Growing Trend of Wine Bars

Wine bars started appearing in the 80’s and 90’s, primarily in large cities, with an upscale and glamorous feel. Patrons could stop in before a show or after a dinner date to enjoy a fine glass of wine then move on. While these places still exist, they barely resemble today’s laid back, rustic and retro, neighborhood wine bars.

Basic History of Wine in the US
Wineries have only been in the United States for about 40 years – starting with a handful of wineries in California in the 70’s. The success of those wineries meant no longer depending on wine from countries like France or Italy. Not surprisingly, California and it’s Sonoma and Napa Valley regions are known to produce the bulk of wine in the US, with New York State coming in a distant but respectable second with its Finger Lakes region. What may be surprising, is that there are over 8000 wineries in the Unites States, with all 50 states producing at least some wine.

Wine Went Social
With the growing number of wineries, and thus greater availability of wine, it makes sense that wine has gained popularity and wine drinking turned into a mainstream activity. Wine is no longer just for the fine dining crowd but has evolved into a social experience – particularly with the evolution of the wine bar. A wine bar opening used to mean a city had reached a certain level of sophistication. But as their popularity increased, wine bars began cropping up in smaller towns and cities, places where you’d find a favorite neighborhood bar. They are as common and frequent as a coffee shop now.

Wine Bar Environment
Many wine bars of today tend to be laid back, with the intent for customers to linger and enjoy the experience in a non-stuffy environment. Customers are encouraged to experiment and learn about wine, not to be intimidated. There is an eclectic feel to many of these places, some making their homes in re-purposed old buildings or barns on the winery grounds. You may see exposed beams, reclaimed wood, or old brick facades, paired with comfy seating, and warm lighting. Some are a bit funky, with the goal of providing an alluring and welcoming ambiance. Much like a coffee-house, customers are encouraged to spend an afternoon catching up on work or meeting a few friends for a relaxing evening. You might even find the gang from Teknique IT in a local wine bar!

The Food & Wine
At many wine bars, you’ll find local wines or wines from small growers who don’t have large distribution capabilities. This provides a great opportunity to discover amazing new wines.

Usually you won’t find a lot of food at a wine bar – not a full meal anyway. The most extensive offering is typically a cheese & charcuterie plate, with scrumptious cheeses, meats and accompaniments like mustards and relishes. All designed to make the wine the feature, not the food.