12 Red Stars from New York City Ambassador Wanda Mann: “we’re more than concrete and skyscrapers”

By Rachel Fellows

Published 19-March-2026

Interview / New York City

Nearly two years into her tenure as Star Wine List’s New York City Ambassador, Wanda Mann has updated our city guide with 12 new Red Stars. And since the wine writer, presenter and judge has previously made no bones about her loathing for New York winters, we asked her for some insider suggestions now that spring is so palpably in the air. She’s also been telling us about the locally inspired lists championing New York wines, and what sets the city’s somms apart.

Based in Harlem, Wanda is busy preparing to lead wine seminars at various festivals across the country this summer, including the Nantucket Wine + Food Festival in May, and June’s Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. And that’s after an appearance at the fourth Star Wine List of the Year New York awards, where she will help Krister Bengtsson present Gold Stars to winning teams from venues across the broader metropolitan area – her second appearance at the event after acting as a judge in last year’s competition.

“Last year, it was exciting to see so many of NYC’s top sommeliers and beverage directors together for the awards ceremony,” she says. “The wine community has strong bonds in NYC and the winners being cheered on by their peers was proof of that authentic camaraderie. It’s friendly competition in the best way.”

The finalists in this year’s New York contest have yet to be announced, and so it’s Red Stars on the agenda today as the ambassador adds to our wine map with fresh recommendations.

“For me, a Red Star denotes a well-organised wine list that is in harmony with the theme and cuisine of the establishment but isn’t afraid to take risks,” Wanda explains of her choices. “I like to see classic and iconic wines share space with up-and-coming regions and producers, a nice range of prices, and a strong by-the-glass list.”

Amongst the selection, she notes her particular favourites as new West Village staple Arvine, artsy Soho spot Manuela, Michelin-starred Southern Indian restaurant Semma, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Four Twenty Five (“one of the sexiest rooms in New York City to sip and be seen”).

How has the last year been in New York for hospitality, and wine in particular?

“New York is alive! Across the city, wine bars and restaurants continue to open that reflect the energy and creativity of the city. New Yorkers love a great meal and great wines.”

Have you noticed any stand-out trends on wine lists?

“New Yorkers have adventurous palates. Wines from classic regions like Burgundy will always have a strong presence in the city of Wall Street but there’s a thirst in NYC for trying wines from off-the-beaten path regions, smaller producers, and unusual varietals. And our excellent New York wines are making their way on to more local lists!”

What should visitors to New York be sure to do this spring?

“Don’t forget that we’re more than concrete and skyscrapers. Enjoy some wine by the water along the Hudson or East Rivers. NYC has beaches too, on the coast of the Atlantic – all just a subway ride away. There are bars and restaurants with water views.”

Is Manhattan still the best place to dine out and drink wine, like you told us last year?

“I’m a native Manhattanite so I don’t want to appear biased. Much love to Brooklyn too! And let’s not forget NYC has five boroughs; things are happening in Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island too. But I confess that, because I live in Manhattan, most of my dining happens on this little island.”

When you sit down in a restaurant, what section of the wine list do you make a beeline for?

“Always sparkling first!”

Do you have any pet hates on wine lists or in service?

“Stemless glasses and wines served at the improper temperature drive me crazy. Restaurants that call themselves farm-to-table but don’t have a single New York wine on their lists. Also, sommeliers who don’t read the room – not every diner wants a five-minute lecture about each wine. Pay attention to the cues from your customers – some people want to geek out, others just want to chill out with their friends; they want the wine to be a part of their time together but not to dominate their experience.”

How do New York sommeliers differ from those elsewhere?

“I think the diversity of New York is increasingly reflected in the sommelier community. In addition to their talent and expertise, overall, NYC somms are committed to disrupting the barriers that made enjoying quality wine unwelcoming to certain communities.”

By-the-glass programmes are being given a serious boost in many parts of the world – is that true of New York as well?

“Absolutely.”

And how does New York, overall, stand out for wine?

“From fine dining to casual neighbourhood spots, the diversity of our wine lists and places to enjoy wines from all over the globe is outstanding.”

Explore the guide to the top wine spots in New York City.