Wine Bar News
Exciting new Black-owned wine lounge to debut in Dallas' Cedars District
A vintage building in Dallas' Cedars District will soon be home to an exciting new wine bar concept that'll come with some exceptional extras.
Called Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge, it'll go into a historical building that was once a Piggly Wiggly supermarket, just south of downtown Dallas at 1110 S. Akard St.; the faint "Piggy Wiggly" letters can still be seen on its facade. The second floor of the building, previously leased by an Airbnb company, will be designated for apartments.
Distinctive Vines will occupy a storefront on street level and is slated to open in early fall, says Verlin Taylor, one of four partners along with Lyle Matthis, Theo Kirk, and Doland McGown.
"We're enthusiastic about going into a historical building," Taylor says. "Our partners are all Dallas natives, so we have seen a lot of transition in the city. That location is the last point of downtown left to be developed. It's convenient to the thousands who work inside the Central Business District, but it also serves the neighborhood. You'd be surprised at how many residents live in that area."
The concept started because they all share a passion for wine, but they want it to be a wine bar and more.
"We're going to be a wine bar with a Starbucks feel, and be open during the daytime for people who want to use our Wi-Fi," he says.
Day visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee with edibles such as croissants, muffins, or sliders while working.
"Wine bars typically open after 3 pm, but we'll set ourselves apart by opening at 11 am and offer that option to come in and sit and work as pandemic restrictions are lifted," Taylor says.
They'll also market the space for private events such as birthdays, bridal showers and corporate gatherings. The space seats about 50 people and features historical elements such as the vintage brick walls.
They're still fine-tuning the menu in partnership with Dallas-based celebrity chef Felicia "Chef Fee" Guimont, who will devise light bites and desserts that pair well with wine.
They're also forming partnerships with mobile bartenders and executive transportation vendors to provide off-premise services and transportation for groups to and from the wine lounge.
"We feel like people are looking for small spaces with comfortable seating, where they can have small bites, with wine or without," Taylor says.
They'll have wine by the glass and by the bottle, and not your usual run-of-the-mill stuff.
"We're planning on featuring a unique selection with wines you won't be able to readily find, which you can also buy by the bottle, just as you would at a wine store," he says.
Saving the best for last, their signature item will be an irresistible cooling treat: wine slushies, in flavors such as frose, peach, rose, and tropical. Every good bar needs its signature drink.
"At that time of the year, late summer, when it's still hot as hell, something cool like slushies will be in high demand," Taylor says.
