Photo: Tasting Room at DCanter

We’ve been checking out wine shops in D.C. hoping to help you find a great place to buy wine in your neighborhood.  Check out our WINE page for previous coverage.  This week it is Barracks Row.  There are two small shops walking distance from Eastern Market and the metro stop that are doing some good work:

DCanter – Of the two, this is the spiffiest.  A boutique wine store with a large room to host classes and tasting.  They focus on small producers and organic wines – though not exclusively.  The staff is passionate and knows the selection well.  There is a separate section just for sub-$15 bottles.  So if you are looking for something special, or to bring to something to a party, or to get into wine yourself, this is a great place to start.

Chat’s – This is a deceptively good store.  It looks like a beat-up liquor store from the outside, but the selection and staff are excellent.  There are unique bottles, fancy bottles, and bargains too.  Ask for help and they might pull something out that is not on the shelves to meet your needs.  The spirits selection is also very interesting.  Don’t be thrown off by the exterior.