Okay you guys, get ready for a review from someone who has never been to a wine bar before! I haven't even stepped foot in one because I had a perception of them being expensive, pretentious and uptight which is the opposite of fun. I also rarely drink, so why would I end up in a wine bar? Steve's Wine Bar was the BEST first experience with a wine bar anyone could hope for!!
After dinner with yelp friend T.W., we were perusing the historic district for a place to chat and this was on her bookmarks and is right on Hickory and Oakland. We entered the establishment which was fairly busy and took a seat at the bar in high swivel stools with wooden backs and cushioned seats. I really liked the cozy atmosphere, it was welcoming and not pretentious at all. There was canvas artwork and the original brick had been preserved and it was really cool to hear about the history of the building later in our visit.
After we settled in, Steve came by to ask what he could get for us. My fellow yelper requested a sweet, white wine and I agreed to the same. I didn't plan to drink much at all as I had been up since 3am, had been sick most of the day and had to drive home soon. After a sip of the splash he poured for us to taste, I realized it was a bit strong and I was still recovering from being so ill, so I shouldn't be drinking at all.
While my fellow yelper agreed to a glass for the extremely reasonable price of $5, I got ready for what was sure to be an awkward to terrible experience. I placed my glass down, looked Steve in the eye and asked for a glass of water, waiting for the sigh or eye roll... that never came! He got me the water, asked if I wanted the glass filled and went along with business with no attitude or judgement toward me whatsoever- now that's service. We learned from Steve that they had been there about 6 months and only carry wines from small wineries, stuff you can't find at Kroger or Total Wines- how very special!
Later, as us gals were chatting, Steve's wife, Karen, gravitated to T.W.'s empty glass to see what else we needed. Now Karen is beyond awesome and we got to learn even more about their business and a lot about the original building, we had a fabulous time!!
Karen told us they are BYOF (food, friends and fun)!! Though they do have wrapped cheeses, crackers and mixed nuts, they do not have a kitchen so they encourage people to bring in outside food. Do you know how rare that is?? Also, due to their limited license it's legal for patrons to take wine or beer to go within the historic downtown area, which is a large area, and this has got to come in handy during the many festivals that go on around the square! How cool is this place?
In addition to the variety of wines from small wineries they carry, they also carry ports, beers and several other concoctions so it seems they have something for just about everyone. I was extremely impressed with their prices which is a majority of the reason I have never previously been to a wine bar. As I mentioned, the wine I sampled and T.W. got was only $5 for a glass but in discussing their club and the tastings they host, I found out they have two packages for their tastings. One is $13 and one is $20- this is per person for the entire tasting, not per glass, isn't that amazing?
While we were there it seemed all the people coming in and out were regulars and Steve and Karen were very personable with each. We even saw a couple bringing in their own food so that clearly wasn't exaggerated. We also saw their wine tasting room in the back which holds approximately 15 people and heard a lot about their tasting events. This place seems fun and laid back, why haven't I come here before? I love the relaxed, no pressure atmosphere of just catching up with friends and a drink without anyone getting rowdy or loud. This place is such a gem.
I couldn't stop thinking that a yelp event needed to be hosted here. Regardless, any event, whether intimate or a large group, would be so fun here. I think their capacity is around 50 people, so plenty of space if you don't get crazy with your gathering, lol. Definitely a great option to stop by on a whim and extend a date or enjoy catching up with friends.
When we left there, I was really happy with the place and felt like it was a 5 star experience but I realized that I had never been to another wine bar for comparison. I started grilling my fellow yelper on other wine bars she had been to and am fully satisfied that my initial gut reaction is quite right on the friendly service and the reasonable pricing.
The one thing we got, that other places are lacking, is how unique and special this place is: filled with history and an exciting selection of wines that you cannot locate anywhere else. Steve and Karen are wonderful, warm, inviting, passionate. I see the love they have for their business and I love them! I know I keep saying special, but it really is; no other way to describe it.
You MUST come here!! read more