Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileSmall Hours
Minneapolis, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Small Hours operates as a hi-fi wine bar with a contemporary approach, spotlighting wines from humble farmers to iconic producers. The program centers on a sommelier-led Wine School, where owner Sarina Garibović guides Sunday tastings of four wines paired with snacks. A conservas-heavy menu of tinned fish and small plates supports the wine focus. Customers praise the extensive, carefully curated list and the sommelier's knowledge, with one calling it the best in the state.
- What should I order?
- The Wine School flight is the signature experience, offering a curated four-wine tasting with snacks for $92. Pair it with conservas like the Jose Gourmet spiced sardine pate ($10) or the Nuri sardines in spicy tomato sauce ($11) for a classic wine-bar bite.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine enthusiasts seeking guided education and a curated selection will find much to appreciate. The intimate, hi-fi atmosphere and conservas menu also appeal to those who enjoy thoughtful pairings and a relaxed, knowledgeable setting.
- When should I go?
- Other evenings suit a more casual visit to explore the wine list and conservas.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wine School tickets run $92 including tax. Conservas range from $9 to $55, with most between $10 and $30; food menu items span $5 to $38.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Small Hours stands out for its hi-fi audio setup—Klipsch La Scala speakers and a Cary Audio tube amp—paired with a sommelier-led educational program. The Wine School, inspired by the owner's attendance at Riesling Camp and Pinot Camp, offers rotating themes and occasional special guests, blending wine education with a curated sound experience.
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
Sommelier-led Wine School with rotating themes, paired with a conservas menu and a curated list praised by customers. The program emphasizes education and quality, though specific bottle details are not verified.
Menu strengths
- — Sommelier-led Wine School with rotating themes and educational focus, held Sundays.
- — Extensive conservas selection from Portugal and Spain, designed for wine pairing.
Standout selections
- — Wine School Flight: four wines matching the class theme, paired with snacks, $92.
- — Themes like Oregon Pinot Noir and Finger Lakes Riesling, inspired by Riesling Camp and Pinot Camp.
Pricing: Wine School flight at $92 inclusive of tax; conservas range $9–$55, most $10–$30.
How it sits with the food
The menu is built around conservas—tinned fish from Portugal and Spain—and small plates that complement the wine focus. Examples include Jose Gourmet octopus pate ($16) and Gueyu Mar chargrilled smoked sardine tails ($30), all designed to pair with the wine list.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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