If you crave a classy night out on the town, you’ll love everything about The Wine Bar. This regional chain is popular among both Emerald Coast locals and vacationers. The Destin location is conveniently located at the Shoppes of Paradise Key — and nearby the equally popular World of Beer.
As you step inside, you’ll note that The Wine Bar comes across as sophisticated without feeling pretentious. You’ll immediately feel at ease as you settle in and check out the offerings. The service is friendly, with experts happy to offer thorough descriptions of the available wines and how to pair them with the menu’s eclectic range of appetizers, snacks, and entrees.
While The Wine Bar’s atmosphere verges on upscale, it can also feel rowdy if you’re seated next to a crowded table — especially if your neighbors have enjoyed a few too many glasses of wine. The outdoor area tends to be more relaxed. Interestingly, the bar is typically busiest in the afternoon, when a special on carafes attracts large groups of wine lovers eager for a deal.
The Wine Bar’s extensive wine list includes several classics, along with a few more adventurous options. From Napa Valley chardonnays to Portuguese dessert wines, you’re bound to find at least one selection you adore. If you’re struggling to choose just one or two wines, opt for a red or white luxury flight. You’ll enjoy four of the establishment’s best wines — and you just might find yourself returning for another glass.
In addition to drinking wine, you’re welcome to order a cocktail. In keeping with the theme, The Wine Bar’s best drinks include (you guessed it) wine. Favorites include the Pom Pom Spritzer (featuring Prosecco, orange liqueur, and pomegranate) and the White Sangria (featuring elderflower liqueur, fresh rosemary and ginger, Prosecco, and a splash of soda). A full bar is also available, so feel free to order your drink of choice.
While The Wine Bar would be worth visiting for the wine alone, the pairings truly set it apart. If you’re not feeling up to eating an entire meal, you’ll at least want to order a cheese flight or one of the delectable snacks available during happy hour. You’ll be impressed by the quality of the food, which delivers gourmet vibes above and beyond what you’ll find at most Destin restaurants.
A few of our favorite menu items include the following:
Sweet Potato Truffle Fries
Step up your sweet potato fries with a unique version featuring jalapeno crème fraîche, aleppo pepper, white truffle oil, and, best of all, melted blue cheese crumbles. While this appetizer is ideally shared with friends, it’s addicting enough that you might want a serving all to yourself.
Wine Bar Salad
This delightful salad consists of shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and candied pecans. Dressing options include lemon vinaigrette, cucumber wasabi, blue cheese, and Caesar. While all of the available dressings are delicious, the lemon vinaigrette arguably works best with this particular salad.
Chipotle Turkey Bacon Ranch Press
Just fancy enough to please a sophisticated palate and just basic enough to satisfy picky eaters, this sandwich is definitely worth trying. You’ll love the smoked applewood bacon and Tillamook cheese, which are served on an onion bun with turkey, spinach, seasonal tomatoes, pickled red onions, and an amazing chipotle ranch dressing.
Stout Braised Lamb Pot Pie
This unique take on comfort food features perfectly braised lamb with seasonal vegetables and a truffle bordelaise. You’ll be especially impressed by the flaky puff pastry, which will leave you wanting more.
Embrace your inner gourmand with a meal at The Wine Bar. Don’t hesitate to ask for pairings based on your preferred entree or beverage. Paired with the right wine, the menu’s finest recipes are bound to blow you away.
Insider Tips
-The Wine Bar regularly hosts special events such as yoga and wine release parties. Keep an eye on the website and the official Facebook page for updates.
-If you visit The Wine Bar regularly, you can join an exclusive group known as the Wine World Rewards Club. Not only will you earn points that can be redeemed at both the retail and restaurant locations, you’ll gain priority access to special events.