It's no secret that we love wine, but sadly, winery season in Missouri is pretty much over. Instead, we'll be visiting one of the several wine bars St. Louis has to offer. If that sounds overwhelming, Gut Check has got you covered. Try one of our five favorites this week.
See also: March 2013 Issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine Features Four St. Louis Wine Bars
Copia Urban Winery (1122 Washington Avenue; 314-241-9463)
Even after a 2007 fire left it closed for more than two years, Copia occupies a huge space in the downtown loft district. "Urban Winery" is not much of an exaggeration -- the outdoor patio seats 100 diners and can be enjoyed in these wintry days through the magic of a retractable roof. The menu is broad, from the requisite calamari appetizer to duck breast in a reduction of its natural juices with candied dates and green peppercorns. But about the wine: Copia has a modest corkage fee ($8), and prices are retail instead of the usual restaurant markup. Few wines are available by the glass, but you might as well finish that bottle, anyway.
