Bar Hopping

It seems that a new wine bar is opening on every corner. It’s a good business idea, a bar without the need for a hard liquor license, a clientele that won’t be too overwhelming, a chance for a wine lover to share their passion, and a way to cater to the growing wine crowd. Wine has evolved from originally being a drink for the masses to a treat for the elite, and has now spread itself out with the variety of low priced, high quality wine, and fun varietals and classic blends that appeal to every budget and every palate. Wine is now within reach of everyone, limited only to willingness and desire. I’ll be honest, I don’t frequent too many wine bars, as I have been put off by the ones in my area. There has to be some elements that create a great wine bar atmosphere, separating it from the high class lounges and the dive bars and finding an equilibrium that is right for drinking wine.

The first thing that I notice when I walk in is the ambiance. Who greets me? Am I being sized up to determine if I am in for a taste of a few glasses? How is the music? Can I talk with my friends or will I be screaming across the table to have a conversation. Wine is conversation inducing, a group goes to a wine bar because they want to taste wine, talk about it and life, and relax. I also want to be able to sit comfortably, find that spot between post-modern and cozy and stick with it. When I sit down how do I feel? Is the crowd having a good time, does the staff look happy, can I see a few bottles around me that get me thirsty?

After settling in, I hope I can see a menu. I rarely have an interest in purchasing a bottle at a wine bar. If I wanted to drink a bottle of wine and listen to music I would stay home. Instead, I want to be able to taste, drink a few glasses, and spend responsibly. I don’t want to pay $7 for a one ounce taste when I can get a glass of good wine for the same price down the street. I want to see flights, $12-15 for three or four small glasses, with a theme. I want a few aromatics, wines from a specific region, a country, a varietal, or a surprise; go out on a limb, how about four varietals that the owner thinks I’ve never tasted before. A wine bar should be an adventure, there should be a wine that knocks me off of my chair and forces me to buy a glass.

The wine list should also have a great selection. Wines should represent every taste, and stay consistent with the general idea of the bar. Right now I am tasting through Iberia and Italy, and I want to taste Italian wines other than Chianti and Sangiovese, and Spanish wines that aren’t Tempranillo. I want to know that the owner looked hard to make his list, that this is a creation, a work of art, a gift to his/her patrons.

That leaves the service. I am a stickler for good service, and if I am going to spend my hard earn money, and tip well, then I need to be happy with the server. Ask a question, a small test, get an opinion, do they know the answer, do they even care? Did the owner hire them for their wine knowledge or because they were the first interview through the door? Wine is a constant discussion, and when the glass is put on the table, the server should tell you something about what’s in it. The owner or manager should hopefully be strolling through the maze of well dressed clientele and crowded tables and be eager to hear opinions about the wine, both positive and negative. This should also be their opportunity to sell, if you don’t like this Pinot then they have an Oregon Pinot that will blow your mind. They should know every single one of their wines and have the perfect antidote to any complaint.

The bill should not be deadly. Remember that a bar is probably nearby and I could have sipped on Tanqueray and Tonics all night and left with a healthy buzz and moderately full wallet. Most people don’t want to spend too much of their hard earned dough at a wine bar, they save that for dinner at a fine restaurant or a weekend in Vegas. A wine bar should provide an alternative nightlife solution for thirsty and eager wine lovers and leave them satisfied and wanting to learn and taste more. Take note wine bar owners, this is what I want, and I’m coming to find it.

Any suggestion, what’s your favorite?