Some Wines At The Blue Ribbon

Some Wines At The Blue Ribbon – Episode #467

May 16, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk goes on the road today and tastes some wines at one of his favorite places, The Blue Ribbon Wine Bar.

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Comments on this episode(276) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Never actually been to a wine bar, but I got a gift card for Ch…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
“Really enjoying the on-location shots…though a little surprised abou…” by Emily & James H.
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Compagni Portis Vineyard GewÃ¼rztraminer
2004 Mercouri Estate RedOther Greek Red Wine
2006 Brewer Clifton Rio Vista Pinot Noir

Links mentioned in todays episode.

276 Responses

May 16, 2008

KenP
1st!!
May 16, 2008

bwizzle
YIppy, Top 5..
May 16, 2008

elron
Hola!
May 16, 2008

Palmer
love the off-site episodes!
May 16, 2008

Eli2Tyree
top 10!
May 16, 2008

Candace
sweet!
May 16, 2008

Pete W.
QOTD: The one that I happen to be in at that time.

Ok, cop out answer. My favorite wine bar is my home, because it always has the best patrons.

Ok, another cop out answer…
May 16, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD — never been to one!
May 16, 2008

waibeans
top10
May 16, 2008

waibeans
hey KP… congrats on your #1 post!
May 16, 2008

Pete W.
Haha, all you just posted comments for the sake of posting comments, but I clearly watched the episode before I posted. That makes me a better vayniac.
May 16, 2008

C-Fiddy
TOP 10!
If you like the Clifton, also try Windward Vineyard in Paso Robles!

Have a GREAT Weekend everyone!
May 16, 2008

C-Fiddy
Ouch You guys are FAST!
May 16, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Top 20…Woo Hoo!
May 16, 2008

Eli2Tyree
QOTD my family room cause I can drink all night and not get in a car
May 16, 2008

Robin B
The London Wine Bar in San Francisco is more like a pub than a wine bar, but the staff was helpful with some great suggestions, and the other patrons were friendly and interesting.
May 16, 2008

leif erik sundstrom
Whats up? there was no comment option for several refreshes after i watch ed the program…had to play it twice to get the comments to show, weird?!

anyhow,
QOTD: fave wine bar = Noble Rot here in PDX…great intelligent selections and great prices!
May 16, 2008

wine-ot
QOD – The Wine Room in (White Haven) FL…? Just outside of Orlando anyway…!!!
May 16, 2008

Purple Tooth
I enjoy the “on the road” shows.
May 16, 2008

KenP
Thanks, waibeans! It has been awhile!
May 16, 2008

Barclay
Webster Wine Bar – Chicago
May 16, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Got your feet in the sand checking your emails eh? Nice. Anyway, great episode and I’m loving the Book. Thanks!

QOTD: a little wine Bar on the Santa Barbara Pier. Location, Location, Location.
May 16, 2008

sobojosh
weeeee!
May 16, 2008

Sassodoro
Top 25?
May 16, 2008

dcseven
Back in the bar, again! The Barrel Thief in Richmond, VA. great place.
May 16, 2008

UTshock
For as much wine as I drink, I haven’t been to many wine bars. I’d probably say Los Olivos Cafe, which is more of a restaurant, but they do have a bar and a great wine list.
May 16, 2008

Smith MBA
Condolences to the Mondavis.

GV enjoy the Turks & CaicosSunset at Magnolia is awesome.
May 16, 2008

dcseven
The Barrel Thief in Richmond, VA.
May 16, 2008

Shir-Az
QOTD: Beaune’s Wine Bar in Tampa. Explore their retail store and cellar, pay retail with no corkage. Great place.

Enjoy you vacation!
May 16, 2008

waibeans
KP — I know sir. I’m still hanging around, just don’t post that much any more. When I get the chance I show up at an offline tho. They’re still quite alot of fun!

Take care.
May 16, 2008

Erik Boles
Favorite Wine Bar: By far, hands down, The Cellar in Breckenridge, Colorado.

WHY: Breckenridge has the mountain feel to it, and it doesn’t stop at the front door to The Cellar. You will find people in jeans, ski pants, etc. Very reasonable prices, very cool atmosphere, great food and tapas, and Andrew, the Sommelier, is a young guy that is way laid back and fun to learn from. (and you gotta meet Matt the head chef, the kid is like 21 or 22 and knows more about food than your Mom and Grandmama put together).
May 16, 2008

JJW
QOTD – Kazimierz in Scottsdale, AZ
May 16, 2008

sobojosh
big up to Brewer Clifton. Huge fan
May 16, 2008

radcore
QOTD- Avec in Chicago. Go there! Not exactly a wine bar. More of a restaurant/wine bar. Attractive space owned by the same Chef as Blackbird (which is right next door). Can’t get enough of that place. Nice episode by the way.
May 16, 2008

Craig Rost
My 2.5 year old just kissed you and asked where is your bucket
May 16, 2008

Brian
Again another great show…Ive became addicted to your show.

I have never been to a wine bar. Guess im going ot have to be on the look out for one. Too bad more of the bars I go to dont serve wine. The other day, you mentioned wine with steak, sadly all i had was some chardonnay, its oaky, but it made me think old camp ground cook a steak on the camp fire, so i tried it with the steak, and it was interesting combo but wasnt horrible. Im sure this isnt a normal combo but it was something that just brought back the day when i was in boy scouts. Anyway, now time to find a wine bar.
May 16, 2008

Withnail
Farewell Bob
May 16, 2008

Scott EJ
Have a great vaca.

QOTD: The old Pops for Champaign in Chi.
May 16, 2008

Nick P
Tria in Philadelphia.
May 16, 2008

Alex the Wineguy
Best wine bar that I’ve been to so far has been the Dean & Deluca’s in Charlotte, NC. They have so many differnet flights of wines to chose from and a great wine shop to along with the wine bar.
May 16, 2008

Christophe - Titus Vineyards
Personally, I like the wine bar at my house, I’ll always find something I like there. If I have to pick a couple spots I would say in the US, Wine&Roses in NYC and Grape Escape in Asheville NC. Outside of the country, pick one; If I’m there drinking wine it’s my new favorite for the night til the next place.
May 16, 2008

CBone
Great Show Gary, as always.

Bardeo in Washington DC is a great wine bar, if you’re ever in town.

Sad about R Mondavi, but he did so very much for our country’s wines. A life well lived, to be sure.
May 16, 2008

jjb
In San Francisco make sure to check out Parea. Have a chat with the owners, Nicole and Telly Topakas, they are great hosts. Nice variety and particularly good selection of greek wines.
May 16, 2008

Dustin
I am an iTunes lurker, but not anymore since I just left a comment. So please stop yelling at me. I don’t have a favorite wine bar but I’m sure all of the places mentioned above are great, especially the Scottsdale one (hometown).
May 16, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Wine bar…I thought that was your house Gary…..because you can roll like that….
May 16, 2008

Malphas
QotD: I have no favorite wine bar, yet.
May 16, 2008

The Ben
I’ve never been to a wine bar, and honestly wouldn’t know where to look for one. Yellow Pages, guide me away!
May 16, 2008

mrzitro
QOTD: never been to a wine bar
May 16, 2008

GrapeStuff
Good ep, GV. To be honest, have not been to many wine bars, and the ones I have been to just have not done it for me. Guess I need to look harder.
May 16, 2008

jaredlevy
Good episode Gary..hope you’re enjoying yourself in sunny Turks & Caicos.

