Slate Wine Bar + Bistro is a unique concept – a neighborhood crossroads for wine experts and novices – developed by owner and wine director, Elizabeth Banker, over years of enjoying the world’s wines. A lawyer by profession, Elizabeth spent her legal career living in and traveling to the world’s finest wine regions, where her interest in wine developed into a passion. A scholar by nature and former law professor, it didn’t take long for Elizabeth to evolve into a respected wine educator. Now, Elizabeth shares her knowledge and selection of wines in a comfortable neighborhood bistro setting in Glover Park, DC.

Slate offers to all wine enthusiasts — a taste, glass, flight or bottle– something new on each visit whether on Slate’s list of daily limited-quantity selections, via the extensive by the glass list, or the bottle list. Special events and tastings offer additional opportunities to experiment with new regions, varietals or producers. Elizabeth and the rest of the team at Slate are eager to make recommendations to help customers find their next favorite wine. Wines featured at Slate are from all regions – new and old world – but with a preference for family-owned, small production, sustainable wineries and non-interventionalist winemakers, many of whom Elizabeth has come to know personally in her own pursuit of the next great glass of wine.

Elizabeth’s inspiration for Slate is a simple one: “I want to share wines that reflect both where they are from and the committed vignerons who made them. I love wines where the passion of winemaker is evident in the integrity, quality and character of the wine.”

Slate also hosts winemakers’ dinners, wine clubs, special events, private parties, and hosted excursions to wine regions.

With great wine, there should be great food. The bistro features wine bar staples such as cheese and charcuterie, but also heartier fare including salads, sandwiches and entrees. The kitchen is happy to help meet the needs and preferences of our vegetarian, vegan, and other dinners (including our younger visitors). The menu is focused on providing fresh ingredients in simple and delicious preparations that pair well with the beverage menu. And it’s not just great wine Slate has to offer – there is also a stellar selection of craft beers and dynamic cocktails available.

Elizabeth Banker, owner and wine director, holds a Level III-Advanced Certificate with Distinction from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust, is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a French Wine Scholar. She has just begun work on the WSET Diploma Program and is also working on her Certified Wine Educator credential. Her long-standing wine club taught her much about sharing wine with friends.