The Wine Loft, Naples (FL): Not your father's wine bar

I spent last weekend in Naples -- Florida, that is. I know I should have my head examined for going there at this time of the year but I live in Florida; and it is hot everywhere. An already stellar weekend was capped by the discovery of two "do-over" spots: a French restaurant named Bleu Provence and an ultra-high-end wine bar named The Wine Loft. I will report on the restaurant in a future post.

The Wine Loft is located in Mercato Plaza, a mixed-use development located at the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Tamiami Trail North. My wife and I had gone for a morning walk and, on our way back, made a detour into Mercato to buy juices from the Whole Foods located therein. On our way down Main Street, I espied the external portion of The Wine Loft but it was not yet open. After our return to the hotel, and brunch with our friends, we doubled back to check it out.

It was exquisite. Visually, it was everything that a wine bar should be; and more. The colors, the lighting, the fixtures, the design, the positioning of seating areas, the melding of inside and outside spaces, all combined to provide an extremely appealing and welcoming landscape. Its 3700 sq ft are divided between 3030 sq ft on the main floor and 750 sq ft in a mezzanine set aside for private events.

The Loft (Source:thewineloftofnaples.com)

The establishment offers a full service bar as well as 33 red, 7 sparkling, and 25 white wines by the glass. A total of 300 wines are available, with Napa Valley wines dominant on the list. Lunch and dinner is available with offerings to include finger foods, soups and sandwiches, flatbreads, small plates, and desserts.

The Wine Loft's tag line is "Experience wine, food and friends in a Relaxing ... Upscale ... Atmosphere.

Nuff said.

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