Happy Labor Day! I hope that you’re all getting some sunshine and celebrating with friends, family & libations this long holiday weekend.
Now I’m no expert, or maybe I am, but I do spend my fair share of time (for work and free time) in bars and restaurants. I know what’s the hot, new restaurant in town, and which places to go for whatever you’re looking for: the drinks, the food, the atmosphere…
Summer is still upon us, but soon enough the rest of the world will flock to Florida for our mild autumn; with this list, you’ll be prepared for where to hit when you’re feeling a wine night with your girlfriends.
And now, without further ado, the Top 5 Wine Destinations in Tampa Bay:
- ANNATA
This tiny restaurant/wine bar is tucked away on Beach Drive just beside the Birchwood hotel in St. Petersburg. Being on Beach, doesn’t really help it’s review because most would just assume that it’s a touristy location with upscale prices and mediocre food. I’ve been dining at Annata since it opened, and it’s no Chile’s (thank goodness!), but a spot for a classy evening.
Meaning “vintage” in Italian, Annata is owned by the Mazzaro’s family, and is their first restaurant location. They’ve been open for about 4 years now, and are recipients of the Wine Spectator’s Wine List award and Best in the Bay for a reason. Year after year, they manage to keep an excellent variety of wines by the glass (or as we call in the industry BTG) and by the bottle. They’ve mastered the age-old feat of curating a list of go-to favorites, and unknown, hidden gems in each category.
300 Beach Dr. NE #128, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
2. Bern’s Steakhouse
Some of you might have heard of this location before, considering it is the largest curated wine selection in the Southeast. What you might not know is that Bern’s list extends far beyond the short one they show you at the table. If you ask for the full list, they hand you the thickest leather-bound beauty I’ve ever seen. It took me a full 15-20 minutes to skim read through the entire thing!
The secret to Bern’s is to know what you’re looking for. They are constantly adding to their collection, but they still do carry some wines that are currently unavailable on the market, just because the only way to purchase one at this point is from an auction sale. These wines are rare finds like a ’69 Cornas, for example. And, from what I’m told, since they’re so “priceless”, they are for sale for the original retail price vs. their market price now. Meaning, something you could buy at an auction for maybe $1,200, is now maybe $150 at your dinner table.
So next time you think Bern’s is too expensive, think again!
1208 S. Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
3. Chateau 13
The newest addition on this list to the Tampa Bay area, located in the quaint downtown Bradenton, just one hour south of Tampa. While they may only be less than a year old, Chateau 13 has been practicing for a couple of years, and did it pay off! Jennifer, the Sommelier & owner, originally launched her idea out of the Palmetto Bed & Breakfast just across the river to see if the Bradenton market wanted and could support a truly high-end establishment. The answer is yes, they’re slammed every single night they’re open, often with a line outside the door when they open at 5pm.
Like any veritable wine bar, there is a bar area to sample the wide selection and enjoy some light appetizers. If you want your senses to truly be dazzled, simply make reservations inside the dining room.
I had high expectations for Chateau 13 before it opened, and I was still impressed when I came in for the first time. Jenn has done an incredible job- there is a wine by the bottle and or glass from every single region that you could possibly imagine. And all in the sleepy downtown where I grew up!
535 13th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
4. Grand Cru
Also new to town, and based on Main St. in downtown Sarasota, Grand Cru is a new kind of wine bar (for us in the Bay!). Their main appeal is the Wine Wall. If you’ve ever been to Chianti and been to a tasting room, you already know what I mean.
The Wine Wall is an entire wall of the bar with many panels, each being an enomatic machine. These machines help to keep the wine fresh by displacing the wine with nitrogen as it pours into your glass. The nitrogen doesn’t allow for oxidation, and doesn’t react with the wine itself as quickly as oxygen does. With this technology, you can try a sip, a half glass, or a full glass of new wines and your old favorites!
They also have a nice craft beer selection in the wall as well for the beer drinkers out there!
1528 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
5. Cru Cellars
Now with two locations! The original is still on MacDill South in Tampa, and the newest is in Armature Works.
If any wine bar here is about educating and exposing the public to the world of wine- it is mostly definitively, by far, Cru Cellars.
Both locations are staffed with sommeliers who can guide you to the perfect selection for your mood every time. The Palma Ceia location makes a great place for Happy Hour and a retail shop.
2506 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629
& 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, Fl 336602
**Note: This list is not based on a competition or scale. They were chosen based on their ability to consistently carry a wine selection that pleases and educates their clientele. The numerical order is NOT a ranking.
Saborearlo 