Qotd: favorite wine bar would have to be Landmarc in the Time Warner Center, although I dont realy know if it qualifies as a Wine Bar…its just that their concept on wine is that it is integral with dinner and shouldn’t cost alot! They do alot of half bottles and full bottles for very little markup to allow the regular consumer to try wines he otherwise wouldn’t.
May 16, 2008

Ryan W
QOTD – Bruno’s Wine bar in Springfield MO is a pretty chill place to come and have a wine with some friends.
May 16, 2008

Taco John
Tutto Bene in Bloomington, IN. It’s a wine bar and tapas/small plates restaurant. They have a nice glass list, a great bottle list including some really off the wall stuff (white Bourdeux, sparkling Shiraz, that sort of thing) and very knowledgeable and helpful staff.

But the best part is, the owners couldn’t decide if they wanted to create a wine bar or a furniture/art gallery, so they did both. Everything is for sale, including the glasses your drinking from, the art on the walls, or the table you’re sitting at.

Biggest drawback is that if you’re rolling with liquor fans, they only have a half-and-half license due to Bloomington’s limit on full liquor licenses.
May 16, 2008

Taco John
Oh, and to add to my last comment, they do $10 bottles (four or five different ones) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. How can you not love that?
May 16, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: Los Olivos Cafe
May 16, 2008

life's too short...
Great episode! Have fun in T&C. QOTD: Windham Wines in Brattleboro, VT! Oh, yeah, we have a wine bar here, that’s right. And it serves wine! (And the occasional elk, but I digress…)
May 16, 2008

Matthew Hale
QOTD: Never been to a wine bar. Not sure I know of any in Cedar Rapids, IA besides restaurants. We have some great restaurants but I havn’t even been impressed with the wine lists at most of them.
May 16, 2008

Blake W
QOTD: Here in the ‘Burgh, no wine bars to be found.
May 16, 2008

Robin C
It was fun seeing the inside of a wine bar again.
QOTD: I think that the only wine bar I’ve been to was a champagne bar – Flute – in New York. I don’t think that it would ever be my favorite though. We almost went to Barcibo Enoteca, but they were doing something to the front entrance with construction workers and we couldn’t get in for half an hour which would have made us late to the opera.
May 16, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Devine Wine Bar and Bistro Mesa AZ. Great wine list wonderful food
May 16, 2008

Wine Bloke
The Supper Club, Melbourne, Australia. Sorry not in US, but I do live in OZ. I been to quite a few around the world, and this one rates.
May 16, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Never been to a wine bar. But I like the one I and my family put together when we have wine tastings.
May 16, 2008

M
QOTD: Domaine Hudson, Wilmington DE

http://www.domainehudson.com/

Enjoy Turks and Caicos. I was there in 1989…….
May 16, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
Always great to see the show in a different location. However, it’s time to bust your chops a little….hang on. So there was something that I could go on….about in todays show…and that’s Pinot’s & price…but I’ll leave that be for now.

QOTD: My favorite wine bar has to be 58 degrees in Sacramento or Morrell in NYC.
May 16, 2008

late-start
Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar (Charlestown,MA) and Radius (Boston).
May 16, 2008

Josh Baker
Bacar Wine Salon in San Francisco — hands down. Expensive, but amazing.
May 16, 2008

Rick D
QOTD: My Wine Cellar in Phoenix, AZ is my favorite. Cute place, nice proprietors, fair prices, good wine.
May 16, 2008

Shuf
A second for Webster’s wine bar in Chicago!
May 16, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: I’ve never been to a wine bar.
May 16, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: In Houston, Tx I absolutely love Cova Wine bar and Sonoma Wine Bar. Sonoma is more for a relaxed chill midday glass of wine for me and Cova for more evening wine consumption. In New Orleans, I love the Wine Institute of New Orleans or W.I.N.O.

–RH
May 16, 2008

FJDR
Vaynerchuk sez: sheep butt=real pinot noir.

QOTD: Never been to a wine bar, not that I can remember anyway.
May 16, 2008

Lars
R.I.P. Mr. Mondavi.

Thanks for “changing the wine world.”

Lars
May 16, 2008

Len
Nice setting for a rainy Friday wine-tasting…QOTD: I never been to a wine bar…but if the one at home counts that would be it.
May 16, 2008

brorjace
Never been to a wine bar. However, I would like to open one…someday.
May 16, 2008

Reid
The Monday Room in NYC. Hands down.
May 16, 2008

Diablito
Thank you Mr. Mondavi.
May 16, 2008

TWalk
Hands Down….Devine Wine Bar in Tallahassee…..
May 16, 2008

NB_SPAZZ
QOTD: We have dozens of bottles in the basement, but have never gone to a wine bar. The folks I hang with are more into brew pubs and ethic restaurants in NJ, and true local cuisine restaurants when on international travel. I’ve got a lot of US business travel coming up… maybe I’ll look to hit a wine bar then.
May 16, 2008

John Blue Label
Nice episode. Unfortunately, no good wine bars in NC. Hey Blue Ribbon, want to franchise down here?
May 16, 2008

John
Watching vids on ipod recently and not commenting like I should QOTD: Best wine bar I ever went to was in Pasadena, called “Bodega.” The wine wasn’t necessarily memorable (though, it was there that I fell in love with tempranillo) but the atmosphere (have fun, drink wine) was great!
May 16, 2008

Wybiral
Look Gary, I’m commenting instead of lurking!
May 16, 2008

Chuck
QOTD – Never been to a wine bar, and there are none that I know of here in NoVa. Seems like we have a great demographic around here for something like that, so someone open one up!
May 16, 2008

Donna Mega
QOTD: I haven’t been, but would like to try Darryl’s Wine Bar in New Brunswick. The only other Wine Bar I can recall going to was Morrell’s?? in the city, next to Dean and Deluca near Rockefeller Center, about 10 years ago.
May 16, 2008

Byron Chen
Gary, pumped to see you’re coming on your book tour to Rockville MD. I’m there! Qotd haven’t been to a ton of wine bars but there is one at the BWI Airport that’s pretty good.
May 16, 2008

Ninski
I see Hendricks gin in the background! I love my wine but if any gin fans out there want a completely different experience give that one a try.
May 16, 2008

Kent
Are you signing your book in Chicago? C’mon, it’s a big city!
May 16, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: Have never been to one. None nearby. Hmm, a niche to be filled…
May 16, 2008

elron
Best wine bar for me: My family’s basements where they make their homemade wines and we eat homemade chorizo and proscuitto with bread with giant barrels of wine nearby!
May 16, 2008

Charlie Berg
Looks like an interesting place, Gary, good show.
QOTD: Enoteca Vin, Raleigh, NC.
May 16, 2008

Thanks to our Vets!
Lurk. Lurk. Lurk.
May 16, 2008

Indigo
QOTD: The Cork Bar (name?) in Austin! Thanks again for the party GV!
May 16, 2008

Rob Boudon
Ah The Wine Bar Question!!!

