Dolce Vita perfect for wine, conversation

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.

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.