Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileRioja! A Wine Bar
Greensboro, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Rioja! A Wine Bar, the first wine bar since 2005, pours over twenty wines by the glass from a list of more than 800. Flights arrive with a cheese sampler, and Riedel crystalware is standard. The retail shop discounts bottles to go, and a wine club adds monthly selections.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Somm's Selections Flight for a curated tour across Cremant d'Alsace, Etna Bianco, and a Touriga blend. Or go straight for the Gruner Veltliner from Austria, a bright, clean pour with pear and white pepper.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking variety and a chance to explore by the glass or flight will find much to like. The cheese sampler with flights and the retail shop's takeaway discounts add appeal for both casual sippers and collectors.
- When should I go?
- Free tastings at regular wine club events are a reason to time a visit, though specific dates are not provided.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Glasses run $8–$15, bottles $25–$50. Half bottles are $45–$70. Flights are $20; beer and non-alcoholic drinks are $5–$12.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Being the first wine bar, established in 2005, it set a local standard. Its enormous cellar of over 800 wines, Riedel glassware, and Terroir Tours food-and-wine excursions distinguish it from typical wine bars.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Wine
Over twenty wines by the glass and more than 800 total. Flights pair three two-ounce pours with a gourmet cheese sampler. Riedel crystalware and a wine club with monthly selections and free tastings add depth. Retail shop offers $10 off bottles to go.
Menu strengths
- — Exceptional breadth with over 800 wines and twenty-plus by the glass.
- — Flights with cheese sampler encourage exploration.; Wine club and retail discounts show commitment to regulars.
Standout selections
- — Somm's Selections Flight – Cremant d'Alsace, Etna Bianco, Touriga blend
- — Gruner Veltliner, Austria – bright, clean, with pear and white pepper
- — Nebbiolo, Piedmont – tart red fruits, roses, earthy
Pricing: Glasses $8–$15; bottles $25–$50; half bottles $45–$70
Beer
A compact beer list covers common styles – Pils, Pale Ale, IPA, Porter, Stout – plus a non-alcoholic option, all priced at $7. It's a straightforward adjunct to the wine program.
Menu strengths
- — Covers major styles including non-alcoholic at a single price point.
Standout selections
- — Beer - Pils, Pale Ale, IPA, Porter, Stout, N/A — $7 — Selection of beer styles including non-alcoholic options.
Pricing: $7
Nonalcoholic
Beyond standard sodas and lemonade, the bar offers CBD-infused drinks in two strengths: a 5mg Tiki Punch and a 10mg Crisp Ginger. This gives non-drinkers more interesting choices than typical wine bar fare.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages including Italian soda and lemonade.
- — CBD drinks at two strengths provide a unique option.
Standout selections
- — CBD Drink – Crisp Ginger (10mg); CBD Drink – Tiki Punch (5mg)
Pricing: $5 for sodas and lemonade; CBD drinks $10–$12
How it sits with the food
The gourmet cheese sampler that accompanies wine flights provides a ready pairing, and the menu's food options are designed to complement the wine list.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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