About a year and a half ago, "Wine Buzz" gave some scoop about a new wine bar coming to downtown Davis. Well, as anyone who pays close attention to the food and beverage business knows, opening a new establishment on schedule tends to be the exception rather than the rule.
But finally, on July 15, Vini Wine Bar opened at 611 Second St. in downtown Davis. The wine bar features a high-end you-pour-it kind of program, with 72 wines offered through a series of Enomatic wine-preservation systems.
You start by adding money to a card, and then use those cards to purchase 2-ounce pours through the Enomatic dispensers. Those 2-ounce pours range from $1.75 to $6.75 each, with the majority of wines costing between $2 and $3.50 per taste. Any remaining funds on the card can be used for up to two years.
"The 2-ounce pours are a perfect size," said Jeff Day, Vini's owner. "We also have tasting notes on all the wines. That lends itself to people being able to roam around and decide if there's something they want to taste. They can put their card into the Enomatic, push a button and they're good to go."
Jonathan Klonecke, former wine director for midtown Sacramento's L Wine Lounge, has served as an informal consultant for Vini's wine program. The wine bar features offerings from around the world, including Italian and French wines, and offerings from our own backyard in Amador County and Clarksburg.
Owner Day sets the mood by playing classic jazz videos at night, and patrons can also savor their wines with a variety of cheese and charcuterie plates. Draft beers, desserts and sparkling wines also are kept behind a bar.
"We've been very well received thus far," Day said. "It's like a big party in here."
For more information: (530) 756-5722.
Sierra Curtis tastes near
Mark your calendars: In its 22nd year, the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association's Wine Tasting, Silent Auction and Beer Garden is set for Oct. 6. More than 50 wineries will pour at the event, which will be held at the Sierra 2 Center (2791 24th St., Sacramento). Food, craft beer and raffles will also be featured.
Tickets cost $35 for the neighborhood association's members and $45 for all others. $50 day of event. Information: www.sierra2.org.
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