Sip a glass of 1999 Amarone della Valpolicella in Accademia di Vino's windowless bottle-lined dining room, and you might think you're in a Tuscan wine cellar – not midtown Manhattan. Its authentic atmosphere is one of the many reasons Accademia di Vino is a Luxist nominee in the best wine bar category.

Accademia di Vino was founded just last year by Anthony Mazzola, a Bronx-born entrepreneur who opened his first wine shop at the age of 25. After amassing eight wine and liquor stores in the tri-state area, he moved to Italy with the thought of starting his own winery, but realized within a few years that his heart was still in New York. Upon returning, he opened restaurants Ouest and 'Cesca before launching Accademia di Vino.

Gallery: Accademia di Vino in New York City

With a cellar packed with over 600 different bottles of wine and 50 served by the glass, Accademia di Vino is truly a place to learn about wine. Offerings can be paired with cheeses and meats, while those with heartier appetites can simply order from a full dinner and lunch menu of Italian cuisine dreamed up by chef Kevin Garcia.

Located on Third Avenue and 64^th Street in the shadow of the Bloomberg building, Accademia di Vino is close to a number of other major New York City attractions including the bright lights of Broadway and the sparkling greenery of Central Park.

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.