe technique and train your hand for spectacular sabrage. The master class is accompanied by a story about the methods of producing sparkling wines and life hacks when choosing them in a store or restaurant.
Address: Lenina St., 20
Vinniy sklad
The space of the "Wine Warehouse" has united a large wine shop and a cozy wine bar under its roof. In the multi-thousand collection of the store, you can find almost everything – from exquisite classics to fashionable avant-garde. Any purchased bottle can be opened in the bar, or you can choose wine from an extensive wine list of 150 items. As appetizers, the bar serves olives, cheeses, and bruschetta, which create ideal pairings with wine.
Thematic wine tastings are held on a weekly basis, accompanied by stories from the sommelier or invited winemakers. The bar also periodically hosts parties with DJs and film screenings. In the warm season, events are often moved to the courtyard of the "Wine Warehouse," where you can listen to music and chat with friends over a glass of wine.
Address: Instrumentalnaya St., 3v
Thematic wine tastings are held on a weekly basis, accompanied by stories from the sommelier or invited winemakers. The bar also periodically hosts parties with DJs and film screenings. In the warm season, events are often moved to the courtyard of the "Wine Warehouse," where you can listen to music and chat with friends over a glass of wine.
Address: Instrumentalnaya St., 3v
ProstoVino
Another democratic wine place where you'll pay almost retail price for a bottle of wine. The interior of the establishment is unpretentious but with its own simple charm. The approach to the wine list at ProstoVino is unusual – bottles of wine with names and prices are placed around the perimeter of one of the halls, which can be ordered.
The bar's cuisine is quite understandable. It is based on classic wine appetizers such as tartares, pâtés, meat and cheese assortments. The main dishes are also perfect for a wide selection of wines. The main focus is on European classics, such as pasta with seafood or baked mussels. But there are also dishes with an Asian twist, for example, a bowl or chicken with spicy sauce.
Address: Italianskaya St., 33
The bar's cuisine is quite understandable. It is based on classic wine appetizers such as tartares, pâtés, meat and cheese assortments. The main dishes are also perfect for a wide selection of wines. The main focus is on European classics, such as pasta with seafood or baked mussels. But there are also dishes with an Asian twist, for example, a bowl or chicken with spicy sauce.
Address: Italianskaya St., 33
Aga
From democratic wine bars to the luxury of an Italian restaurant. Inside it, a panoramic view opens from several terraces, one of which spans a whole 1000 sq.m. The cuisine of the establishment is Italian with an emphasis on seafood of their own import. The menu includes oysters, scallops, sea bass, shrimp, and black caviar. All dishes were developed by chef Almaz Iskakov, who worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.
The local wine list has almost 800 names, 50 of which can be drunk by the glass. There is a rich selection of Russian wines – from the premium winery from Krasnodar region "Galitsky and Galitsky" to the ultra-fashionable Crimean winery STN, where one of the best sommeliers in Russia, Evgeny Shamov, creates. From European wines – 100 positions of Champagne, many biodynamic, natural, and organic wines. Perhaps this is one of the most extensive lists among establishments in St. Petersburg.
Address: Dobrolyubova Ave., 16k2
The local wine list has almost 800 names, 50 of which can be drunk by the glass. There is a rich selection of Russian wines – from the premium winery from Krasnodar region "Galitsky and Galitsky" to the ultra-fashionable Crimean winery STN, where one of the best sommeliers in Russia, Evgeny Shamov, creates. From European wines – 100 positions of Champagne, many biodynamic, natural, and organic wines. Perhaps this is one of the most extensive lists among establishments in St. Petersburg.
Address: Dobrolyubova Ave., 16k2
Summer tastings
We offer our format of summer wine meetings – on the water. Invite friends or loved ones, and go on a water trip on a yacht. You can take any varieties of white, rosé, and orange wines on board. Simply choose a voyage to your taste, ask us about wine, and we will send you a whole menu of drinks and snacks that we can deliver on board.
In the warm season, it's important to remember the recommended temperature at which to keep each bottle. This is necessary to achieve the most harmonious taste, where no component stands out from the general range. Each wine has its own temperature regime, usually indicated on the packaging.
In any case, you can't do without a refrigerator or ice here. Therefore, when booking a voyage and planning to drink wine during it, pay attention to ensure that there is a refrigerator on the boat or yacht. Some higher-class vessels even have ice buckets. So you can preserve both the taste of the drink and the aesthetics of the journey :)
In the warm season, it's important to remember the recommended temperature at which to keep each bottle. This is necessary to achieve the most harmonious taste, where no component stands out from the general range. Each wine has its own temperature regime, usually indicated on the packaging.
In any case, you can't do without a refrigerator or ice here. Therefore, when booking a voyage and planning to drink wine during it, pay attention to ensure that there is a refrigerator on the boat or yacht. Some higher-class vessels even have ice buckets. So you can preserve both the taste of the drink and the aesthetics of the journey :)
Voyages in St. Petersburg
Discover St. Petersburg from the water and create unforgettable memories with a glass of your favorite wine. From hour-long canal cruises to grand journeys to Peterhof, Kronstadt, and Oreshek Fortress — we have voyages for every taste with the option of wine and snack delivery on board.
Learn more
Water trips on yachts and wines are a perfect union. The light rocking on the waves and the same light drinking perfectly balance each other, and the surrounding beauty disposes to joyful contemplation and a dreamy mood. We are waiting for you at this celebration of life!
Elena Demenkova
- author of the article
Sommelier, wine blogger, and founder of the WineCompass online school. Author of more than 350 articles on alcohol-related topics. Made wine her profession.