I made a comment a few episodes ago asking which wine bar was everyone’s favorite here in NYC. I was curious because I wanted some ideas for my Birthday Gathering. My Birthday was on May 8th and we went to the NEW Bourgeois Pig down in the lower east side to celebrate.

I’m looking forward to planning future gatherings at other wine bars as well.

Thanx for asking the question Gary!
May 16, 2008

Glazer
Rest in peace Mr. Mondavi, and thanks for bringing the thunder for so many years.
May 16, 2008

Brian
QOTD: 315 Santa Fe

RIP RM
May 16, 2008

Tom
QOTD: I have a hard time paying for wine while out. The prices are so inflated I drink most of my wine at home.
May 16, 2008

Yvette W
Awesome show Gary.

QQOTD: Never been to a wine bar, too pricey for me now. Maybe in a couple more years.

It’s funny how you say that real Pinot Noir smells like sheep’s butt, because New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have the characteristics of cat piss. I guess bodily odors of animals is trend in good wines, huh?

Again, what’s with the facebook hate, Gary?
May 16, 2008

Keith
I’ve been to one wine bar,THE GRAPE in Baton Rough Louisiana
May 16, 2008

manonthemoon
Glad to see you finally drop the sheep butt on us.

QOTD: Has to be Wines on Broadway in Portland OR, great place and chompers is a beast.
May 16, 2008

BobMac
QotD: Stave Wine Lounge here in Napa
May 16, 2008

Pebbles
I’m an AppleTV lurker who forgets to post, but my husband doesn’t. I guess we cancel each other out…

QOTD–Cork & Co. in Austin was pretty great for your SXSW party! Vino Vino isn’t bad either.
May 16, 2008

joeshmo
unfortunetally there are no wine bars in the greater tristate area (cumberland, md.) SO ive not had the privellage of having that adventure. fun episode tho, i liked it.
May 16, 2008

angryphoton
QOTD: Local Kitchen and Wine Merchant, San Francisco, CA
May 16, 2008

Anthony L.
QOTD: No clue. I’ve never been in a wine bar.
May 16, 2008

Gloria
I haven’t really been to a wine bar. Just visited several wineries in the Hill Country here in Texas to do tastings. Always enjoy those.
May 16, 2008

thefanjestic
LIke the bar – glad to see BC get some love on the thunder show!
May 16, 2008

Tony
QOTD: Didn’t try wine that much over here. The alcohol tax is quite high in this area. Jakarta Indonesia.
May 17, 2008

RANDI
Great to see you out of the office!
QOTD: Wine bars that stand out for me are I Trulli in NYC..great memories…and Kazimierz in Scottsdale, AZ.
Always interested in checking out new places though!

Have a great weekend Gary!
May 17, 2008

Susan
Gary-WOW! Blue Ribbons looks like a place I could really like……………..
May 17, 2008

Susan
Gary- Great to see you out of the office!!! I like the change of venue!!!
May 17, 2008

Thomas
QOTD: The Perfect Dessert. San Jose Cali, went last week and a great place
May 17, 2008

JK from WV
Dude,
Dude. Dude! Dude, dude, dude, dude, dude. Dude???? Duuudde. Dude, “dude”. $$$$Dude. Dude@dude.dude. zzzzdude. Dude+Dude=Dudes. Dude.

Gary,love ya baby.
May 17, 2008

tim stevenson
Bin wine cafe or Bin 36 in Chicago is a cool place with lots of wine flights.
May 17, 2008

dustin
sorry gary , dont live in U.S. but im gonna comment anyway.

the best wine bar ive been to is PaPa Bafone in Nagoya Japan.

why dont you think about selling and shipping wines internationally? japan would be a huge market for you
May 17, 2008

Brad -73-
QOTD: The Grotto aka the M.T. Wine glass down on 8th street in Sheboygan,WI.
In a town full of beer, this is the place for wine.
May 17, 2008

Todd S
My “101 WINES” arrived today. Now I need a little down-time to read it.
May 17, 2008

brent
QOTD: We are fortunate to have a bunch in Montreal… but I would have to nominate Trois Petits Bouchons and Pullman as my favorites.
May 17, 2008

rimarfish
QOTD: Vinum Populi! in Culver City, near Los Angeles, CA. Love it…
May 17, 2008

sonicgg
Obviously not in the US but if you ever find yourself in Hiroshima, make it to Hana WIne
http://www.gethiroshima.com/Places/Shopping/details?placeid=50466
Wine store/bar where you can pop any bottle in the store for an extra 10 USD or so…lots of organic Loire and Alsace…I’m there almost every weekend!
May 17, 2008

Curt
Alright Gary, I’ve been lurking since July ‘07. I live in Hermosa Beach, CA. and my favorite wine bar is right here in my back yard. If you ever make it out to the South Bay area you have to check out Friends of the Vine in Redondo Beach. It’s a great little wine bar that’s near the beach and a good time is always had by all there.
May 17, 2008

Saftig
QOTD: Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Scottsdale AZ. It’s dark and moody, like a speakeasy, no bold entrance, almost subdued. Stop in after eating at Cowboy Ciao’s just down the street. Heaven.
May 17, 2008

Clinton
QOTD: Salt Tasting Room in Vancouver, BC
May 17, 2008

Tom
Robert Mondavi…Rest In Peace–and thanks for everything.
May 17, 2008

Lurkylurk
I have to admit, I’ve been lurking for a while now. I think I started watching in the early 100’s of WLTV. I am an American living in Delhi, India working as a cellarmaster for a resort that will be open in a few months. I’ve been in this biz for about 6 years now, in restaurants, retail, distribution and now at a resort. I share your passion and continue to sing your praise to all of my friends who still think wine is pretentious. I also plan to use your episodes to train my staff when they arrive in the following month just to show them what the jubilation that is wine is all about. Keep doing what you are doing, you deserve all the success you’ve already earned and then some.
May 17, 2008

Cephalopunk
DOC wine bar here in Brooklyn is really comfortable and has great Italian and Sardinian wines. I like dropping in to Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar, after work… Bar Veloce has a lot going for it… some great interesting wines – the Friesa that they were pouring by the glass did indeed (as per their menu description) smell like racquet balls. Oh god, Terroir on 12th does a lot right, but I expect that from the Hearth guys.
May 17, 2008

ray-ray
Have to agree with Clinton…

QOTD: Salt Tasting Room in Vancouver, BC
May 17, 2008

Dodger Blue
QOTD: A.O.C in Los Angeles. I know, I know. They’re really pricy. However, they’re really good as well for both food and wine selection.
May 17, 2008

Carilius Maximus
15* Wine Bar Templeton, California.
Great selection of wines from around the world and just enough local(central coast)goodies as well. Fun and unpretentious! Right next to Trader Joe’s. Perfect.
May 17, 2008

