A Founded By NYC Experience
Oldest Vines, New York Bubbles & Chocolate
Celebrate New York’s wine heritage with a curated tasting experience in Midtown Manhattan, pairing elegant wines, sparkling selections, and artisan chocolates in AYZA’s signature atmosphere.
When people think of New York, very few think of wine.
When people think of New York, they think of Broadway, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. Very few know that New York also helped shape American wine culture.
The Hudson Valley is one of America’s oldest wine regions, with roots dating back to the 1600s. By the 1800s, New York City had become one of the country’s most important wine import hubs, bringing wines from Europe into American life.
New York also has a special sparkling wine history. True Champagne comes only from the Champagne region of France. But under older U.S. labeling rules, some historic American wineries were allowed to use names like “New York Champagne,” as long as the wine’s real origin was clearly shown. That history makes New York’s sparkling wine story different, interesting, and worth remembering.
Today, AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar brings this story to life in Midtown Manhattan through wine, chocolate, and hospitality. As part of the Founded By NYC and America 250 celebration, AYZA invites guests to discover a lesser-known side of New York: its role in American wine history. Every glass tells a story. Every pairing celebrates a piece of New York heritage.
Every glass tells a story. Every pairing celebrates a piece of New York heritage.
The Tastings
AYZA's Founded By NYC / America 250 Experience
Celebrate New York’s rich wine heritage with one of our specially curated tasting experiences.
- The signature flight
A comprehensive journey through New York’s finest terroirs, featuring four distinct expressions curated for the connoisseur.
- Light & bright
- Smooth & balanced
A taste of New York's culinary culture.
Our chocolate experience reflects New York City’s rich culinary culture. Some of our chocolates are handcrafted in-house at Ayza, while others are created by Jacques Torres — “Mr. Chocolate” — New York City’s legendary master chocolatier.
Torres established the city’s first artisan bean-to-bar chocolate factory in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and has become one of New York’s most iconic names in chocolate. Every wine and chocolate pairing on this page is built around that craft.
Founded By NYC ★ America 250
Reserve your seat under the stars.
From chocolate martinis to curated pairings, your Founded By NYC evening awaits at Ayza, a wine bar in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Limited tables secure yours now.