I love this wine bar. Â Its a really great local hangout in the Clock Tower shopping center...who would have figured. Â Its great you can stroll there a small gourmet market, stroll through a great wine store and pick up a bottle of wine and then end with a fantastic cheese plate and wonderful wines at Grapes. Â They have the wine bar concept figured out and this will always be a to go place for me when I need some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of busy downtown annapolis.
Review Source:We had a small function here for work on Sunday. Â It was nice because they were open just for us so we received great service. Â
Menu for the day:
Salumi
Soppresetta
Coppa
Parma Prosciutto
Herbed Italian Ham
Artisan Cheese Selections
Pecorino Fogle Noce- Sheep's Milk- Italy
Quadrello di Bufala- Water Buffalo's Milk- Italy
Roaring Forties Blue- Cow's Milk- Australia
Coupole- Goat's Milk- Vermont
Rouge et Noir Brie- Cow's Milk- California
Grapes' Specialties
Lamb Sliders on Brioche
Kobe Sliders on Brioche
Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna
Seared Foie Gras on Baguette
Colossal Shrimp served Chilled with Creole Cocktail Sauce
Mozzarella, Prosciutto and Tomato Flatbread
Parmesan and Mushroom Flatbread
Hummus with Grilled Vegetables, Olives, Dolmathes
Salty Snacks
Olives
Smoked Almonds
Potato Chips
Tortilla Chips
Wasabi Peas
Dessert Offerings
Dutch Chocolate Mousse
Butterscotch Pots de Crème
Homemade Pecan Pie
Everything was fantastic. Â I am not much of a wineo so I drank a few different beers. Â I would think the place is expensive, I am not sure since the company paid for it. Â But I think it would be a great place for a relaxing evening. Â Food was amazing.
There are several new and very good wine bars with petite plates in Annapolis that we have tried. Â So, we looked forward to our maiden venture to Grapes. Â But if you compare this to Vin 909 or Crush, for example, you'll see why we were disappointed. Â
And, yes the female bartender with the cute accent did not impress us. Â At one point we asked if she had forgotten about our glasses of wine and her back was continuously to us. Â
The charcuterie plate, was good but not great. Â I had to ask what one of the meats was because it was so dark and thick. Â I've had parma all over Spain and many places in the US and it's never looked like this or made my teeth hurt trying to chew it.
We requested bread (twice) with the charcuterie plate.
The choices of wine by the glass (well it is part of the Clock Tower Wine store next door - DUH) are very good! Â And we don't mind paying $15+ a glass for a good wine. (1 *)
Our oysters were poorly shucked and we had to dig pieces of shell out of our mouth. Â The cocktail sauce served with the oysters was sweet and more like a tomato chutney.
The frites were limp with little taste and lacking crispness.
I agree the place is very attractive and nice outdoor seating. Â (2 *) Â The food while disappointing is not unedible.
The best part of going to Grapes is discovering the fabulous bakery in the same shopping center "Sweet Hearts Patisserie." Â Petit Fours made the disappointing $170 lite plate lunch disappointment melt away!
BEEN THERE DONE THAT!
Grapes has it all --- a wonderful selection of wines by the glass and small plates that are delicious. Â They change their menu frequently, keeping a few favorites, but take advantage of what's fresh in the marketplace. Â Their soups, both hot and cold, are always an exquisite blend of flavors. Â Prices are good; the best part is that you can order several small plates to get a variety of flavors. Â Atmosphere is like a cozy, but chic metropolitan French wine bar --- very sophisticated --- yet the service is very warm. Â I am always delighted with my food and wine, and come back often, since the new additions always pique my interest.
Review Source:I really enjoyed my evening here this past weekend. Â It's connected to a wine market that we visited on a different weekend, so we had intended to return to try the food. Â It is a very small, intimate place, with tables inside and outside as well as a decent number of seats along the bar. Â Our server was enthusiastic and knew a lot about the wine selections and food pairings, which I appreciated, especially since I'm not confident about my wine knowledge. Â In fact, the entire staff seemed very warm and welcoming and seemed eager to help, even if they weren't "assigned" to your table. Â It felt family-owned. Â We shared the manger board, which came with an assortment of cheeses, meats, and fruits, jams, etc. Â It was a generous serving with a good, "safe" selection, but I think next time we'll likely select our own cheeses- just to change it up a bit. Â We also had the veal sliders & duck fat fries, which were absolutely wonderful. Â The sliders come as two small servings, but the veal is so rich in flavor that you don't need any more than what was on the plate. Â It's just a shame that the restuarant is further from our house than we would like it to be. Â It's a real neighborhood gem.
