nyc extreme local / union square

uni_e_italian.jpg
 
Photo: Alexander Thompson
Sergio Esposito's wine store offers special tastings and a wide selection of bottles.

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108 E. 16th St., 212-473-2323, iwmstore.com
For a true taste of la dolce vita, a trip to Italy is in order. For a close second, head for the museum-like Italian Wine Merchants. Owned by powerhouse oenophile Sergio Esposito, Italian Wine Merchants offers not only excellent wines but also cellar consultations and vinicultural advice for the pros. For amateurs, a class here could make the world of refined sipping a little easier to navigate. Arranged weekly, the instruction ranges from the classic (food-wine pairings and wine appreciation) to courses with a more eclectic, New York bent—for example, wine for runners. This way, aficionados can sip Sangiovese, then go for a quick jog around Union Square Park. —Matthew Schneier



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