Located in New York’s West Village, Cora is a New-American wine bar defined by an impressive focus on North American wines. Led by sommelier Emmeline Zhao, executive chef Joseph Bliffen, and pastry chef Janice Sung, Cora sets itself apart in a city where European wines typically dominate.

Cora features a curated wine list that emphasizes sustainability and highlights winemakers from diverse backgrounds, a refreshing change in New York’s dining scene. According to Zhao, this approach complements their culinary mission: "If the food celebrates who and where we are, why wouldn’t the wines?”

The team behind Cora also previously operated Dogwood Café, known for its Chinese-American pastries. This expertise can be seen in Cora’s menu, which combines innovative dishes such as kinako twice-baked croissants with classics. Their commitment to crafting everything in-house, from bread to pasta, showcases their dedication to quality and sustainability.

Cora offers nearly 20 wines by the glass, including selections from lesser-known regions like Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia, alongside the more recognized wines from California and Oregon. This comes at a time when the U.S. wine market is facing challenges, with a noted decline in demand for still wines, but Zhao remains optimistic about the value of domestic wines and hopes others will follow suit.

Despite the hurdles of opening in a bustling city—supply chain delays and regulatory obstacles—Zhao maintains a collaborative attitude toward neighboring restaurants, emphasizing community over competition. With over 1,000 wine bars in New York state, including 677 in the city, Zhao and her team are focused on establishing Cora as a beloved fixture in the West Village rather than pursuing immediate expansion.

Looking ahead, Zhao emphasizes the importance of providing quality food, beverage, and hospitality, aiming to create a warm atmosphere that nourishes and uplifts their guests.