UnCorked: The Best Wine Bars in Tampa

I don’t know about you but I love wine and most likely more then I should. So much in fact that my sister brought me back a hat from her trip to the Napa Valley that proclaims me to be a “Wine Diva” There’s just something about a glass of vino that makes me feel so relaxed and I instantly dream up images of Tuscany and a delicious plate of Caprese salad. Bellisima! It’s like a vacation in a glass. Which is why I was beyond thrilled to discover the selection of wine bars here in the Tampa Bay area. I never realized that there were places outside of a vineyard that specialized in all things wine. Now I can in no way claim to have visited them all (I mean I wouldn’t want anyone calling me a lush) but I have sipped some grapes at a few spots and here are my top 3 picks for the best in the bay.

The Grape
International Plaza
2223 N. Westshore Blvd
Tampa, Fl 33607

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just someone who likes the occasional glass, The Grape can certainly accommodate. The selection is A-MAZ-ING and offers over 200 wines by the glass and for purchase at the in house Wine Shop. Each type of wine is classified by number from 1 to 10 describing the type and flavor you can expect from that group, which makes finding what you are looking for extremely easy. It’s like Wine for Dummies just put together in a very savvy way.

Now, with so much vino to choose from you’re bound to find something to sip on but no need to panic if you can’t decide, just order a “Grape Bunch” which is basically a sampler of 3 or more wines. They give you about half a pour (2.5 ounces) of each so you can taste your way to your ideal choice!

Like many places at the International Plaza The Grape is upscale and classy but unlike some nearby locations it doesn’t make anyone feel out of place or like they don’t belong. It’s a chic and inviting gathering place. The crowd is a nice mix of 30-somethings living out their Sex and the City fantasies, co-workers relaxing with an after hours drink and tired out mother – daughter shoppers sipping away the afternoon. So there is no need to feel under dressed in your jeans.

There’s no happy hour here but on Wednesday from 5-7 The Grape offers a wine tasting which they call “Grape Crush. You get three white wines for $10 or 3 reds for $12. The wines are pre selected and are served along with complimentary appetizers like cheese, olives, hummus and a few others that are a perfect companion to the wine.

The prices are fairly moderate considering the locale. Wines per glass run about $7 -$14 each but they do offer half glasses as well if you are watching your wallet or waistline. Full bottles are sold at the Wine Shop and range in price from $28 all the way to a $310 bottle from South Africa; a full bodied red with an intense rich berry taste. Sounds like my kind of wine! Sadly this gem is not sold by the glass so I guess I’ll never know.

Of course the food is completely worth mentioning as well. A Mediterranean Tapas inspired menu which offers small portion gourmet goodies like the Roma Tomato Bruschetta ($6) The very savvy staff is always willing to help you pair your selected dish with a wine that will compliment it perfectly. So don’t hesitate to ask them! You would be surprised at how a wine can bring out the flavor in food. Make sure to finish off your visit to The Grape with one of their fabulous berry desserts, each one offers it’s own unique pairing as well. Did you expect anything less?

This one of a kind wine bar is the ULTIMATE experience in wine food and fun. I simply adore this purple place and I know you will too so grab some friends and a designated driver and get your wine on!

Grillsmith
14303 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, Fl 33618

Okay so maybe it is a chain restaurant but I love going to Grillsmith, especially for their Happy Hour which happens everyday from 4-7. Appetizers are $5 and drinks are half priced and the selection is great they offer about 15 different wines as well as the standard liquor and beer. I stumbled in one afternoon after a long day of shopping with my bestie. We were starving and thirsty and we did not leave disappointed. I had the Napa Valley salad and the Sparkling White Sangria ($6 per glass $22 per bottle). She had the Smoked Salmon Bruschetta and a Corona (hey we aren’t all wine lovers)

Now let’s talk about the wine.. the selection is quite extensive, there’s something for everyone and too many to name. I counted somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 different wines from all over the U.S, Napa Valley to Colorado. From Champagnes to Ports and dessert wines and everything in between! The prices were very reasonable, during regular hours you can get basically any selection on the menu by the glass for $6 – $11 depending on the wine and the bottles range in price from $24 to $149. They also offer 7 different wines by the half bottle. My favorite on the menu has got to be the Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Merlot. YUMO! It’s only sold by the bottle ($55) so I usually share it with someone who enjoys a red as much as I do. I’m not a big fan of white wines but the Santa Marghenta Pinot Grigio is very tasty and a glass will cost you $11. And that Sangria I mentioned earlier is to die for – it’s and infusion of apricots, apples oranges, lemon and limes finished with a Prosecco Sparkling wine. It’s served chilled over ice and is absolutely perfect and absolutely refreshing on a hot Florida day.

Grillsmith combines upscale decor with the appeal of a neighborhood bar and with an open view of the kitchen from the dining room you get a front row seat to the magic happening on the grill. Of course there is outdoor covered patio seating available , which during a steamy day is a nice place to be outside and catch a breeze. Tip: if you ask for patio seating on a hot day you’re not likely to have a long wait.

I enjoy the food, I enjoy the wine, I enjoy my time at Grillsmith.

Wine Exchange
1609 W Snow Avenue
Tampa, Fl 33606

The Wine Exchange is a hot little spot that’s tucked away in a corner of South Tampa known as Hyde Park. The atmosphere is really chill and the crowd is always interesting so the people watching here is fabulous. It’s really just a great place to go with friends and relax after a busy day. Whine After Work” is the very popular Happy Hour that happens weekdays from 4-7pm.

A trendy little place that specializes in Mediterranean dishes the decor has a very Greek inspired look and the entire place exudes an eclectic feel and humor that is unique to South Tampa. Which I believe here is has great deal to do with the fabulously friendly staff. But this is a wine bar so let’s talk about the outstanding selection. There are over 200 different varieties and about 40 of those are available by the glass, with prices ranging from $6 -$12 per glass. Each selection comes with a beautiful description that tells you all about your choice. Now I know I said that I’m not really a white wine kind of girl but the “Cloudy Bay” Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand definitely hits the spot ($12 for the glass) It’s crisp and fruity and I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. The prices per bottle are very reasonable, they range from $24-$60 per bottle and on Monday’s selected bottles are offered for half price.

The Wine Exchange has a rock solid reputation for pairing their terrific food with their fabulous wines. Which if you love food and you love wine is a truly exciting event. Nothing beats a perfectly matched meal and wine selection.

So in short this place is amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food is fab (try the Baked Brie) it’s a great little place to go chill out or to have a fun night out on the town. Seriously folks… CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!

Well,there they are my picks for the best places in Tampa to be wined and dined. It may not be wine country but there are definitely plenty of places to choose from. I hope I’ve enticed you to get out and try a few, maybe you can share your finds with me.