The Wine Bar at Watercolor is a laidback place to enjoy some sophisticated food. This place is a modified version of a similar location in Destin. But where the Destin bar is a little more formal, the Watercolor locale was modified to match the relaxed attitude of the resort.
You’ll find this bar along 30A, one of the most beautiful drives in all of Florida. Just getting to your destination is a relaxing treat unto itself. With ample patio space and a stunning dining room, it’s a great place to stop for a glass of wine, a light snack, or an elegant dinner. It also features The Cheese Shop where you can choose from individual cheeses or select a cru plate.
Based on the name, you might not think that of The Wine Bar as a good spot to eat. However, customers rave just as much about the food as they do about the wine list. Enjoy an herb-crusted lamb rack with a California Chardonnay or a French red. Or stop by for a jumbo lump crab cake and glass of Champagne in the early evening before you head out to paint the town red.
When you’re at The Wine Bar, be sure to try the following selections:
Gulf Catch Sandwich
The fish used is whatever happens to be in the Gulf that day. Lightly breaded and fried, it’s a 5 oz. piece accompanied by homemade jalapeno-dill tartar sauce. The chef adds Roma tomatoes and lettuce and places it all on a French baguette. This sandwich is only available as a lunch option.
Pizza Supreme
Pizza and wine have always been a perfect pairing, which might be why guests continuously talk about the quality of the pies here. The Pizza Supreme at The Wine Bar is homemade marinara, sausage, pepperoni, red onions, bell peppers, mozzarella, and feta cheese. Try it with one of the wines from the Big & Bold Reds section of the menu.
Wagyu Tenderloin
Raines Farm might be found in New Orleans, but you can sample their offerings in Santa Rosa Beach too. This steak is crusted with porcini and served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a compound butter made from blue cheese and black truffles. Pair it with a cabernet and enjoy a night of sheer luxury.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
The French bread and BBQ sauce of this shrimp dish makes for a delicious tribute to the Big Easy. The prawns come straight from the Gulf, and they’re as tasty as they sound. This small plate is just the right combination of sweet and spicy.
Whether you love wine or you just dabble in it from time to time, there’s a glass with your name on it. The Wine Bar also offers specialty drinks, made with everything from saki to lillet blanc.
Insider Tips:
– Portion sizes tend to be small, so maybe order a couple of small plates at the beginning to round out the meal.
– The Daily Happy Hour special is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a carafe of wine for the price of a large glass.
– You can also find The Cheese Shop at the bar where you can purchase cheese plates, baguettes, and cru plates.