San Fran Sniffy Sniff
San Francisco – 1. CAV 2. Hotel Biron
They are next door to each other in Hayes Valley and should not be missed. CAV has really fun wine and cheese flights that are wonderful. Enjoy SF!
May 17, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: HOW could I say anything other than TASCA wine bar and restaurant in Los Angeles, a spot where I had the distinct privilege of serving Big G. himself! (That was a lot of fun, and if you and your agent, Omid are back in the area with friends, I have a couple of vino selections after what you ordered last time). Cheers, and enjoy the vacation!!
May 17, 2008

Alan D
Enoteca Vin in Raleigh, North Carolina-outstanding. Morrells, NY – overrated
May 17, 2008

vinophilosopher
QOTD: the Owl Cafe (Appalachicola, FL)–newly remodeled wine bar in a 100 year old building & restaurant in a town of 2,334 people (2000 census). Incredible high end wine list in an incredibly romantic place.
May 17, 2008

The Lukas
QOTD:
I live in the UK, so i have never been to a wine bar in the US.
That said, i’ve never been to a wine bar in the UK either.
Plus I’m rolling CKC style, so it’s not really something i can afford.
And on top of that my friends either drink Beer, Whisky, or the boring kind of wines, as in, the highly mass produced australian stuff, i mean, Ravenswood is a stretch for these people….
May 17, 2008

Mike DePolo
Great to see another exciting Pinot getting rave reviews, Gary.

There is no doubt that, as GV said, one of THE best pairings of food and wine is duck with Pinot Noir. Screw all the “Sideways” talk; that movie, as fun as it was, ought not be driving people to OR FROM this wine just because the grape was mentioned so prominantly. We need to judge Pinots on their own merit.

You mentioned business dinners and ordering the $60 wine. Well, I did that when travelling to Jacksonville last year (thank goodness for cork ‘n carry). After a few so-so meals the day before, and since my business was completed earlier in the day, I decided to go upscale and found a great place just a few blocks off the ocean in Atlantic Beach, called 11 South. It was April and the atmosphere was bright and fun. I ordered grilled duck with roasted vegetables and a rice with morel mushrooms. That was paired with a 2004 Siduri Van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot. I can still taste the first sip of wine after the first bite of duck. You can have all the grilled beef and Cabs you want, I’ll take duck and Pinot as my last meal on Earth.

This was far and away the best dining alone experience ever.
May 17, 2008

Joe G.
QOTD: I cna’t say I have a favorite but there are 3 distinct wine bars that I enjoy. Bar Veloce in NYC, Uvarara in Middle Village,Queens NY and D.O.C. Wine Bar in Williamsburg,Brooklyn. DOC has no sign so you have to know where it is and it is very rustic inside. Bar Veloce is a more modern Enoteca with Pannini’s and Uvarara was a Headstone and Monument Store for the cemetery which was converted and has very rustic and romantic feel to it which carries strictly Italian Wines.
May 17, 2008

BobbyTiger
Quite honestly, I find wine bars stuffy and foo-fooish. So I avoid them. The wine closet in my house works just fine for me. Another great lesson today, and the show was an excellent start to my weekend.
May 17, 2008

mjr
tokyo winebars
my favorite is wine world in the shin maru building 6F near tokyo station. the sommelier atsushi is very helpful directed me to a fantastic bio-dynamic french red, courbissac 2003.
thanks for the shows

mjr
May 17, 2008

tmas29
QOTD: In NYC, Bar Veloce and Bar Carrera. Great Italian and Spanish wine bars!
May 17, 2008

Tom K
Favorite bar/wine bar…I would have to say Himmarshee Bar and Grille in south Florida. Great by the glass selections and pretty reasonable prices.
May 17, 2008

Kyp
Unwined in Manchester, NH. Fantastic wine bar.
May 17, 2008

keith
QOTD: Nora’s in Las Vegas, http://www.noraswinebar.com/

Loved the interview on NPR today! Love the sound of wine being poured
May 17, 2008

Don
D’vine wine bar in Cleveland. http://www.dvinewinebar.com

Check it out when you’re there.
May 17, 2008

DerekC
QotD: Only been able to find one in my area (though I’m sure there are a few in Portland) which is the Grand Vines in Salem, and it’s kind of hit and miss. They have a pretty good selection there on a regular basis, bring in new wines all the time, and showcase a lot of local wines, but the staff and customers can get on the super yuppie wannabe snob end of the spectrum sometimes. So I try to make it in when there are no or very few other customers in the shop as that tends to break down the ego snobby thing in the staff.

Great show again, Gary! Have a blast on the vacation and looking forward to your return!
May 17, 2008

SKN
QOTD: Deano’s Vino in the historic Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN.

My fellow Indy Vayniacs and I will throw you a party there if you make it here for a book signing! Happy touring!
May 17, 2008

JohnMc
Really enjoy your work. We need this kind of vitality on this side of the Atlantic
May 17, 2008

Seattle Matt
QOTD: Not a big fan of wine bars, they seem to be not changing the wine world but trying to keep it where it is right now. I have a pretty big rack at home and about three stores that I know the owners at and would much rather go to them have a sip and buy wine for home from there then go to an overpriced loud music wine bar full of obnoxious people. I am sure there are some great ones out there but I haven’t been to one.
May 17, 2008

Adam J
Qotd: I sadly do not really have one yet. Travel safe GV, have fun!!
May 17, 2008

Jeremy L
QOTD: 15 DEGREES C, TEMPLETON, CA
May 17, 2008

Snow
I have never actually been to a wine bar to be honest. But since you called for all “lurkers” to post I did.
May 17, 2008

Daniel
Great episode! Need to have more of these little road trips to places like this.

QOTD: I hate to admit in my little town were I live, we don’t have a wine bar.
May 17, 2008

BubbsBaria
Plans are in the works for a killer wine bar in Fayetteville, AR. Heads up to all the Vaynernation! We’ll spread some thunder. Shout out to CKC’s an the always awesome Gary V!!!
May 17, 2008

BubbsBaria
Sucks more people aren’t down with drinking wine while out. I absolutely agree that the couch or recliner in your living room is a great spot for a glass but COME ON PEOPLE, get off your rocker; give it a whirl
May 17, 2008

darin latimer
‘Eve’ in Ann Arbor, MI…good, high-endish joint in Kerrytown…the front room and patio function as sort of a wine bar with a great appetizer menu. Specific experience – had some small bites and a bottle of Graves on a ridiculously blazing hot day. Good times but the capper was a fat, A2 squirrel walked down the patio hand rail, sat 16 inches from us the whole time and, inevitably, shared half of our food. Good times.

Piazza Sofia in Ypsi also not too bad…
May 17, 2008

sharad
hey, great show,, really liked.. just getting into wine.. find ur show really helpful in learning how to taste wine..

but – the scratch on the kitchen countertop when u were twirling the wine glass was very very irritating..
May 17, 2008

wayno da wino
YO G , Ya been smeellin’ too many “sheep butts” lately…….What’s da
Story???………I KEEEED….I KEEEEEED…………..

