Half Cork'd Premium Beer, Wine and Bubbles had its opening night Tuesday.
The concept of the wine bar, located at the former site of Rum Runners at 116 SE First St., is unique to Gainesville and is the vision of partners local attorney Miles Kinsell, medical associate Jonelle Toothman and businessmen John Pastori and Rick Staab.
"Just getting people together in a fun and educational environment is one of our goals," Toothman said.
A collection of cutting edge wine-dispensing machines allows the imbiber to sample 1 1/4, 2 1/2 or 5 ounces of wine at a time. Once you enter the establishment, a hostess cheerfully issues you a wine card in the amount you choose. As the machine measures your selected pour, a running tally automatically calculates what you've spent and the remaining balance available. The cards carry a one-time $5 charge, but they're good for life. Lost? Stolen? They can convert your balance.
Anyone interested in learning about wine can taste a varied selection from a $1.50 a pour and up.
Kinsell said Half Cork'd allows you to taste wines first, so you know what you're getting before you buy a bottle.
Bottles in the machines can last for 60 days or more with a minimal degradation. This allows the business to lower the price charged per ounce, as there is little or no waste.
Patrons at opening night were able to sample the diverse selections offered. Patron Jim Moore said he enjoyed having a place to enjoy a glass of wine in a casual atmosphere.
Other patrons, Cyrus Shiralipour and Stacey Merrill, both agreed that Half Cork'd's concept was a great idea for the area.
General manager Kelley Washington describes the business as "Gainesville's premier spot for wines, beers and bubbles." With an extensive stretch overseeing O!O Tapas and Tini's in Haile Plantation, Washington has created a list of more than 200 wines and 56 by the glass.
She describes the decor as "funky comfortable," as it features retro sofas and chairs with mauve/carnelian-painted wall accents. The "bar" is particularly interesting, displaying fiber optic stars that oscillate according to the programmer's whim. An interactive wine list is coming soon.
Half Cork'd will feature a light Tapas-style menu available in October and will cater corporate wine-tasting events. Hours of operation are Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.
Make sure you bring your old corks, as a "cork wall" is being constructed as you enter.
Valet parking is available at night. For more information, visit halfcorkd.com
Comments? You can reach Jay LaDuke at jayswineworks@peoplepc.com
