It might surprise you to know that the food scene in this state has undergone quite a transformation. No longer are Dutch oven fare, Jello, the unofficial state food, and Diet Coke the norm. Instead, foodies have discovered the Beehive State and know that good food and wine go together. So find a favorite glass of vino at any one of the establishments.
Well, this name makes sense. BTG stands for by the glass. You could spend a couple of months tasting every one of the 50 or more wines served, again, by the glass. Then, develop your palate by tasting a two-ounce serving of a sparkling, red, white, or dessert wine. Or ask for a curated wine flight if you’re unsure where to begin. Something off the small bites menu, meat and cheese board perhaps, is the perfect accompaniment.
This swanky restaurant is an ideal merger of food and wine. Contemporary Italian food is paired with wines from Italy, some on tap. It is the place to experiment and discover new wines. Many are sold by the glass — you might begin with a sparkling rose, move on to a white or red and finish off the evening with a small glass of grappa. Of course, antipasto is a must.
The impressive wine cellar is a focal point of this restaurant. You might think a steakhouse would only have red wine on the menu but think again. The wine bar adds an imaginative twist to the steakhouse model. Domestic and international varietals are on the menu and cover the basics — sparkling, white wine blends, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, cabernet, and cabernet sauvignon. Order a three-glass flight for a taste test.
How great is it that this cellar is #theofficialwineofaprés? Aprés is French for after, and at this tasting room, it could mean after just about anything. The casual environment lends itself to rest and rejuvenation. As a private label winery, all wines are blends of non-traditional varietals from top wine-growing regions and bottled on-site. The names Townie Rose or Outlaw Reserve and Mountain Town White reflect the spirit of the mountain town.
If you were going to pick a favorite hangout spot, you couldn’t pick a better one than this. There’s tea; black, green, herbal, matcha, oolong, rooibos, and pu’er. But there’s also wine; chardonnay, prosecco, pinot noir, rose, and pinot blanc. Of course, you have to buy it by the bottle or single-serving can, but since this is a favorite hangout, you can sit and sip awhile, maybe even enjoy the housemate hummus platter.
You could start your day here with a fresh-brewed cup of coffee and end it with a delightful glass of wine. Throw in a tasty morning or evening bite, and the day is complete. The wine list is small but makes up for that with some appealing choices — a Spanish Borja, California red, Oregon Pinot Noir, Italian Pinot Grigio, and a Tannat-Malbec from Argentina. Finally, enjoy a casual vibe, indoors or on the outdoor patio.
Perhaps not technically a wine bar, the wine selection is quite comprehensive. Sit at the impressive bar and ask about the wine specials. Then, go ahead and order by the glass. It comes in a cruet so top it off as needed. Bartenders and servers are knowledgeable about wine and food pairing. Many options for any occasion from white to red, bubbly, and rose.
Located in the heart of the historic downtown, this tasting room embodies the town’s charm. Warm and spacious, walls covered in repurposed wood and cozy seating set near a crackling fire all set the stage for a delightful experience. All of the wines served here are made using grapes from Oregon, California, and Utah. Order a flight or mix and match wine sampling. Mixologists on hand can help tailor a wine experience perfect for your palate.
What began as a university experiment has been transformed into an exceptional boutique winery by the winery’s owners. Look around at the vineyards. Those are the grapes that go into the wine served in the small tasting room on site. All wines produced are from a single-vineyard and estate-bottled. The refreshing cherry wine, made with cherries grown in Payson, is unique and good tasting.