With the weather getting as warm as it’s getting, I can’t stop thinking about possible summer vacations. I’m thinking a luxury villa in Tuscany, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and sipping on a glass of wine. Well, luckily for me, and anyone else taken away by that image, there’s D’Vine Wine Café, and it’s a heck of a lot closer (and cheaper) than heading over to Tuscany.
D’Vine Wine Café is located in Ballantyne Village, in the space right above Dilworth Coffee. The most noticeable, and alluring, feature of the wine bar is, well, the bar. The bar easily sets the warm and classy Mediterranean feel of the place. I was instantly attracted to the interchanging golds and browns that made up the bar’s mosaic edge: a style that, instantly took my thoughts to Italy or Spain. And my favorite feature was accented nicely by paint splattered glass lighting. The oranges and yellows, combined with the golds and browns of the mosaic tile, gave the bar a warming glow which made for an inviting place to sip wine.
As for the wooden display behind it, I could easily imagine that a wine barrel was the inspiration: the wood finish was the same color, there was a slight curve like shape to it, and the taps are exactly like what you find on a wine barrel. The bar and its wooden wine display were so eye-catching, that I found it hard to tear myself away.
However, that warm Mediterranean feel was carried through the rest of the vicinity. While the bar area caters to more of a high-top table and lounge chair mix, the back of the café houses a full-on dining area. There was large, dark wood furniture, with some metal furniture mixed in, too. But the furniture against the soft yellow walls was reminiscent of what I would expect in a Tuscan villa. I guess I cheated a little bit though, as the mural on the wall really gave that villa image away.
Painted on the wall closest to the bar and lounge was a mural that almost spanned the entire wall. The picture itself was of a long, stone corridor, with large stone columns. At the end is a balcony with a scene that looks like you’re looking onto a Tuscan vineyard.
However, it’s important for me to mention that, when I visited the D’vine Wine Café, they were hosting a special event. So Cara, a hostess, explained the layout of the place was a little different than usual. “The sofas aren’t where they’d usually be, and as you can see at the back, the tables are put together for a large wine event,” she said. But while the furniture had moved, the luxuries of lounging or sitting at a table are always an offer.
As for the event, Cara told me it’s quite popular. “They are the 4th Thursday of every month,” the hostess replied. “And the food is excellent.” This Thursday’s event was the Anderson’s Conn Valley Wine Dinner, and the event was reservations only at $69.99 per person plus tax and gratuity. But the price is nothing to whine about. Cara said this event was a six-course meal, which makes the price a lot less scary, don’tcha think? One of the menu items was Pork Carnitas in a Lettuce Wrap with Mango Salsa, with Anderson’s Conn Valley Sauvignon Blanc as the wine selection. Yet another enticing item was the Cedar Smoked Beef Short Ribs with a Tobacco-infused Plum BBQ, with Anderon’s Conn Valley Eloge for the wine choice. Too bad I didn’t know beforehand — I’d have made reservations!
Regular menu items vary from small plate items to main courses, salads and between the bread options. Just some of the tantalizingly good food includes Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Roast Beef and Brie, Wild Boar Tenderloin or Seafood Tortellini. But of course my attention went straight to the happy ending ... desserts that is. How about an Irish Car Bomb molten cake or a Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee Tart?
Overall, D’vine Wine Café caters to every crowd. The bar creates a classy, Mediterranean feel, and makes for a different type of nightlife experience than you’d receive at your traditional bars and clubs. The dining tables make for a great romantic dinner, whereas the lounge chairs provide for a great night out with the girls or guys. Really, the best way to describe the D’Vine Wine Café is ... well, divine!
Showing 1-1 of 1
Mobile
