Taste of the Game – UT Martin: The Wine Bar

Photo courtesy The Wine Bar Facebook page

The wait is over, Rebel nation! It’s football season once again.

Dust off that tailgating gear and put on your best game day attire because it’s time to get the party started here in Oxford.

With a new football season comes a new Taste of the Game series, which is bringing a few new surprises for our readers. You can expect some of the local classics, of course, as well as the rookies. Something new we are going to do this season is feature a few places outside of Oxford that have loyal Rebel fan bases. Just in case you can’t make it to town, you can still feel like you are at one of these spots.

 This week’s focus: The Wine Bar

We all love a rowdy Rebel time during game day, but sometimes it’s nice to get away and enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation in an intimate environment while we watch the Rebels from afar.

This place stays true to its mantra as the best-kept secret in town with an inviting atmosphere and an eclectic ambience the moment you walk in the door.

If that isn’t inviting enough, with a menu that is true farm-to-table and a bar that is filled with the libations of your dreams, you will find your drink of choice here – whether it be wine, beer, bourbon or scotch.

What I think patrons will enjoy most at The Wine Bar is that it’s the perfect place to stay all day on gameday, or you could make it one of your stops on your game day tour. The intimate atmosphere, along with the décor, makes for a boutique setting that helps patrons to feel as if they are the only ones there.

With a seating for 65 and 10 additional seats at the bar, patrons are encouraged to make reservations– especially for game day weekends.

Don’t let the name fool you. Whether you are looking for amazing local cuisine or you sticking to that liquid diet, there is something for everyone at The Wine Bar.

If you are able to make it to The Wine Bar Saturday, here is what I recommend:

Mediterranean Calamari or the War Pig Quesadilla. This is best if you are looking for something small but tasty.Duck

Confit Salad or Cola and Sherry Braised Pork Shoulder. This is ideal if you are planning to stay a long time.

If you have room for dessert or decide to break your diet plans, go for the salted caramel ice cream.

Brunch options for Sunday

Photo Courtesy The Wine Bar Facebook page

You can sleep in and enjoy brunch on Sunday, but before you even think about food, you have to try one of their house Bloody Marys or Mimosas.

You will be in heaven before you get a chance to dine. Now that you have had one or two mimosas it’s time to make it to the delectable menu options. Here’s what I go for when it comes to dining options: either the Mother the Child Reunion or the Grilled Cristo.

These will hit the spot perfectly, and you absolutely can’t go wrong with any choice on the brunch menu.

For those who are sticking to the liquid libations, The Wine Bar has more than 50 different whiskeys and 50 or more wines by the glass available.

They offer happy hour everyday from 4-6 p.m. and from and 3-6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Make it out to The Wine Bar this weekend. it will be a perfect fit for those Rebels looking for a game day experience with fine dining, yet eclectic taste good enough for a Rebel.

The Wine Bar
401 South Lamar Blvd.
Oxford, MS 38655
662-238-3500

For more info on The Wine Bar visit them at www.thewinebaroxford.com

Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo is a HottyToddy.com contributor, veteran SEC sports journalist and Brown University graduate. She loves good cigars, good games and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order. She can be reached at misskentuckyus2011@gmail.com.