At his restaurants Committee and GreCo, Demetri Tsolakis shares familiar but fresh Greek fare such as Artichoke Moussaka and Lamb Gyros. Krasi, which the restaurateur debuted in 2020 and which is named the Greek word for “wine,” features less-explored meze of Greece, from homemade breads and Greek charcuterie to seafood crudo and grilled dishes. To evoke the warm hospitality of off-the-beaten-path Mediterranean destinations, the Back Bay taverna pairs it all with a wine selection from Greece that’s unmatched anywhere besides the isles.

For more than 20 years, Taberna de Haro has bestowed upon Brookline authentic Spanish cuisine and an unparalleled lineup of the nation’s wines. Honors like being named a James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Wine Program and inclusion among Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wine Lists in America are earned for chef-sommelier-owner Deborah Hansen’s curation of more than 300 Spanish bottles (and a dozen different sherries). But our favorite feature might just be the evocative descriptions listed—think: “joyful dark red fruits,” and “apple blossoms and whisper-light refreshment”—to help guide our selections.

This cozy, communal spot outside of Porter Square in Cambridge is the second act for both Rebel Rebel and Field & Vine, two wine and hospitality luminaries in Somerville. Dear Annie puts small-production wines at the forefront: Bottles decorate the room and curious oenophiles order at the counter, where bartenders are ready with suggestions and samples. The casual service model trains and pays all staff equally. And chef Andrew Brady’s pescatarian small plates—such as cured seafood sets, a Very Crunchy and Herby Salad with an irresistible tahini dressing, and a must-order $11 pair of Caviar Deviled Eggs—are crafted with sustainable ingredients and labor to complement the wines. 

This bar at Brighton’s Charles River Speedway celebrates all things sake, a fermented rice beverage whose brewing process is, for the record, more akin to making beer. But The Koji Club is an intimate wine bar in spirit: Overseen by certified sake sommeliers whose mission in life is to demystify this nuanced drink, the curated list spans the spectrum from effervescent and floral to rich and fruity. Bar snacks are thoughtful, like the family-recipe for pickled Candy’s Cukes served with white rice, cavia service with Calbee Potato Chips, and Thursday-only bento boxes by Cafe Sushi Shoten. There’s a disco ball and an outdoor patio, and a karaoke TV for special occasions. Boston’s first sake bar also hosts ticketed sake tastings and frequent special events.

This wine bar with feisty and feminine decor (like the letterboard above the open kitchen imploring us to “Keep Fenway Natty”) is a departure from the divey sports pubs that used to populate the neighborhood around Boston’s baseball stadium. But Nathálie is a prime pre- or post-game in her own way: Dishes like rosemary Panisse Frites with kimchi remoulade and Endive Salad with boquerones are simple yet exciting when matched with a lineup of natural wines mainly made by women. Like sister-spot haley.henry, Nathálie also makes her wine list entirely available by-the-glass so long as you commit to two pours (even the grower Champagnes).

Eric Twardzik contributed reporting.