Battle of the Rosé Gardens: Vinoteca vs. Whaley’s Edition

After much anticipation, Whaley’s in Navy Yard has announced plans to unveil its Rosé Garden on Saturday, April 29. The outdoor bar, which features seating for 30, boasts 10 different rosés — the list spans the globe, reaching from neighboring Virginia to Lebanon — assembled by wine and beverage director Brian Zipin and spirits and bar manager Nick Miller.

And while Nationals fans will be rocking the rosé all summer, across town there’s another hot spot capitalizing on the drink big time.

Vinoteca’s inaugural “Rosé All May” celebration will feature rosé every which way: rosé on draft, more than 16 rosés by the glass, rosé magnums, rosé bottle specials, rosé sangria, house-made rosé vermouth, rosé cider, rosé cocktails, and a rosé flight. There’s even boozy ice cream floats.

[Vinoteca]

The U Street restaurant’s European-inspired outdoor plaza bar is being redesigned to pair well with the wine, complete with climbing roses, fresh flowers, and lush greenery. Its oyster-shell bocce court will also be in the mix.

Vinoteca sommelier Kate Chrisman has always been a lover of rosé; last year, she offered “a dozen rosés” by the glass, one of the most extensive selections in the area.

There’s even a keg of it, first tapped at Taste of the Nation last week. The organic Domaine de la Patience is a still Grenache Syrah rosé from Languedoc, France and will be available for $8 a glass ($5 during happy hour).

For large groups (or ambitious drinkers) two rosé magnums (1.5 liters) are available: the Chateau Pigoudet “Première” ($90) and Chateau Peyrassol ($130), both Cinsault blends from Provence.

D.C. hotels are also all about the pink drink this year. The Willard recently hosted a Rosé Romp, and The Graham Georgetown is stocking up on cases of Chateau d'Esclans’ Whispering Angel for this summer on the roof.

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