After all the beads, beer and Irish whiskey that make up Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s day, there’s no better time to sit back and relax with the sounds of jazz playing in the background while you savor an artisanal glass of wine. The following five stops are perfect for a laid-back and romantic date night or a chill night out with friends. As if the wine isn’t enough— we’ll reveal a few local’s tips to ensure an unforgettable experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.

BacchanalBacchanal Wine Bar New Orleans Drink Me Magazine

Get your wine and cheese up front and your food and music out back. Bacchanal is a local’s favorite. Dedicated to old world wines from small producers and live jazz in the courtyard 7 nights a week, this eclectic and beloved wine shop has something for everyone.

Insider’s Tip – Bacchanal celebrates great cocktails and delicious eats. So, if the spirits are calling, be sure to make your way to the upstairs bar and sip on a hand crafted cocktail.

Location: 600 Poland Avenue
Opening Hours: (7 days) 11 AM – Midnight
Price Range: $$
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DelachaiseThe Dalchaise Wine Bar New Orleans Drink Me Magazine

The Delachaise is the perfect intimate perch for people watching and bottle sharing. Locals know the Delachaise is known for their wines by the glass, and there is always a featured $5 glass of rose. Daily offerings are hand-written on chalkboards inside this gastro pub, and the outdoor patio overlooks historic St. Charles Ave.

Insider’s Tip: You have to try the house made pâté.

Location: 3442 Saint Charles Ave
Opening Hours: (7 days) 5 pm – ‘til
Price Range: $$
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WINOWINO Wine Bar New Orleans Drink Me Magazine

W.I.N.O – Shop, taste and discover in this New Orleans wine bar. W.I.N.O features a wine bar, store and school with over 120 wines to taste by the ounce or glass using enomatic tasting machines. With monthly wine courses and delicious tapas, this little treasure is the perfect stop for a group or date night out!

Insider’s Tip – Free wine tastings every Thursday from 6-7:30 pm

Location: 610 Tchoupitoulas St.
Opening Hours: (7 days) 2 PM – 10 pm and later
Price Range: $$
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Pearl Wine Co.Pearl Wine Co Wine Bar New Orleans Drink Me Magazine

Pearl Wine Co. serves up the largest wine selection in the city with over 600 labels. This bar highlights wine, but caters to beer and craft cocktails, as well. The best night to check out Pearl Wine Co., you ask? Come in on a Thursday from 5-7 for free wine tastings, stop by the Farmer’s Market and grab dinner from the LaCocinita Food Truck—my personal favorite!

Location: 3700 Orleans Ave #1C
Opening Hours: (7 days) 12 pm – 8 pm and later
Price Range: $$
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Patrick’s Bar VinPatricks BarWine Bar New Orleans Drink Me Magazine

Tucked away behind an iron gate and brick wall lining Bienville Street in the French Quarter’s Hotel Mazarin, Patrick’s Bar Vin goes almost unnoticed to tourists, but locals know there is always a $5 special and a happy hour Monday – Thursday serving up $4 house wine specials. This swanky bar mixes well with friends, serving fine wines and craft cocktails.

Stop by Patrick’s Bar Vin for a nightcap after a day of exploring the quarter. You won’t regret it.

Location: 730 Bienville St.
Opening Hours: (7 days) 4 PM – 12 am and later
Price Range: $$
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Have you been to a new wine bar in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments below. Planning on visiting New Orleans soon? For a whole host of idea’s on what to see and where to go, check out the Official New Orleans Tourism Website.

– Christine Bondick, New Orleans City Ambassador