BRICCO DELLA REGINA ANNA

Opened: January 2006

Decorated in standard wine-bar faux-Tuscan, Bricco focuses on both Northwest and Italian wines. But it’s the selection from the boot that wows. There may not be much info on the list, but the bartenders know their stuff. The crowd is as diverse as the neighborhood, groomed and upwardly mobile. Bricco has the potential to be the Italian Le Pichet, if they want to go for it. 1525 Queen Anne Ave. N., 285-4900.

VINO BELLO

Opened: July

Welcoming and friendly, Vino Bello offers an olive branch to wine newbies, serving the tried-and-true alongside the unusual. It doubles as a wine shop, so you can buy and try bottles on-site, purchase wines by the glass, and go for tasting portions. The space is not yet filled, as if the owners are waiting for customers to come and help them decide what to be. The staff’s passion and ability to tailor wine conversation to each customer impressed the hell out of me. 636-F S.W. 152nd St., Burien, 244-8466.

DIVINO

Opened: August

Think of the bar here as the universal receiver for Ballard’s many social cliques, which often compartmentalize themselves in the avenue’s other establishments. The decor is a little mod-five-years-ago, but it’s a happy change for wine bars. Surrounded by meat markets, DiVino’s owners take wine seriously but don’t expect all of their customers to. The staff is enthusiastic, the selection varied, and the buyer here has great taste. 5310 Ballard Ave. N.W., 297-0143.

POCO WINE ROOM

Opened: November

Most aptly named, tiny Poco mainly serves wines by the glass from boutique Northwest wineries. No sightings of the mythical 12th Avenue marketing beast—the suburban hipster—just a big slice of Capitol Hill taking a time-out with cheese, snacks, and juicy reds. Owners have achieved a cozy wine oasis, and the staff treats educating customers more as casual conversation than seminar. 1408 E. Pine St., 322-9463.

PURPLE CAFE & WINE BAR

Opened: July

The central staircase and giant windows make an impression. Multiple-menu assault can make you feel like you’re visiting a new physician, and you can get lost in the shuffle in this big, busy restaurant, so flights are the best option—four 2.5 ounce pours organized around a theme. Lots of knowledge goes into the wine list, but the place is so busy, you might not get it out of your server. I’d love to see descriptions on the menu. 1225 Fourth Ave., 829-2280 .

Maggie Dutton