LAST WEEK, our own Melissa McCart wrote that "D.C.'s wine-bar trend is hitting its peak." Now we've got more details on the scene's two newest entrants: the yet-to-open Vinoteca in the U Street corridor and Enology on Wisconsin Avenue near the National Cathedral.

» VINOTECA: Later this fall, Vinoteca will open at 1940 11th St. NW, just south of U Street. The two men behind the wine bar are Paul Carlson and Diego Cerezo, who were childhood friends in Guatemala 15 years ago. The two grew apart, randomly reconnected last year and became roommates in New York City, where they decided to move to D.C. and open a wine bar. Like many bars that specialize in vino, Vinoteca will have wines by the glass, plus cheese and charcuterie options.

» ENOLOGY: The commercial strip of Wisconsin Avenue north of the National Cathedral is sort of a sleepy corridor. Aside from a few restaurants, like Cactus Cantina, Cafe Deluxe and 2 Amys, the area isn't much of a food-and-drink destination, largely due to the efforts of development-wary neighbors. Longtime nightlife entrepreneur Joe Englert, however, is investing in the neighborhood and has plans to transform the old Zebra Lounge at 3238 Wisconsin Ave. into a wine bar, Enology. As the Current newspapers have reported, the local advisory neighborhood commission has given "tentative support" to Englert's high-end enterprise.

Since the area has few late-night options, a bar open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends would likely be very attractive to neighbors thirsty for something new. Of course, the hours of operation are still up for negotiation. Englert, who just opened Vertias on Florida Avenue, is aiming for a mid-January opening for Enology.

Photo by Andrea Bruce/The Washington Post

Posted by Michael Grass at 2:00 PM on September 24, 2007
Tagged in Cathedral Hts./McLean Gds. , Eating Around , Free Ride , News , Pick Your Poison , Streetscapes , The District , Top Stories , U Street-Cardozo