Bartenders Reveal their Favorite Wines and Why

By Christina Staalstrøm

They shake, stir and create cocktails to delight our taste buds and sometimes even these true spirits advocates reach for a glass wine.

We asked four bartenders what their go-to wine escape is. While true mixologists at heart, it is clear that there is always a time and place for wine.

Life behind the bar gets hot so at the end of the evening, Charlie Keyser, bartender at Cast & Shaker in Wellington, Florida pours himself a cold and refreshing crisp Sauvignon Blanc. But his go-to wine is red and “nothing beats the versatility of a Pinot Noir or Nero D’Avola.” They are great with food and both are serious about being casual. Look for a $20-$25 bottle to get a great wine that’s rustic yet refined.

Charlie Keyser

Charlie Keyser

Another Pinot Noir fan is Allison Sadauskas. Like so many in our industry, Allison is on a California state mandated furlough.  Both bars where she tends, The Amplifier and Heart & Dagger Saloon in Oakland, are closed indefinitely so she’s got some time to enjoy her wines. In addition to pinot noir she also likes petite syrahs “I have a sweet tooth and both varietals are on the sweeter side.”

Allison Sadauskas

Allison Sadauskas

Lauren Pellechia has an after-work ritual for unwinding that ends with a good book and a glass of Malbec. The fuller bodied Malbec is not too heavy and the dark fruit flavors pair well with a sharp cheddar cheese and roasted almond snack she makes for herself after a night behind the bar at O’Neals Tavern in Cincinnati.

Lauren Pellechia

Lauren Pellechia

Miami’s Gui Larochi tends bar at The Nest and develops cocktail bar menus for a living but when it comes to dinner he prefers a dry riesling. These bright and crisp wines from Germany and Austria are big on citrus and minerals without being overly acidic. They are great with food or just on their own after a meal. “They’re like a cocktail in a bottle.”

Gui Larochi

Gui Larochi

Photo by 52 Chefs

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