01.06.08
Good Taste: Vine Wine Bar
Clearly I’m no nightlife photographer!
In the former home of a Fast Frame on Lakeshore, the owners of Vine Wine Bar have performed a miraculous transformation, building a posh space with high ceilings, comfy banquettes, and exposed brick where once there was, well, a Fast Frame.
Opened about a week, they’re not quite up to speed yet, but there’s a lot of potential here. In the lovely room, knowledgeable servers help patrons get up to speed on the wine list and the Enomatic, the wine tasting machine. It’s the silver thing in the picture above, and it’s pretty cool. You buy a $20 card, and then choose a wine from the machine for a taste-sized pour. The cost of that taste is deducted from your card, you sip, and repeat the process all over again. Both reds and whites are available to taste, or you can order a glass from the wine list. The server said the machine allows Vine to open bottles of wine that wouldn’t usually be offered by the glass. Some of the offerings include Oakland’s JC Cellars’ Cuvee Syrah and a Napa Plumpjack Merlot.
I was a bit disappointed to find there were no reds by the glass on offer - just the ones in the machine. I tried to order the sangria, but it wasn’t ready. Still, I had a nice glass of Bonny Doon Albarino and enjoyed the atmosphere. Next time I hope to delve into the tasting machine or try some of the wine cocktails. The Pimosa is a combination of sparkling wine and pear cider and the Vinomohito mixes lime with mint and chablis.
The food offerings were uninspiring - the least expensive thing on the menu is a veggie plate at $10. However, the server said they’re still working on the tapas, so next time I’m hoping to find something a little more interesting that’s within my wine snack budget. I did see one of the $12 cheese plates come out from behind the wine bar, and it was beautiful, piled high with cheeses and bread. Also on the menu is charcuterie and beef carpaccio. Sushi is forthcoming.
In addition to reds, whites, a rose, and sparking offerings, Vine has sakes and dessert wines. It’s a lovely place to sit and chat with a friend, and as I conversed with a pal last week, many people from the neighborhood wandered in to check the place out. Once the food kinks are worked out, this should be a place to enjoy for years to come.
3343 lakeshore ave.
510.444.8463
www.vinewinebar.net