Review Source:I'm not much of a wine connoisseur, so Grapes Wine Bar hadn't been high up on my list of places to patronize. Â I was lured in, however, by the dishes listed on their daily special blackboard (chilled asparagus soup, mussel and frites; they sound perfect for a light lunch, with or without a glass). Â I was pleasantly surprised to discover that their food offering is excellent. I especially liked the foie gras small plate, though all the dishes I sampled were good (caramelized onion tart, veal slider, shrimp with grits). I don't know if it's by design, but the food is presented in a way that is easy to share among friends (makes sense for a wine bar, I suppose). Even the dessert is good: I had their butterscotch pot de creme; it's small but rich in flavors.
The service is friendly though leisurely. I had a pleasant lunch sitting outdoors, looking at all the people going in and out of the wine cellar next door. If you are in a hurry, this may not be as ideal.
Perfect for a light meal heavy on quality. Indulgence in moderation, I had the Kobe rib eye, on hot Himalayan salt rock and the froie gras. Not a cheap repast but oh so good and just a few bites more than a taste. Perfect for me, though my champagne taste sets me back another $20 on awesome wine. Friendly, fun and delicious.
Review Source:I've been a few times and I will go back again. Â Most recently I tried to go to another place but the wait was more than I wanted to deal with so to Grapes it was. Â There weren't many people on this night, a perfect night to be outside, so we sat at the bar and ordered some great wine and shared a few different dishes. Â Every time I read the menu, I just want to eat everything. Â The portions are pleasantly small, which I prefer. Â The plating is always well done. Â I'm happy to see they are a local favorite so hopefully all the good things will continue.
Review Source:A gem that was certainly worth the drive (I don't live in Annapolis). Knowledgable staff advised us well on wine options to go with our meal. We had the cheese plate appetizer, which was a nice size with 3 cheeses and assorted fruit and good French bread. Attentive staff asked us if we wanted more bread before it was gone. My main course of Asian shrimp stir fry was quite good. Since it is small plates we had room for dessert - the Carmel pot de Creme was the recommendation and it was lick the pot good!
Review Source:This place is great. Â The wine, food and cheese selection are excellent. Even if one of my best friend's didn't live within walking distance I'd drive for this place. Â Staff was friendly and knowledgeable, highly recommend stopping by. It's an great place to spend hours sipping wine and gnoshing on small plates while catching up with a friend(s).
Review Source:I'm feeling good about Grapes - not so good about their bartender. I think her adorable accent lets her get away with being an absolute tard but if I'm spending $15 on a glass of wine, I want you to give it to me in a glass without a fingerprint on the INSIDE of the glass. Â Ewwww. Â I also want you not to look like I have asked you to go spend a nice summer in Mogadishu when I ask for my check (because I've been sitting here with an empty glass for 10 minutes, and if you're not going to ask if I need anything else, I'm going to leave).
Didn't eat, but the small plates looked amazing, I loved the ambiance...next time I'm in town, I will definitely be back. Â Sure hope she's gone though!
Quality small plates, excellent service and exquisite wine selections are found at Grapes in the Clock Tower shopping center. It is rare to find really fresh ingredients and Grapes has a small selection, but prides themselves on very high quality options. The cod was moist and superb, the salad (arugula) tasted like it was picked from the garden the same day. The dressing was a perfect compliment and just enough goat cheese was added. I can't praise Grapes enough! You won't be disappointed!
Review Source:4.5 rating for Grapes Wine Bar. Â
Finally went here last night for a glass of wine and a couple small plates. Â Grapes has wine by the glass specials each night, so we ordered the $6 garnacha. Â Before ordering, our server let us try the two wines we were debating, which I think is great and practically unheard of at a bar/restaurant. Â
We had the charcuterie board which was phenomenal- and it had delicious bread (French baguette) with it. Â Dare I say I haven't had a baguette that good since being in Europe........ Â We also had the flatbread du jour which was so yummy. Â Highly recommend both of those small plates, and they both deserve a 5 star rating. Â
The small plates which get a 3 star were the summer pasta (a bit too acidic) and the lamb sliders (just not my personal taste). Â
We ended the evening with espresso, which is the only coffee item on the menu. Â That is fine with me because I prefer to end my meals with a shot of espresso. Â
The ambiance and staff were warm and friendly. Â Definitely rocking the neighborhood vibe they are going for. Â
So Grapes gets a 4.5 for the overall experience. Â Grapes is a place you can go for a before dinner drink, full lunch or dinner (remember, small plates), or after dinner drink or dessert with espresso.
popped in here on Friday night. Â Pleasant spot to relax and have a nibble and glass of really decent wine. (it's owned by the wine shop next door) Â Wine specials of the night were an excellent value @ only $5 and $6 per glass. Â This place features small plates, European style. We tried the charcuterie plate, a small cheese plate (chevre and fig jam) and a scallop ceviche with avocado. All were successful dishes. Â Barkeep, "Diva" was friendly, chatty and attentive. Â Downside is the bar space is acoustically challenged. Voices from across the room carry like they are sitting directly next to you. Â (or maybe that woman just had a loud voice!) Â We met some old friends there, and found conversation a bit difficult sitting shoulder to shoulder at the bar. There are however outside tables, but have little view other than a suburban strip mall parking lot. I'd still prefer the bar area. We will be back.