QOTD: Gotta lotta Wine Bars around here, but never been to one…….
Gotta check it out one o’ there days………
May 17, 2008

Elias
The best wine bar I have been to is called Wine Steals in San Diego, California. Great selections and you can by wine by the half glass which allowed me to taste a lot of the gems in there.
May 17, 2008

Mark B
I live in Renton, wa. Not too far from Seattle, and have a little wine bar here called the met. They serve decent espresso as well.
May 17, 2008

mikeyrad
QOTD: Hmmmm. Lately we’ve been digging Bar Boulud. But our absolute fave has to be Tia Pol. Great selection of Spanish wines and the best tapas this side of the Atlantic.
May 17, 2008

David Masi
There are a few I like…Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, the Grape Cafe in Woodinville WA, and Wined UP on Broadway in Manhattan.
May 17, 2008

Ed Salonia
QOTD: Park Blue
May 17, 2008

Roland
cHECK OUT THE NEWEST WINE BAR IN DENVER. TIPSY’S IS AN 80,000 SQ FOOT LIQUOR STORE AND WINE BAR THATR IS JUST PURE FUN!
May 17, 2008

Jsco
http://www.soifwine.com/

-lurker
May 17, 2008

yowens
QOTD: Its not a wine bar per se but Gracies in Prov, RI has alot of really nice wines by the glass and AWESOME CHEESES!
May 17, 2008

wildebeest
Hi Gary!

Today is my first real day off in months. School is done for a while, and I’m celebrating with a bit of Saint-Emilion before I start some much-needed spring cleaning. *contented sigh*

I’m sorry to say that I’ll miss your book signings in CA because I’m visiting the Bay Area a few weeks later than I did last year. Still, I’m hoping that I might be able to meet up with you in SF during my vacation. It seems like you visit the Bay Area fairly often these days to touch base with the Web 2.0 crowd. So, I’ll keep an eye on twitter while I’m in CA. Congrats again on the book. I ordered a signed copy the other day. I can hardly wait to read it.
May 17, 2008

Justin Viger
Was the question about wine bars? I’ve never been.
May 17, 2008

polarbr
Poco on Capital Hill in Seattle. Super friendly staff, modern setting, great choice of wines.
May 17, 2008

Vbellore
QOTD: Stonehome wine bar in Fort Greene (Brooklyn), Great owners, awesome service and a diverse list. Well, a little Euro centric, but its the service that really makes this place stand out. I highly recommend them, especially for any Burgundy fans.
May 17, 2008

Lee Floyd
I confess. I am a lurker.
May 17, 2008

Stu
QOTD: I have always had a good time and good wine at The Tasting Room in Chicago
May 17, 2008

Paul Horan
QOTD: I live in two cities, so I’ll answer this twice.

Favorite wine bar in DC: Sonoma on Capitol Hill (SE Pennsylvania Ave)

Favorite wine bar in Buffalo NY: Brodo on Elmwood Avenue

Paul in VA
NoazDad
May 17, 2008

Eric Holm
Pennsylvania has very few, Last one of note was ?THE LIBRARY? which was a restaurant in Nawleans years ago, but if it exists has a large by the glass seletion list and good food
May 17, 2008

ChrisH
QOTD: I have heard great things about Deano’s Vino downtown Indianapolis.
May 17, 2008

BobZ
QOTD: Domaine Hudson – Wilmington, DE.
May 18, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- Only one here in Tulsa but its a good one. Vintage 1740 and within walking distance GOODNESS!!
May 18, 2008

Vigneron
Wine Steals in San Diego. Got us into wine. Great staff, great selection.

I think Gary should use the double self-thumb point. He came close at the beginning of the episode. For instance:

Who thinks this wine would go great with a tri tip at a Jets tailgate?

This guy right here…
May 18, 2008

Andrew D
QOTD: The US???????? Enoteca Scali in Volterra Tuscany is my favourite… the US????????
May 18, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Nice episode…

QOTD: No idea, never been to a wine bar in the USA.
May 18, 2008

Ben F
Great Lead in GV…
winedown cafe & wine bar coming early summer
west reading, PA
http://www.winedowncafe.net
May 18, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Love the road episodes. Never been to a
wine bar in the US
May 18, 2008

Mike James
QOTD: Straight up winebar: Kazmierz in Scottsdale, Wine shop w/ tasting bar: Enotria in Scottsdale
May 18, 2008

Karl Laczko
Nice background, although I thought the show lacked focus.

QOTD – Can’t give an answer to that one, out of my geography.
May 18, 2008

Craig
I would like to recommend Table 15 in Knoxville, TN. It’s located in an open-air-mall shopping center called “The Pinnacle at Turkey Creek”. They specialize in wine flights and small-plate food pairings. It is an excellent before or after dinner stop off and they have a fantastic selection of wines — many of which can then be purchased at the wine store next door.
http://www.tablefifteen.com/
May 18, 2008

Keith
Big fan of Gewurz, never been to a wine bar
May 18, 2008

Zach M.
QOTD: They are a couple I think in the Cincinnati area, but I have yet to go. I’m still a young 21yr old
May 18, 2008

Sean
Favorite hometown wine bar in DC is the newly opened Proof. It just bumped Bardeo off my list.

Favorite all time was The Stained Glass in Evanston, Illinois. Not sure it was spectacular itself but had a lot of good times there with good friends.
May 18, 2008

The Other Half
I am not a lurker – I do hear various episodes on a regular basis but rarely watch properly. My other half is the one who is a regular viewer – he is not a lurker either!

My visit today was because it was my birthday yesterday and my other half very kindly bought me a laptop. So rather than me booking an appointment with said other half to use his computer for email purposes etc I now have a machine of my own to use as I please.

Imagine his face, when I started up today’s episode of WLTV and the fabulously enthusiastic voice of Gary V roared into the room again as I settled down to watch. An image worth seeing, I have to say.

I don’t have such a keen interest in wine as my other half, I do try. I much prefer whites, such as Gewurtz, Reisling and other floral and fruity wines – but not the ones reminiscent of cats pee…. And not very good with heavy reds.

Anyway, I shall be going for now, so until next time – GV – you keep on changing the wine world!

From The Other Half!
May 18, 2008

Rossodio
My favorite wine bar is here in Charleston, SC – Social. The wines by the glass there are pretty pathetic, even at their low price points, but by the bottle there are some FANTASTIC wines at prices that would even be reasonable for retail wine selling establishments. Get there before the CKC arrives to get loud, and you can enjoy quite the nice bottle there in an environment that’s not as stuffy as the top-tier restaurants in the area.
May 18, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Willi’s Wine Bar in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa.
May 18, 2008

KAHUNA
enough with the lurker crap you sound like a little b_tch- and the Highlander movie was for sh-t!
May 18, 2008

David M Roberts
Have not been to enough wine bars to give a good opinion.

