Looking for a new venue that promotes a real Pacific Northwest treasure? I'm talking local grapes here, not Chihuly glass, so the answer is a wine bar.

In addition to having more than just a few by-the-glass options, great small plates to whet your appetite and a knowledgeable staff, these spots allow you to learn a little about what's in your glass ... or to just enjoy the pour.

For starters, Cork! A Wine Bar is a welcoming, airy spot tucked away just off of 6^th Ave in Tacoma. Stop in for a glass or a flight - you can even choose your own three wines to try - and be sure to sample Dulce Cupcakes, which are sold onsite. Open 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

(606 N. State St., Tacoma; (253) 212-5593)

Pour at Four in the Proctor neighborhood offers not only wine, but has added some well-priced brews to the menu, plus their artisan cheese flight is memorable. Open 2 to 10 p.m. Monday and 2 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

(3814 N. 26th St., Tacoma; (253) 761-8015)

Enoteca Wine Bar may not be open late, but as part of the Tacoma Wine Merchants, the bottle selection cannot be beat. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

(21 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma; (253) 779-8258)

Heading south, Uncork & Unwind in Tumwater serves up the coziest setting, with a refurbished house and a covered deck complete with blankets for cold nights. Open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

(324 Custer Way SW, Tumwater; (360) 943- 9463)

The Swing Café & Wine Bar is worth a stop too; not only do they pour more than 60 wines by the glass, but their Lush Rush from 4 to 6 p.m. every day is steal. Open 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

(825 Columbia St. SW, Olympia; (360) 357-9464)