Have you ever walked into your favorite neighborhood watering hole and ordered a glass of wine? You’re likely to be offered a choice of “red” or “white,” and what ends up in your glass may or may not have come out of a box. For those who prefer wine to beer or cocktails, the regular bar scene can offer up a dearth of choices and a wealth of sub-par vintages. What’s a Dallas wine aficionado — or someone wanting to explore the world of wine — to do?
Check out any of the growing number of wine bars in Dallas! These bars offer a great variety of wines and great food in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. While Dallas is home to a variety of these establishments, there are three that are not to be missed.
Mercy Wine Bar
Most of the United States learned about Mercy Wine Bar when it was the site of drama in the first season of The Style Network’s Dallas Divas and Daughters, but Dallasites know there’s much more on the menu. Located at 5100 Beltline Road, Suite 544, in Dallas, Mercy Wine Bar offers up “the entire ‘Wine Experience.'” Whether you want to start your evening with a glass of wine and a light nibble before heading to the theater or concert, or you want to end your night with a glass of champagne and a decadent dessert, Mercy Wine Bar has something for you.
Mercy’s wine cellar offers 100 wines by the glass and an additional 50 by the bottle, as well as bottled waters and beers from around the world. If you are new to wine, Mercy’s knowledgeable staff can help you choose a variety to go with your meal or occasion. The menu boasts an impressive selection of cheeses and rich desserts — the Chocolate Marquise comes highly recommended — but also offers up paninis, appetizers big enough to share, and full meals.
Mercy Wine Bar also offers free WiFi for those who want to have their business meeting over a glass of wine, or those who simply want to sip a glass and nibble some fresh seasonal fruit while telecommuting. (What could be better than a glass of your favorite Shiraz while Skyping with the London office?)
Check out the calendar to see what’s happening each week at Mercy. Events ranging from live music to classes on entertaining with wine are regularly offered. Also consider Mercy for your catering and entertaining needs.
Mercy Wine Bar is open from 4:00pm until 12:00 midnight, Sunday through Wednesday, and from 4:00pm until 2:00am, Thursday through Saturday. Reservations are not required but are recommended on the weekends.
For more information on Mercy Wine Bar, visit their website or call (972)702-9463.
Cru: A Wine Bar
The West Village’s Cru is a great spot to grab a glass of wine and a light meal before heading to a movie at the Magnolia or down to Oak Lawn for some dancing. Cru’s expert staff can help you choose from their selection of over 300 wines, whether you are new to wine or simply looking to try something new. Cru’s elegant, lush atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a first date or a romantic evening out with your special someone.
Try one of Cru’s ever-changing flights of wine — groupings of three wines — to sample new vintages. Their full dinner and dessert menus offer an array of gourmet treats from seafood to steak, volcano chocolate cake to ginger creme brulee. The Sharing Menu boasts fondues, wood-fired pizzas, calamari, and an array of other appetizers.
Cru hosts a number of special events and is available for private parties as well.
Cru West Village is located at 3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 107, in Dallas. For more information, email [email protected], or call (214)526-9463. Cru also has locations in Plano at the Shops at Legacy, and in Allen at Watters Creek.
Winetastic!
Dallas’s Winetastic!, located at 4140 Lemmon Avenue, offers a wide variety of wine from around the world in an elegant atmosphere. Winetastic! also offers classes on wine-related topics and has an on-staff sommelier to help you choose the best wine to complement your meal or special occasion. Regularly scheduled tastings and a Wine Club are great ways to learn about wine if you’re new to the wine world or to find new favorites.
Winetastic! does not offer a food menu, but does offer an extensive calendar of special events, including World Cup watching parties and classes on pairing wine with chocolate and other foods. While not as intimate as Mercy or Cru, Winetastic! offers up wine and fun in a casual yet elegant atmosphere while educating patrons on the joys of wine.
Offering wine “by the glass, by the bottle, or by the case,” Winetastic! also has an extensive retail wine selection.
For more information on Winetastic!, visit their website or call (214)559-8910.
Venture Out!
This weekend, instead of hitting the same old bar for the same old brew or mixed drink, try out one of Dallas’s wine bars. If you can’t tell a blush from a burgundy, the knowledgeable staff at these establishments can help you find something you’ll enjoy. Before long, you just may be wondering what pair best with steamed mussels or cheese fondue!