I did, however, visit a great one in Breckenridge, CO, called (I think) The Cellar. It specialized in food and wine flight pairings, and the food was exceptional, as was the wine list.
May 18, 2008

chenrys
QOTD: Kavarna in Oakhurst.
May 18, 2008

David M Roberts
I just glossed some of the other posts, and noticed someone else had a good experience at my pick, The Cellar in Breckenridge. When you’re right, you’re right!
May 18, 2008

Mike Kauzer
Wine Steward, Pleasanton Ca.
Great wine knowledge. Approachable staff.
May 18, 2008

Tom F
Pizza Man in Milwaukee has an outstanding California selection.
May 18, 2008

caleb
still havent found a wine bar that does it for me, i feel i can do better on my own. Hope to find one i love soon, if not ill have to open one
May 18, 2008

Derek F.
QOTD: I wine bar called Cork, about 5 min. from my house…love it!!!
May 18, 2008

T. Reasoner
I found the Rio Vista on Maui they had a whole case but at $51 bones. Well tried it last night and it was PHENOMENAL! IT was a 95 pt pinot in my book very good and even at that price the QPR is still a buy. I went back and bought 2 more bottles for that special occasion. I totally agreed that this wine will last a few more years. I was shocked that the wine was so well balanced with 15.4% alcohol. Amazing vino !
May 18, 2008

Nickyb85
There is a wine bar that I frequent a lot when I am in Lubbock called La Diosa, It feateres wines from the region and has a great atmosphere, every evening that they are open they feature live music.
May 18, 2008

Robert C
This makes me want to find a good winebar in Temecula, CA
May 18, 2008

J Crazy
haven’t been to many in the US so can’t give a favorite. But if you’re traveling to Korea go to Vin Ga, if you’re in Tokyo hit up Marugo or Dominus
May 19, 2008

ONE
If you are in the Orlando, FL area, you asked for favorite wine bars. I have two… Eola Wine Company and The Wine Room both in Winter Park (10 min North of Orlando). For atmosphere and variety.
May 19, 2008

jsuarez6
QOTD: Max’s Wine Dive in Houston, TX.

Very nice selection of wines. Apart from their “By the Glass” selection, they will open any bottle as long as you commit to two glasses. The food is interesting.

Comfort food but with a twist. By the glass prices range from $7 to $20. Food ranges from $9 to $20. It is very easy for two people to spend $80.

The staff is very nice and knowledgable about the wines. I usually go twice a month.
May 19, 2008

Mike W
Bought the book for my dad for Fathers Day. He is going to love it, and we will expand our pallets together
May 19, 2008

Roberto
Hey Â¡Â¡

QOTD Have you been to Accademia Di Vino? your friendly neighborhood restaurant (3rd av 63/64) with a nice by the glass section (Italy only) and quite possibly, the world’s best pizza, the Robiola, Black Truffle and Pecorino… really… try it. (with some Amarone or Nero D’avola)….I’m hungry already…
May 19, 2008

elliottf
QOTD: I’ve only been to one — Left Coast Wine Bar in Glendale, CA. It’s a cool little place though!
May 19, 2008

Bundydb
Sadly, there are only a few in my area but my favorite would have to be The Wine Loft in Birmingham, AL. Great laid back place with very nice people working there. Very helpful as well if you have ANY questions.
May 19, 2008

Paul Mac
Gotta admit I WAS a big lurker in Southern Cal. However, I do believe that we must play our role and change this wine world! You’re ongoing challenge: to trust our “pal,” has convinced me to delve head-first into a whole new world of wine (especially Cabs/blends). BTW, If I lived in the Tri-State the Jets would be my team. This weeks goal: to get GV’s new book! QOTD–The Wine Company in Temecula, CA.
May 19, 2008

Danny M
Never actually been to a wine bar, new to the whole being 21 thing. Had to leave a comment though, I couldn’t bear to lurk anymore when Gary asked liked that. Sorry Gary, great show!
May 19, 2008

Pardus
QOTD: Well you had to go and say in the US. I haven’t really been to too many in the US and my current favorite is actually in Austria http://www.eulennest.at/ Eulenest means Owls nest. They do tastings, wine by the glass and bottle. Nice place, but very tight space wise so you might have to share a table.

However, if you want to really a Viennese wine experience you have to go to a Heuriger. These are places that serve the most recent wines from a single vineyard. (Heurig means this year.) You can get food at Heurigers as well. Most of them are on the outskirts of Vienna, but a few vineyards also have a Stadtheuriger which are right in the heart of the city.
May 19, 2008

RichG
Nice loaction for the show Gary. No wine bars here in my part of Florida. Although I have one at my house…
May 19, 2008

Mott T Hoople
An awsome wine bar in NYC (East Village) is Terrior, which is associated (next door) with the restaurant Hearth. Paul greico is a GV kindred spirit if ever there was one. Had just a great time when I was there. We were 2 couples, but you end up mingling with every person in the place including the propreitor & “star chef” Marco Cannora.
May 19, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: Was Morrell’s NYC now in LV Rio wine cellars (still waiting for the WLTV wine tour to come to LV)
May 19, 2008

LauraG
QOTD: There’s a new wine bar in Charlotte NC called “Press.” It sells by the bottle at shop (not restaurant) prices and you can cork your leftovers (if any!) and take them home. Awesome concept – it’s my favorite right now. Also has a nice by the glass selection (but why?) and sushi/tapas menus.
May 19, 2008

Mike Linquist
Gary. Another interesting segment. Caught your ’sheep-butt’, armpit-sniffing, Conan-getting-tanked, show the other night. Hilarious. A nice Bust-a-gut Shiraz would have gone well with that episode with O’Brian. Is Shiraz appropriate? You bet Shiraz!
ANyhoo, I’ll be lookin’ for the Rio Vista. In Tampa, The Grape over at IP (International Plaza) near Tampa International Airport is a great little wine bar. Jack and Amy run the place. Finger-foods, appetizers are remarkable. Joseph Donoian, an avid Bostonian, is well-versed in all things wine. He also is one of the dining room managers at Bern’s.
Got Mozart’s Prague Symphony rollin’ at the moment. Thanks for another chapter in wine education.
Mike Linquist
May 19, 2008

Panosh
QOTD: Amuse Wine Bar located in the Honolulu Design Center (Honolulu). 80 wines, self-serve using the enomatic wine dispensing equipment. They dispense in one-ounce increments so you can taste a lot of wine. It has given me the opportunity to taste wines I would not normally order a full glass or bottle of.
May 19, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Raleigh NC. Enoteca Vin, has great selection, great pricing and great food to match. You can go just for wine, wine and small plates, or dinner. They hold special wine and food pairings. Cool place. Check it out if you are ever down this way
May 19, 2008

Lb in KS
QOTD>…I guess I can admit this here…I’ve never been to a wine bar
May 19, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
Besides the Blue Ribbon…..

