CLEVELAND — Opened in October in Gordan Square, Wyne Tasting Bar features a retail space, a lounge and 32 varieties to sample. 3News Meteorologist Jason Mikell met up with owner Belinda Klein to check it out for himself.
"Where I come from, [back] home in Australia, wine bars and wine lounges are more of a common thing," Klein explained, "so I was really looking for a space for people who wanted to go out and have a drink and didn't want to be surrounded by TVs and just a little bit of touch of luxury. We are definitely a space for all. ... You can know nothing or something about wine."
Jason told Belinda he tends to like Sauvignon Blanc varieties from New Zealand, but she encouraged him to expand his wine horizons.
"I do have a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but what I like to ask my guests to do is just think a little bit outside the box," she said. "Because the beauty is we're at the wine tasting bar. You don't have to commit to a whole glass; you can literally just taste."
With eight different wine stations featuring four bottles each, Belinda says there are plenty of options to sample.
"We rotate every month with a different theme," she added, "whether that be a region in the world or a winemaker in that space, or women wine makers, or ... different themes."
After sampling some vino — including some that are produced here in Ohio — and some tasty bites, Jason was already making plans to come back.
It's a a great place to check out during the holiday season, and there's lots more to look forward to: In January, Wyne Tasting Bar is celebrating Australia Month by featuring a variety of Australian wines.