WOULD YOU LIKE SOME SORBET WITH YOUR SYRAH?
Low lighting, brick walls and floor-to-ceiling wine racks make FLG Terroir Wine Bar & Bistro Flagstaff’s quintessential wine bar. Patrons of all ages enjoy wines from around the world either by the glass or half glass. Share charcuterie and cheese boards or small plates such as medjool dates stuffed with chevre and wrapped with speck prosciutto, house-made German-style soft pretzels with Oak Creek Amber cheese dip or blue crab cakes with Louisiana remoulade. The wine bar’s tour de force is its selection of unique ice creams, custards and sorbets crafted with sherry or other varietals. Don’t expect to encounter a waitstaff, though. Every order must be placed at the bar. Visit www.flgterroir.com or call 928-773-9463.
DIY DRINKING
For those wanting to try their hand at blending wine, Blendz Winery & Bar makes wine tasting an interactive learning experience by helping guests blend their own wines. Blendz, a licensed winery located in the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff, keeps 18 to 20 of its wine varietals on tap using state-of-the-art compressed nitrogen draft systems. The Flagstaff winery purchases wine by the barrel from wineries in California and southern Arizona, and then filters and processes its vino. Nouveau mixologists can sip at the bar or order bottles customized with their favorite photo on the label. An easy-to-navigate wine menu offers choices for those who’d rather not experiment. Wine flights, craft beers, spirits and tapas plates are also available. Visit https://wineblendz.com or call 928-779-6445.
HANG WITH THE COOL CROWD
Part liquor store, part wine bar, Majestic Marketplace customizes its wine selection to customers’ tastes. And what a wine selection it is: hundreds of labels including the largest collection of ports in northern Arizona, hard-to-find Champagnes, a secure repository of high-end vintages ranging from $60 to $300 per bottle and wine-bar exclusives. The beauty of it all is that aficionados can enjoy their purchase on the spot. Browse the aisles, make an off-the-rack selection and purchase it at the casual wine bar where the bartender will open it for a minimal $3 corkage fee. Those seeking to expand their wine knowledge may order from the bar’s by-the-glass wine list or taste one of four rotating, seasonal wines on tap. Locals bring in takeout food from their favorite restaurant or have pizza delivered to this non-snobby wine bar that also has 41 beers on tap. Visit http://majesticmarketplaceaz.com or call 928-773-0313.
FOR THE AFICIONADO
Explore and taste wines from all over the world at Cuvee 928 Wine Bar & Café, which has hundreds of selections on its extensive wine list. Enthusiasts pair wine with one or all seven yummy flavors of bruschetta or order from the restaurant menu that includes salads and sandwiches. Those who appreciate the cafe culture will want to relax on Cuvee’s patio with its views of Heritage Square. Whiskey flights, mules and other mixed drinks are available, too. Visit http://cuvee928winebar.com/food or call 928-214-9463.
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Vino Loco Wine Shop and Bar feels more like a family room than a wine shop. The comfortable den has round tables for communal meetups and Thursday night wine tastings. Here conversations flow as easily as the wine, and quaffers are almost as likely to meet someone from France, Germany or New York as they are to meet local regulars in this unpretentious establishment. Sidewalk space offers a place for outdoor sipping. Visit www.vinolocoflag.com or call 928-226-1764.
THIS MONTH IN FLAGSTAFF
April 6: First Friday ArtWalk; https://flagartscouncil.org/artwalk
April 14: Amazing Arthropods at Museum of Northern Arizona; https://musnaz.org/plan-your-visit/calendar-of-events
April 20-29: Tartuffe at Clifford E. White Theater; http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/cto-p/event/tartuffe
Stacey Wittig is an award-winning travel writer and author located in Flagstaff, Arizona. For more travel & world-wide adventures visit Stacey’s website at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
