I have to admit, I was skeptical before I entered Dolce Vita wine bar in NoDa because the place was empty except for a lone table of women and two women sitting at the bar.
Head bartender Steven Johnson, aka "Wormy," and owner Alexis took the time to dig through their stash of wines looking for a certain Riesling, finding one bottle left for us.
Dolce Vita
704-334-1052
http://www.dolcevitawines.com/
Brittany will blog about the Charlotte-area bar scene the month of July. Got a bar suggestion? Email penland.brittany@gmail.com.
But when I saw two men standing behind the counter schmoozing with customers and pouring themselves a big glass of white wine, I thought to myself, "OK, this can't be so bad."
The special was half-priced bottles of wine that night, so my friend and I pulled up a bar stool and asked the guys for white wine recommendations, since they seemed to be enjoying their own glasses.
Head bartender Steven Johnson, aka "Wormy," and owner Alexis took the time to dig through their stash of wines looking for a certain Riesling, finding one bottle left for us.
It was a S.A. Prum Essence Riesling, a German wine. It was delicious. Light and sweet with hints of peach, it was a perfect for a relaxing night of conversation.
The bottle set us back about $16, which was a steal for two people.
The atmosphere in the bar is rustic and charming. Tables are supported by wine barrels, Bianchi bikes and surfboards hang from the ceiling and wine bottles sit in an open cupboard that lines the wall. There's also a glass garage door that opens to the street to let in the warm night air.
After the two women at the bar left, my friend and I spent the next few hours talking to Alexis and his girlfriend, who happened to be a part of the group at the table when we first arrived.
The four of us struck up a conversation about Asheville, my hometown, and a destination the wine duo loved to visit. The way the conversation was going, one would assume the four of us had been friends for years. My friend and I were mesmerized by their bizarre tale of being driven around Asheville in a luxury taxi service they assumed could have only been an undercover prostitution ring.
After hours of laughing and way after the bar closed, we said goodbye to our newfound friends with plans to come back soon.
Aside from an extensive wine selection and friendly conversation, the bar also offers specials during the week. Tuesdays are half-price pizza; Wednesdays are half-off wine by the glass; Thursday is dinner, draught and sushi night; Friday is late-night happy hour and live music; Saturday is for live music; and Sunday is half-price bottles of wine. The bar has a menu filled with appetizers like cheese boards, mixed olives and baked brie, and entrees like sandwiches, pizza and salads.
For great conversation and a chill atmosphere with a group of friends, or even a low-key date, Dolce Vita is the place to go, hands down.
Dolce Vita
3205 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, N.C.704-334-1052
http://www.dolcevitawines.com/
Brittany will blog about the Charlotte-area bar scene the month of July. Got a bar suggestion? Email penland.brittany@gmail.com.
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7 comments:
Brittany, I've tried giving this blog a chance, but these reviews have been terrible. All this adds up to is free advertising for the various bars you go to, and random non-interesting stories about you and your friends. Try a more objective approach, and leave out these stories about you and your friends.
Agreed with John. I was initially enthusiastic about this blog, but after referring to Growler's Pourhouse as a "sports bar" this drivel has made "Paid to Party" look Pulitzer worthy.
This was a great idea that has been poorly executed. Although I have a feeling the reviews for Bar Charlotte and Whiskey River will be spot on.
Cmon, Observer, you've let a lot of talented writers go over the years. This is the future?
I was going to comment on this earlier but didn't wanna sound rude...but what does the part about these people driving around Asheville have to do with the review of the bar....not to mention who cares?
Zane Lamprey was at VBGB filming today. The man knows everything about bar scenes around the world. An interview with him would have been much better than an undeserving positive review of an average wine bar in NODA. Let's get some real journalism here.
C'mon people, If you're not happy with what she has to say, stop reading. Who are you to judge her writing talents, none the less publish your comments publicly. Outward criticism does no good for anyone, not to mention you're negative comments only reflect poorly on yourselves. Each of you should be ashamed of yourselves for posting the comments you have, Brittany is only trying to do her best, and surely you have put a damper on her spirits.
Brittany, you are doing a great job at reviewing the local bars of Charlotte- and i have enjoyed reading about the places you've visited thus far. I LOVE asheville and I LOVE Noda. Keep up the good work- don't let these guys bring you down with their sour attitudes, what goes around comes around. Hope to see you in Plaza Midwood soon!!
not a bad review...but the growlers one was a little off if you ask me. i usually read the Charlotte Job blog and but his reviews are intended for mature audiences. Anyways, I enjoy the concept of the blog...keep it going.
**sry i meant I read the Charlotte John blog...my fault
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