Seeking a new spot to sip a glass? These peninsula wine shops and bars are less than a year old, and they’re eager to pour
Rudi’s Caffé e Vino
If “frosé”—frozen, blended rosé—is your fave, this is the place to order it. Housed on the upper floor of trendy King Street clothing and accessories shop SkinnyDip, Rudi’s is vintage-chic, comprised of a polished bar made from wood that was repurposed from historic Charleston homes. Above the counter hangs a mirror inscribed with the drink menu, which offers rosé, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, prosecco, Champagne, and reds by the glass, ideal for alfresco sipping on the attached rooftop patio. This is the second location for husband-and-wife owners Rudi and Annie Barbieri, who opened their first business, Rudi’s Old Village Wine Shop, in Mount Pleasant last year. 345 King St.
Wine & Company
Tucked into the corner of Meeting and Spring streets, this shop and bar lives up to its name—visitors come for the affordable wine, which can be purchased by the bottle or the glass at the bar, but stay for the company. Husband-and-wife owners Joshua and Molli Walker regularly rotate the shelves, highlighting three of their new favorites weekly on the company website. Come on “Tasting Tuesdays,” when $10 buys you a sampling of five wines (if you purchase a bottle from the retail shelves to take home, the tasting is free). Pair your pour with an eclectic assortment of charcuterie and cheeses, such as a tangy bleu with cocoa nibs and salty prosciutto. 441 Meeting St., Ste. B
Monarch Wine Merchants
When Justin Coleman, the former general manager of The Ordinary, first moved to town, he noticed something missing in his North Central neighborhood: a dedicated wine shop. So he decided to open one himself, combining his bev knowledge with the interior design talents of his wife, Sarah. The result is a cozy store with a Scandinavian aesthetic, where oenophiles can browse Coleman’s handpicked bottle selection, which skews toward natural brands. In the center of the room, a rotating table offers seasonal picks, while a tasting room in the back hosts wine classes and private parties. 1107 King St., Ste. B
Goat.sheep.cow.north
The second location of the downtown fromagerie from owners Patty Floersheimer and Trudi Wagner, this petite café stocks a large selection of wines from around the world, as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, soups, salads, and pastries. Take a seat in the cozy space or sit back on the sunny outdoor patio and order a glass or a bottle to share with friends, then let the experts behind the bar pair the wine with delicious nibbles. On your way out, browse the small retail market by the counter for bottles to bring home—and be sure to pick up a wedge of rare cheese to go while you’re at it. 804 Meeting St., #102
