Food & Drink October 8, 2010

Wine Bars

A playground for wine lovers” is how Craig Spiller describes wine bars, and as the manager of the Sun Valley Wine Company, he should know. Wine bars have become Valley entertainment centers, gathering places where people can enjoy wines from all over the world. The idea is an appealing one, and it’s been around for a while. Mr. Spiller remembers the popularity of the Wine Market, a small gathering place located in Ketchum over thirty years ago.

Sun Valley Wine Company, at a mature eight years old, was the first of the new generation. With an inventory of over 3,800 different wines, they offer one of the top selections in the Northwest—and the knowledgeable staff works diligently to demystify wine, steering away from the industry’s use of intimidating vocabulary. The Sun Valley Wine Company is located at 360 Leadville in Ketchum. Phone 208.726.2442.

One-year-old Bacchus, named after the Roman god of wine and merriment, expresses its wine bar concept with the slogan “Wine Made Simple.” At the outset, owners Steve and L.J. Rumpp established a goal for their business: to find highly rated yet affordable wines. Their success is reflected in the large selection retailing for less than $25. The wine bar offers daily wines by the glass, as well as scheduled winetastings. European-style appetizer boards loaded with smoked salmon, cheese, and grapes perfectly complement each glass of wine. Bacchus is located at 360 Sun Valley Road in Ketchum. Phone 208.726.9463.

If you’re looking for a warm, cozy, smoke-free place to unwind, diVine’s French country/Tuscan decor and friendly, small-town atmosphere are sure to draw you in. As owners Chip and Kristin Mayle explain, “We want you to come in and get so relaxed you never want to leave.” In addition to light fare (fondue is the most popular), retail wine sales, and special pricing, diVine features educational winetastings on Tuesdays and live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 208.788.4422 for information or to receive monthly e-mail newsletters listing upcoming events. diVine is located in the Pine Street Station at 400 S. Main in Hailey.

 

 

 

This article appears in the Issue of Sun Valley Magazine.