Zoe…..Florence Italy
May 19, 2008

Colin
GV – I like Bin 26 Enoteca in Boston’s Beacon Hill district. Lots of different stuff there…
May 19, 2008

John S
Where is the Blue Ribbon located? Is it a real wine bar
May 19, 2008

Scott Richardson
Gary – You asked about favorite wine bar’s? K-Restaurant and Wine bar in College Park, Florida (nr Orlando). Outstanding is the best word to describe. Dan Francoforte is the wine guy there. Food is always outstanding, though not cheap. The wine is always fantastic. If you are in the region, a must visit. FYI… not for the beginner wine guy!
May 19, 2008

BruceP
QOTD: Either Cav or Hotel Biron in SF. They are literally around the corner from each other (with Restaurant Zuni in between), so can often do both in one evening, sandwiching a great meal at one of SF’s legendary restaurants.
May 19, 2008

Brian V
QOTD: I have never been to a wine bar. Gary you should open one.
May 19, 2008

Will G
QOTD: Cru in Chicago, IL. Had my first date with my wife there, and also discovered some tasty juice over multiple visits.
May 19, 2008

Harley Stan
Sweet, field trip!
QOTD- It was Iron Mountain Winery, but sadly they are gone now.
May 19, 2008

James Marinello(bajayngo)
Great show. Always nice when you get out of the office!

QOTD : I really like the wine bar in the Seattle airport. Great prices, selection and I’m always bored at the airport so it’s awesome to wine geek it up!!!
May 19, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Good show GV, love Gewurtz with Thai.
May 19, 2008

dAve
Gerwutz – if we could only pronounce it, we’d order it. smile.
I learned after years of attempting. But then Riesling was also hard for me.
Nice location.
You swallowed? Coming from spitting in the parking lot, this is another major milestone for you! smile.
3 glasses – wow, you finally are saving wine! haha. I always cringe when you pour and dump to clear the glass. With what you dump, I could drink all week on!

Well, another fine job, Gary. It’s nice to see you “on the street”, yet, your home office is just homey.
May 19, 2008

pawncop
Good show and eood education.

QOTD – have not been to one yet.
May 19, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Market Square Wine Bar, Cleveland, OH
May 19, 2008

Little Jonny H
I always love a little change in the everyday show, GV!

QOTD: Don’t have one… never been… too poor!!
May 19, 2008

Paul
The Tasting Room in Houston, or Cova.
Both are excellent.
May 19, 2008

Jarvis H
I had to leave a comment GV, at least to say that I have never been to a wine bar.
May 20, 2008

Ben Morris
Portalis, bringing you the best the Ballard ‘hood has to offer. That’s in Seattle for all you non-seattleites out there.
May 20, 2008

Kristen
Nice episode- it was very timely! I just had some great white wine, Makedonikos, in Chicago…which leads me to the QOTD:

When in Chicago, go to Pops for Champagne at 601 State St. Awesome champagne/sparkling list (and some good spirits too). Even my friends and I, all CKCs, got to enjoy a sparkling Portuguese wine in the city! I think you’d enjoy the choices there…and all the good food.

http://www.popsforchampagne.com/
May 20, 2008

JeffH.
I’ve been to many. My current favorite is Dolcetto Wine bar in Charlotte, NC.
May 20, 2008

Augustus
Great wine shop across the street from my apartment that also has a wine/tasting bar – it’s called The Wine Crush. My buddy and I usually cruise in on Thursdays a couple of hours before the tasting officially begins and we taste along with the owners as the reps come through. Then we taste through that weekend’s store tasting, but we take our time and really get to know the wines. As a matter of fact, we tasted the Brewer Clifton Pinot you had in this episode a few weeks back. It really is good juice – dynamite, really.
May 20, 2008

Tom
California Wine Merchant in SF
May 20, 2008

italianwinelover
Very nice and different ep! Love when you go on field trips!

QOTD: Bin 36 in Chicago….interesting wine list and nice tapas menu!

Enjoy your travels!
May 20, 2008

AtlantaJack
QOTD: The Grape in Phipps Plaza, Atlanta

Great tastings, great people and always a fun time!
May 20, 2008

Wade
These days wine bars have too many diminishing returns for me, both financially and psychologically. Effortlessly spend mountains of cash, crunch the quality for price numbers, get depressed, perform bedtime ablutions in a haze of self loathing, wonder when the madness will stop…it’s just too perilous to go to a wine bar! One of my favorite places to drink wine though, especially when Spain traded in pesetas, was in the Plaze Virreina in Barcelona. Great neighborhood setting in Gracia, a church at the top of the plaza, unneutered male dogs off leash…

And GV, how good to see that you remain the quintessential populist, seated on the ground in Madison Sq. Park with little regard for your wardrobe.
May 20, 2008

mike76
I am the classic lurker, have seen virtually every episode of WLTV and have “spread the thunder” to countless friends, yet this is my first comment. I live in Reno, but am frequently in San Francisco, so I have 2 favorite wine bars. In Reno: Washoe wine company – by far the best place for wine in Northern Nevada. In SF: the wine club – not technically a wine bar, but they have excellent tastings on the weekend and their prices and selection are fantastic.
May 20, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
Hey Gary,

I don’t understand how you can say that the 2004 Mercouri Estate Red is a great value at $12, but not worth it for $16. Especially since you gave it a rating of 87 pts which for me, is a great score for any wine under $20.

This exemplifies a major problem in today’s wine ratings: people think that anything under 90 points (considered outstanding by traditional scaling) isn’t worth it. Giving wines that are 85-87 points (especially at a good price point like $17) a pass skews the rating scale and can push beginners away from some good wines.

I realize you tell people not to trust the critic, but trust their “pal”, but there is still come consistency required by the critic when it comes to wine value. At the end of the day, people still use the numerical score (and your “vaynerpazz” statement) as a guide on what to try. An 87 point by your rating is a wine that is “very good”, and for $17 could be considered a great value, and at least considered something worth trying.
May 21, 2008

Brian SF
Bacchus Wine Bar on Russian Hill in San Francisco!!!
May 21, 2008

Dan NYC
Nice show. I like it when you film from different locations. It just breaks up the feel. QOTD: OTTO NYC, I’ve been going there for yrs so I’m partial to them. Also, Bin 71 on UWS small place with great feel and vino and bar Jamon with great spanish wine but very small.
May 21, 2008

wine luver
hey how do you know wat sheeps but smells like also you are hilarious
May 21, 2008

Craig Owen
So last night my tasting group met with Alsace Gewurztraminer as the theme. I brought a bottle of the Bucklin as a ringer. (We always taste blind.) I don’t think anyone was fooled – its overall flavor profile was too different from all of the Alsatians – but quality-wise, it held its own and delivered good balance and length. Plus, it went really nicely with the crab ravioli I ordered. Thanks for the rec Gary!
May 21, 2008

4 iron
Anyone in eastern NC, we need to start a tasting group!
May 22, 2008

Luis Felipe
LOVED THE CHANGE OF PACE AND NEW LOCATION. Kudos to Blue Ribbon who had the balls to let you critique their wine.

