On these crazy winter evenings much warmth and solace may be found sampling a vintage Cabernet with friends or snuggling up next to a special someone while sipping Syrah. Add some custom pairings of cheeses or a menu full of tapas options and these local wine bars sing a siren’s call through the frosty streets:
Barcelona
After spending many years in Spain reveling in the cuisine and culture, Andy Pforzheimer and Sasa Mahr-Batuz founded Barcelona to recreate the fantastic flavors, beautiful design, and the easygoing lifestyle that they had so enjoyed. At Barcelona, tapas is prepared using the finest seasonal picks from local markets and unusual specialties from Spain and the Mediterranean. Barcelona offers an extensive selection of wines from Spain and South America and is one of the largest importers of Spanish wines in the United States. The design incorporates an eclectic fusion of styles from ancient European influences to sleek contemporary appointments, and reflects the beauty of its Inman Park neighborhood location. barcelonawinebar.com/atlanta
Cellar 56
This Buckhead favorite claims to keep 56 different vines available, as well as fresh sangria during the summer. Small plates pair well with those chosen 56 — there seems to be a bit of a cult following for the short ribs, mac & cheese, and Krispy Kreme bread pudding. The focus is on fun here, relaxation taking hegemony over wine erudition. Meet a group for the grape, and toast cork camaraderie. cellar56.com
Pour
The popular wine bar has now expanded into a full bistro while still retaining it’s wine and cocktail prowess. Neighborhood devotees regard the warm intimacy of it’s atmosphere as graciously overturning the snobby reputation of “typical” wine bars. Unsure of your selection? Tastings are welcomed and patrons are encouraged to experiment with new offerings. pourwinebrookhaven.com
Stem
Grab the corkscrew doorknob and pop into Stem, the latest outgrowth of the much-lauded restaurant, Seed. Seed’s Executive chef & owner, Doug Turbush, recognized an obvious need for his devoted clientele and decided to conveniently fill it, opening Stem Wine Bar right next door. Turbush and chef de cuisine, Brendan Keenan, artfully prepare a tapas menu designed for pairings with sommelier, Jason Raymond’s expert selections. Stem’s wine list showcases approachable, high quality wines selected from blind tastings — Raymond’s favorite finds at the same great value for which Seed has become known. www.stematlanta.com
Vin25
Owner and sommelier, Phillip “Coop” Cooper, founded Vin25 with the desire to offer an intimate, friendly neighborhood wine bar with a fun and approachable menu. Coop told us “we have taken great care to create multiple warm and inviting venues for our guests to enjoy themselves, without being too stuffy or sophisticated.” He’s hand-picked all the wines in the cellar, working closely with the chef to create perfect pairings as well as seasonal specials. www.vin25.com
Vine & Tap
After an unfortunate fire-damage delay, Vine & Tap plans to open this month. A new venture by former St. Regis beverage director, Ian Mendelsohn, the eagerly-anticipated addition to the Lenox area will also feature small plates by Brian Obermeyer, former executive chef of Pastis. Early reports hint of a subtly sexy decor, the ambiance heightened by their focus of wine on tap. Yes, draft wine… cue happy dance. www.vineandtapatl.com
With so many options around town, your glass need never be empty. Salut!
