Washington, D.C. - April 04, 2007

Nice Stems

Grape Legs Wine Shop

After a long ride on the tequila bandwagon (interrupted by a short stint on the whiskey dinghy), it’s time to get back on the vino vessel.

Which is easier than ever to do at the oddly named Grape Legs, a tiny new bare-bones wine shop run by the gregarious Franco Clark.

He offers around 130 thoughtfully chosen labels, and since he doesn’t source from large distributors, you’ll see lots you haven’t encountered before. Even better, 80 percent of the inventory is priced between $7 and $15. (Try the Chono Chilean cabernet sauvignon, the Greenhough New Zealand sauvignon blanc, or the Clos de Torribas crianza.)

Clark also wants people to ask questions and experiment: He hosts in-store tastings with three wines daily and doesn’t post excessive descriptions around the place. Plus there’s free citywide delivery on purchases over $50.

So you can get some stand-up wine sitting down.

Grape Legs Fun Wine & Spirits, 1905 9th Street NW, between T and U Streets (202-387-9463).