I love wine bars. I try and visit a wine bar in each of the cities I visit. Sometimes, I’ll visit more than one. But, alas, all wine bars are not created equal. For me, the wine bar is a special place, a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the day.
The wine bar should be comfortable and cushy with couches, padded booths or stools. It will have a beautiful bar with trained and passionate bartenders and staff in an atmosphere of relaxation. The music will instantly put you into a state of calm delight. The environment takes you away into a world of like-minded people conversing on a wide range of topics…especially the nuances of the wine they are tasting and enjoying.
I’m visualizing it right now…hmmm.
There are a few “rules” about wine bars that will help you identify a real wine bar and a wanna-be. Here’s some that I have found:
- Atmosphere: As I have already stated, the atmosphere is very important to the experience. This includes lighting that is not too bright but bright enough to evaluate the wine, background music played not too loud, lovely, relaxing décor, comfortable seating arrangements (couches, tables, bar stools).
- Community: The wine community consists of experts, enthusiasts, and wine lovers of all kinds. A wine bar is the perfect place to discuss techniques, favorite wines and varietals and anything wine related. This will usually expand to other topics as well.
- Glassware: A good wine bar will display its glassware. Glasses for all different types of wine depending on the varietal. For example, a large bowl glass is good for a Pinot Noir (check out my blog post A “Nice Piece of Glass” for more on glassware). Beautiful glassware has always been a special way to enjoy a really nice glass of wine!
- Wine List: Speaking of nice glass of wine. The really good wine bars have a pretty good list of wines that have been curated by a professional on staff.
- Wine Tastes, Glasses, Half Bottles & Bottles: Wines are offered in all of these options in the best wine bars. The purpose of going to a wine bar is to try different wines out, right?
I was at a wine bar in Franklin, Tennessee where they offered self-serve wine. So, you would give them a credit card and you could wander thru the bar and select the wines that you’d like to try by the taste or full glass and serve yourself! It was really fun to try many of them out. I’ll warn you to be careful…too many tastes and it really adds up quickly! There are more and more wine bars that offer wines in this way. Start with the whites and work your way to the reds, light to full bodied.
- Wine Flights: Wine bars typically will offer flights of wines. They will either be chosen for you, you can get help in selecting your flight, or if you feel confident, you can choose them yourself. They are typically four or more tastes or half glasses. The flight can be another fun way to explore different wines especially if you get a different flight from others at your table. Experiment and have fun!
- Professional educated staff: The best wine bars have an educated staff that can assist you with wine selection, tell you about the wine, and offer suggestions and incite. It’s what they like to do, and they are good at it.
- Educational events and Tastings: Wine bars sometimes offer events and tastings. They are an opportunity for the wine enthusiast to learn. These may be paid events/tastings or may be sponsored by a wine company or vendor. What could be better than learning something new about wine and having a little nosh.
- Food: Wine bars will offer anything from charcuterie boards to full menu. I think the charcuterie is the most fun. They usually offer local or weekly cheeses and meats along with nuts, olives, fruit, and bread or crackers. I love a beautifully displayed charcuterie board. It’s even better when you can pair your wines with the cheese of the week!
So, for me, a wine bar is an experience. It’s a place to meet friends, discuss the topics of the day or just the varietal of wine you’re drinking. Have a bite to eat and take in the surroundings. Learn something you never knew before but mostly, live in the moment and taste the wine…every last drop!
Cheers !