Review: Screwtop Wine Bar, Arlington VA

If you asked if I wanted to go to a wine bar about 5 years ago, I would've said "Helllllll no"- c'mon, just out of college, the most "wine" I knew came in a box and I was perfectly content with swigging light beer.  However, I've since expanded my tastes for alcohol and am happy to say that wine bars are a fun type of place for me to try.  My friends and I recently went to Screwtop Wine Bar, a relatively new wine shop/wine bar in Arlington, VA. 

The place is v. cute and gives off a friendly, casual vibe.  Reservations can be made for parties of 5+, which is what we had, and we sat at a spacious long table alongside the wall of wine bottles for sale.  I got a glass of white, the name of which I had put into my phone, but now I can't find it, so..... it was a light, crisp wine, possibly from Spain? And reasonably priced at around $7 or so.  Many of my friends opted for the 2 wine flights available that night, one of which you can see here:

Virginia is for Wine Lovers flight

I loved the presentation- each person got a laminated wine flight placemat, with each wine's description on it- much better than other wine flights that I've had, where the server runs down each wine verbally, you nod like you're going to actually remember, and then you're like "ummm I have no idea which one I'm drinking...".  Nice touch, especially if you really like a specific one and want to order another glass.   

I didn't take photos of all the food, but D was right next to me, so here is their French Onion Sandwich.  I'm not sure about the specific name, because it seems to no longer be on their current menu, but he seemed to like it, saying it tasted like French Onion Soup.  V. beige but I imagine it'd be good if you're a French onion soup fan. 

I ordered the I <3 Grilled Cheese Sliders, as recommended by T.  These were cute little heart-shaped (or butt-shaped...yes I am 12) pressed grilled cheese sandwiches.  The tomato coulis in the cup on the right was delicious and paired well with the grilled cheese.  It's a pretty small portion, but sometimes too much grilled cheese can make you nauseous, so I suppose it's for the best, haha.

Overall, I loved the atmosphere and the general feel of this wine bar/store.  It's a great laid-back spot and I can see why it's packed all the time.  Prices are a bit steep, especially for some of the wine by the glass, but I guess a place like this would naturually encourage buying by the bottle instead.  I look forward to trying out more of their wine selection soon! 

Screwtop Wine Bar

1025 North Fillmore Street

Arlington, VA 22201

703.888.0845

Reservations available only for parties of 5+