Underwood Bar & Bistro: Cozy and Sophisticated

Walk through the doors of Underwood Bar & Bistro in Graton, Calif., and you might think you've been transported to a cozy eatery in the middle of New York's West Village. In fact, you're still in the heart of Sonoma wine country – about to sit down in an establishment nominated for a Luxist award in the best wine bar category.

Founded in 2003, Underwood is one of a handful of places that brings an urban sophistication to Graton, a tiny town centered between Occidental, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol in the bucolic Sonoma area. Stop by on a weekend night and stay with the wine-tasting revelers as late as 2am; don't be surprised to see Sonoma royalty downing a carafe at a nearby table.

Underwood's wine list contains dozens of offerings from California and beyond; there's also a small beer selection for the yeastily inclined. Along with the spirits, don't forget to have a meal while you're at Underwood – the menu includes a mix of French and Italian cuisine with plenty of seafood options, including fresh oysters. If you arrive after dinnertime, never fear: there's a late-night menu to suit any craving.

Though it's in the country, Underwood isn't terribly out of the way. A twenty-minute drive from the Bardessono, Northern California's premier eco-lodge and other wine country hotels, Underwood is also just an hour north of San Francisco by car.

Vote for the wine bar that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through April 30 and winners will be announced on May 1.