Wine lovers everywhere and even those who just love an occasional glass here and there all appreciate knowing where to find a quality sip and a great atmosphere when the craving for a smooth glass hits. Whether you prefer white, red, dry, or sweet, heading to your go-to spot to enjoy sipping wine over a good conversation can make for a lovely experience. Luckily, there are many fine establishments in the area that can help you realize your wine dreams. Here’s our list of the top five spots in Rochester where you can grab a glass of wine or bottle.
Salute Wine Bar and More
Salute Wine Bar provides an amazing experience for oenophiles and those new to the wine scene. The vegetarian-friendly location serves both Italian and Mexican cuisine in a stylish and intimate atmosphere everyone can appreciate. One of the best choices you can make when you go is to order the ribeye paired with a nice red wine. End your meal with the banana bread pudding for a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience. If red isn’t your style, the restaurant features a full wine list.
- Location: 101 First Ave. SW., Rochester.
- Hours: from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Saturday.
- Contact: 507-285-2766.
Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar
Located in the Kahler Grand Hotel, Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar offers an informal Italian dining experience and serves up generous portions no matter what you order. You can grab anything from fresh pizza to sandwiches to perfectly cooked chicken, veal, pork, and seafood. Go with an appetite and get yourself the spaghetti carbonara. It’s an impressive serving of spaghetti pasta with a flavorful combination of cream sauce, prosciutto ham, and cheese. Pair it with Victoria’s award-winning sangria, which features a secret blend of fresh juices and liqueurs for only $10 a glass.
If you’re in the mood for a lighter drink, try one of the white wines served by the glass or bottle. The Primo Amore Moscato is only $10 per glass; it pairs well with desserts and is great to sip alone.
- Location: 71st Ave. SW., Rochester.
- Hours: from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Sunday.
- Contact: 607-280-6232.
Chez Bojji
Chez Bojji, French for “In Bojji’s Home,” is a great place that makes everyone feel at home. The creative chef, Youness Bojji, was born in Morocco but spent his formative years in France and Spain. This experience greatly influenced him and instilled in him a love for cuisine, history, and culture. Chez Bojji has shared his passion for food and flavor with each customer since opening in April 2015.
The menu features an array of dishes, including the customer favorite Moroccan meatballs. Made with 100% ground beef and using chef Youness Bojji’s mother’s secret recipe, they will surely please any meat lover. Another popular option is the Enzo pasta. This is cheese-stuffed tortellini with saffron, garlic, capers, thyme, gorgonzola, tomatoes, and a smooth chianti cream. All meals pair perfectly with either red or white wine, though you can ask your server for suggestions.
- Location: 301 N Broadway Ave., Rochester.
- Hours: Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday. Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday. Dinner is served from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
- Contact: 507-288-0274.
Thirsty Belgian Bar and Kitchen
Thirsty Belgian Bar and Kitchen is the place to go in Rochester if you’re looking for cozy surroundings featuring Belgian and American cuisine with a generous selection of cocktails, beers, and wine. While the drinks menu features an impressive collection of unique beers and cocktails, the wine menu is phenomenal. Selections for white include Chloe Chardonnay, Seaglass Reisling, and Barone Fini Pinot Grigio. Red wines range from Chloe Merlot with notes of pickled blackberries and black cherries to Love Noir Pinot Noir that goes down rich and smooth with fruity undertones.
There are a variety of must-try items on the menu. The selection marries Belgian pub food with traditional American fare for unforgettable flavors. Hot pretzel sticks, the sausage flight, and Thirsty Belgian meatballs are popular appetizers. Or you can order the farmers market pizza topped with a healthy selection of vegetables, including mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and black olives, to share with the table. Add sausage and pepperoni for $3 more. The kitchen closes daily at 9 p.m.
- Location: 2650 Broadway Ave. #600, Rochester.
- Hours: from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Monday.
- Contact: 507-258-4402.
Bitter & Pour
Bitter & Pour is hidden away in the Merchant Exchange Building but is a gem in Rochester. The establishment serves up some of the finest drinks in the Rochester area. Specializing in drinks, Bitter & Pour serves only small plates that complement its cocktails, elixirs, and wines list. The wine list features rose, whites, and reds, while the cocktail menu is a detailed collection of house creations. Go for a glass of 2021 Malbec for an easy sipping experience.
- Location: 18 Third St. SW. Suite1, Rochester.
- Hours: from 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
- Contact: 507-322-6320.
So there you have it. Tom Kadlec Kia has relished the opportunity to share with you our list of the top wine bars in the Rochester, Minnesota, area. Whether you like red, white, or special dessert wines, you’re sure to find something you like at any of the previously mentioned locations. What do you think of our list? Did we mention an enticing location you can’t wait to try? If we did, let us know. Contact us with your thoughts and any questions you might have regarding your next vehicle purchase. We’ll happily chat with you and share the information you need.
Wine by Brendan DeBrincat is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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