C – Several years ago my friends in the Orlando area started buzzing about a wine room that provided customers with a really fun self-service option. I did my research and could find nothing in the DC area that had anything even remotely similar. I gave up the search. Years later, imagine my surprise when I walked into The Tasting Room Wine Bar and Shop in Reston.
Small and cozy with an extraordinarily chill atmosphere, The Tasting Room isn’t your typical Thursday night happy hour joint. It wasn’t very crowded when we went, but that might have been because the entire place was reserved for a private event starting at 630. They were kind enough to let us know in advance and they encouraged us to stay until the last minute.The servers are very nice, knowledgeable, talkative (in a good way) and they cater to to all levels of wine drinkers. No question is a dumb question here.
So here’s where it gets fun. Using a prepaid card, you can select small tastes, or a full glass of any wine available at the kiosk. Our server said most people start with $20. We decided not to go for this option because we didn’t think we’d drink through our credit before having to leave 45 minutes later. Next time, though, I’m all in.
Despite being owned by a local winery, The Tasting Room offers wines from around the world. I went with the 2012 Secco Italian Bubbles from Veneto, Italy.It’s described as “Fresh and elegant. Layers and layers of flavors. Elderberry, anise, Italian summer melon, beeswax and seashells.” Beeswax and Seashells? Hardly noticed.
The Tasting Room Wine Bar & Shop
1816 Library Street
Reston, VA
2GirlsinDC 