Brooklyn Winery is built for gatherings. Tables are communal. People sit and talk about wine, food and life. Order by the glass, half-carafe, or carafe. It you fall in love with a wine, you can buy a bottle. Be patriotic, and encourage visiting out-of-towners to go home with Brooklyn wine, instead of yet another Times Square souvenir or the gazillionth Bloomingdale’s Little Brown Bag.

If you find yourself curious about winemaking, then take one of Brooklyn Winery’s tours. Although they’re information-dense, they’re also light-hearted. The aim is not to intimidate, but to nurture relationships and foster interest. Tours end in a private tasting room overlooking the barrels. Sink into a sofa, drink wine and ask all of the questions you forgot to ask during the tour. You might not go out and start a winery after that, but you’ll certainly have a deeper appreciation for wine and winemakers.

Visit Brooklyn Winery to buy a gift or to indulge in a solitary glass, a flight, a date, a table full of companionable strangers, or bring an “I was so slammed at work that I forgot to eat” appetite. There are tempting plates for vegans, and vegetarians will fare just fine, but omnivores will find a wider range of dishes. The wine menu is broken down into whites, reds, sparkling, and pink and orange. Have a chat with your server about your tastes in food and wine to find out which one is right for you and enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Brooklyn Winey; 213 North 8th St.; 347-763-1506