This December, when the light rail trains begin to connect Phoenix to Tempe and Mesa, riders will have all kinds of new entertainment options. Several of these options will have to do with grapes, as in wine bars! Although the Mill Avenue District hasn't ever been considered a wine lover's paradise, I can think of four wine bars that will be a short distance from the light rail stop at third and Mill. Of these four spots, only one is currently pouring wine but they do it really well. Cafe Boa is a long time Mill Avenue favorite and has recently won the 2007 "Award of Excellence" from The Wine Spectator for their "complete and well rounded wine list." If you haven't been there, you really are missing out! Later this year, PurVine will open in the new and exciting Centerpoint project that is in the heart of the district. I recently toured Centerpoint with the developer and was quite impressed with the entire project! (much more on their project later) PurVine will be an amazing place for wine lovers! In fact, I read that they will be a "fully functioning winery, minus the vineyard. The $1 million facility is split into thirds, with an intimate tasting room in front, a cooler stocked with barrels of aging wine in the center and a warehouse of 20 large metal tanks in the back." These same developers are also the ones that will develop the famous Hayden Flour Mill located just a few blocks away. Guess what, I've heard that it will also have a wine bar! Just a block North of there is the amazing community of Hayden Ferry Lakeside. SunCor development has done a remarkable job with this project that consists of top-notch residential and prime commercial space. In fact, there have been people give up the posh 24th St / Camelback address to move their operations to Hayden Ferry for it's amazing views and wonderful freeway and airport access. Last but not least, of my four Tempe examples will be located at Hayden Ferry within the existing "Romancing the Bean" space. From what I understand, they will add a wine bar for residents and business people to enjoy after a hard day at the office. I spoke with the owner and it sounds like the plans are in the works, it just might take a little bit of time. I'll have to drag myself back over there for lunch again soon to see if I can get an update.
Now, don't think Tempe is the only ones with grapes galore.. Phoenix will have a wine bar inside of the posh new "Hotel Monroe" called The Vault. Opening soon, I understand this chic and newly renovated boutique hotel will be a transformation of an old 1930's bank building and the old vault from the basement has been saved to be part of the bar. Another hot spot is Portland's Restaurant and Wine Bar which is located near the Central / Roosevelt light rail stop. I tried to meet a friend at Portland's for lunch yesterday at 12:30. Apparently, we were not the only ones in the area as we were told it would be a 45 minute wait! (Some kind of special event that particular day) I'll have to try it again another time.
So.. There you have a bunch of new places to try. Once light rail is in, it will be a pretty convenient way to get from downtown Phoenix to downtown Tempe. Be safe, have fun and get ready to enjoy the new lifestyle that is coming to our downtown.. Cheers!