QOTD: Haven’t been to enough wine bars to have a favorite.
May 22, 2008

Josh
QOTD: The Tasting Room, Seattle WA
May 22, 2008

Alex
Hollywood Vine in Hollywood, Florida (just outside of Fort Lauderdale) is the bomb. Steve has never driven me wrong.
May 22, 2008

JonathanB
My favorite wine bar is Park Blue in NYC on 58th street. Everything Fonda is doing over there is fantastic. Wish I could afford to hang out there more!
May 22, 2008

normanzo
QTD: Otto has been my favorite for a few years, because the wines are interesting and good, the crowd is fun, and the staff are pros. But, I’m looking for alternatives…
May 23, 2008

David Collins
Best wine bar is the Market Avenue Wine Bar in the Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio.
May 23, 2008

Big D
QOTD: The Side Door Cafe and Wine Bar in the village Mammoth, CA. they serve all kinds of crepes and pour wines by the glass or bottle with very friendly servers.
May 23, 2008

ChrisR
QOTD: There are so many good ones in Tucson. I’d have to go with The Dish, b/c they have a wine store connected to the restaurant, so you go pick out a wine, pay a corking fee, and you get better selection than any wine list at a normal restaurant. If anyone visits Tucson, they should definitely go to The Dish.
May 23, 2008

vivaitalia
Living in the Tampa Bay area we have crap for wine bars. As a matter of fact there aren’t even many restaurants with great wine lists. I would absolutely love to hit NYC and hit Blue Ribbon and all the other great bars there.
May 25, 2008

Oregon Jim
QOTD Not that I have vsited that many, but the PDX airport has a very good wine bar specializing in Pinot Noirs from Oregon. An excellent list and great folks running it.

I exspecially like the wine bars that sell what they are pouring. I think it is a great concept for a new kind of bar where you can eat, buy a wine or two and sample the ones you are curious about.

Great show.
May 26, 2008

Sean
I’m a lurker from San Diego. We have an exceptional wine bar here called Wine Steals. They’re in the community of Hillcrest in San Diego and they feature mostly inexpensive gems. The ambiance and people gives energy to the wine tasting experience here. Inexpensive certainly doesn’t translate to cheap. They certainly go to great lengths to make exceptional choices. Wine Steals has two locations but the Hillcrest bar is the best. http://www.winestealssd.com/
May 26, 2008

Dan-o
GV – I like it when you take the show on the road – talk about perspective change!
QOTD – I have not been to that many straight up wine bars, but my wife and I used to like to go to 6th & Vine in Winston-Salem, NC. You could sit outside on the sidewalk “bistro” and drink a “tasting” menu selection. The wines were not the greatest, but they were solid in the variety area.
May 26, 2008

GR8wine
QOTD: Unfortunately I’ve only been to 2 and would not claim either as my favorite. I tend to go directly to individual wineries but then you don’t get the diversity and selection.
It’s close to being a winebar so I’ll mention my favorite place is the Enoteca on the 2d floor of the wineshop of the Whole Foods in Fairlakes, VA. They’ve got 80 wines on nitrogen tap so you load credit on your smartcard and can try different size samples of a broad variety of wines starting from supermarket wines all the way up to some pretty expensive wine that I would never think to buy without a taste. On top of all that they have tons of awesome food and restaurants in the store so you can bring food up and pair with the different wines.
May 27, 2008

cma82
QOTD: In New York, I’ve always been a huge fan of Blue Ribbon and Otto–and also Landmarc for reasonably priced wine. In Chicago, where I am now, my favorites are The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars(with a great view) and Webster Wine Bar.
May 27, 2008

TimCub
My favorite wine bar here in Austin, TX, has to be Malaga, on 4th Street downtown. It’s a great little tapas and wine establishment, and they have great tapas, as well as an impressive wine selection. Alternatively, I’ve recently discovered another little wine bar and kitchen in the Westlake area just west of 360 on 2244 called the Grove. Both the Grove and Malaga are very worth checking out if you’re ever in Austin.
May 28, 2008

Winehacker1
QOTD: The Wine Room, Winter Park, FL http://www.thewineroomonline.com/
May 28, 2008

Wanginator
Vino Volo — it’s a new wine bar chain targeting specifically at airports. The one that I visited was in Sea-Tac airport. They emphasize local wines, and they have wine tasting menus. I really had a great time tasting the wines.

Since you are going to Seattle soon for the book signing, it may be a very interesting visit! This one is next to terminal B — so if you are flying back to Newark via Continental, you won’t miss it.

I got a card — they are also in DC, New York (LGA?), Baltimore, and Sacramento.
May 28, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: I haven’t been to too many wine bars across the country, but in Charleston, SC I like Raval.

It’s cool to see Refosco on the show. I had one that I really liked when I was first getting into wine.
May 30, 2008

NADINE
This is a nice setting for your show, I think it is classy and hip and sweet. Nice idea.
May 31, 2008

ML
Love Blue Ribbon…also good to see a Greek red wine reviewed.

Wine bars…in NYC I like Bar Veloce, inoteca on LES, Bin 71 on UWS.
June 2, 2008

Goncasurus-Rex
I did a bit of “research” and the Gewurztraminer is about 23 bones a bottle, oh and make sure mott makes you look cool the next time you want something to pop up on the screen at your command
June 4, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: Red White & Bluezz, Pasadena CA
June 7, 2008

V Mellado
sorry i just dont have the money for that
July 3, 2008

Jolie Elman
California Wine and Cheese in Monrovia, California!
July 8, 2008

Steve Weaver
I am still trying to find good wine bars here in the Tampa Bay area but so for I like The Grape @ International Plaza.
July 13, 2008

Oakmon's BF
Iâ€™m having my first Greek red as I rewatch this episode. Itâ€™s 2005 Erasmios Agiorgitiko. Agiorgitiko is the varietal which is also known as aghiorghitiko, mavro nemeas and St. George. Itâ€™s oaky and I like it. Iâ€™m beginning to feel a bit awkward about saying this. I suspect Iâ€™m sounding phony, like Iâ€™m portraying a character. I donâ€™t mean to sound this way. There are non-oaky wines that I like, but I donâ€™t seem to be finding any oaky wines that I donâ€™t like. I like red wine and Iâ€™m having a good time. My comments are sincere. Iâ€™m also watching and enjoying the wine episode of Columbo as I drink it. I guess it would be more appropriate to be drinking an Italian wine. Oh well.
July 19, 2008

Tooch
Favorite wine bar in the US is Tria (18th & Sansom) in Philadelphia.
July 21, 2008

MattUD
I hate to admit that I am yet to go to a wine bar, but there is one in Boston I hope to go to next time I am up there.
August 20, 2008

Emily & James H.
Really enjoying the on-location shots…though a little surprised about your Greek wine comments. Most Greek red wines are supposed to be earthy, dark, herbal, and vegetal, so why should they try to be something else??? The foods are made to go with the cuisine, which aside from the coastal areas, is conducive to those types of reds. Anyway, great show. Always love it when you give props to GewÃ¼rztraminer! QOTD: My sister-in-law works at Trezo Vino in Overland Park, Kansas, so there, naturally. It’s hard to find good wine bars in Kansas, and they have a good variety and have well-priced flights and by-the-glass.

P.S. When are we going to see Lizzie???
January 13, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Never actually been to a wine bar, but I got a gift card for Christmas to a cafe/wine bar down the street from me and Im going to check it out for lunch this week. Gift card is big enough I can go there twice. Def. a chance for me to maybe try a glass of something new as a wine by the glass if they have it. Maybe a way to ease me into a new wine instead of spending $15-$20 on a bottle of it at a wine shop.