Wine bars are in a weird place right now. More often than not, they come across as a restaurant with a slightly more-extensive-than-usual wine list. That said, the wine bars that still hold their own these days are the ones that are transportive — they take you to a specific region or country, providing a cerebral learning experience along the way. They stray away from the standard textbook wine lists and give guests a chance to try new things.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach debate whether these wine bars that focus on a specific region or style are a better bet than the more generalized sort. Does a focused and easily understood concept make guests more at home, or do people resent having their choices confined in such a way? Tune in for the full discussion plus a brief convo on glassware disappointment. Your drink’s serving vessel matters more than you might initially think.
Zach is drinking: Little Edie at Homer
Joanna is drinking: Gin Martini out of an Orval glass
Adam is drinking: Gin Highball at Hawksmoor