Review Source:Overall this was a pleasant experience. Â But I think they are trying way too hard to be european. Â Our waitress was..well more than unfriendly. Â I don't drink alcohol but hang out with a spouse and friends who do. Â Was shocked to learn that the only alternative to wine was water. Â Really. Â I went to the butcher and got a diet coke. Â Probably won't go back. Â There is another good wine bar opening in east port and one downtown. Â Bet they have heard of a designated driver.
Review Source:I immensely enjoy the neighboring wine shop Wine Cellars, so when I heard that Grapes was being opened next door by the same owner, I was excited to try it, and with the one time I've been there so far it hasn't disappointed.
I had the lamb meatballs with goat cheese fondue. Â The 3 meatballs were not dry or overly-spiced, but just right, with a surprise (I believe a date? or something like it...) inside which added great flavor. Â The fondue was more of a light cheese sauce which complimented the meatballs and was not overpowering, as I believe goat cheese has an unfortunate reputation for being.
The Charcuterie board was also delicious if you enjoy different cured meats. Â The board came with a grape mustard as well as a dijon (I believe) which were tasty too! Â
Of course, the wine list was extensive and wines by the glass were reasonably priced. Â The waitress was knowledgeable of the wines offered, which is a must if you're looking for a recommendation.
I am looking forward to going back!
I've been three times, including opening day. Will say some of the small plate were great and some so so. The cheese plate is eclectic and tasty but needs to be on a bigger board and be served with more bread. The decor is on spot, but they could put a few more two tables in to seat a few more people. Lovely bar..wine selection nice, not what everyone else in town has which is what makes it perfect. Price point right on too but will look forward to happy hour prices at some point. I think this place will only get better and I love that it is on my way home and near my house of course. Glad Patrick went this route and he hired a very nice staff!
Review Source:Ive only been for a quick sampler so far.
If you're having a lazy saturday, dropping into Grapes after a free cheese tasting and free wine tasting is a nice opportunity to rest your feet.
While the place is small, the noise is comforting and energetic, giving the place a jovial atmosphere. The decor is highly European, no doubt owing to the owner, Patrick's French roots.
I only tasted the lamb meatballs on the bartendresses suggestion. I was looking for something light, which they offer plenty of, but I also wanted to get a handle on the caliber of the kitchen so I felt I needed to try something that involved a bit more care from the kitchen.
I was happy to see the portion size of 4 meatballs, which came on nice bamboo skewers. The best part was my surprise when I bit into them and found a juicy spiced prune center.
There was plenty if meat for flavor but the prune center is an almost Asian dumplings inspired twist to a traditional meatball, which i loved. It was the perfect way to save the dish from being overly heavy.
The description says the dish is served with a goat cheese foude. I thought the sauce was goat cheese yogurt sauce that was neither stringy nor heavy like normal fondue.
The bartendress told me they aren't doing any special happy hour offers yet, but I'm hoping they will offer something cool in the future.
Grapes is open for lunch and dinner on the weekend, and dinner during the week. I'll be sure to check back soon for another glimpse at what they can do. I wish then the best if luck in a difficult town.
This new wine bar, an extension of Wine Cellars of Annapolis (fantastic bottle shop!) had been open only a few days when I visited. Â I'm hoping to up my rating after another visit, but based on my first try, it was definitely A-OK. Â I'm very happy to have a local spot, within walking distance from my home. Â They had great wine specials by the glass, from bottles which I wouldn't normally be able to afford. Â The only food I tried was the cheese board (if the ewe-phoria sheep's milk cheese is available when you visit, it's a mist!) which was nice with a sampling of goat's, sheep's and cow's milk cheese. Â I chatted with a friendly gentleman seated next to me at the bar, who sampled three dishes, all of which he said were very good. Â
For me, the downfall was behind the bar. Â At least half of the seats in this small, nicely appointed, very cozy setting, are bar seats. Â The bartenders seemed a bit flustered throughout the evening, and were not friendly. Â I'm hoping this is only because of newly opened growing pains! Â This is a place I'd love to be able go in by myself for a glass if wine, but without a friendly staff behind the bar this is much less likely.
Great to have a decent establishment nearby and not have to venture downtown!
It's finally open! Â I'll admit, I'm partial to this place because I can walk to it, and it is also in my favorite one-stop-shop food heaven, the Clock Tower Place.
This is Wine Cellars of Annapolis' very own wine bar. You can expect the same quality of service at WCA at Grapes. Â Patrick (owner) will walk around and say HI.
They did a phenomenal job in the decor and ambiance of the wine bar. It has a very homey feel to it with stone walls and beautiful wood work on the bar. It still has a "new" look to it, but given time it will feel like your local neighborhood wine bar.
The staff and service was were excellent. Â They are very knowledgeable in the food and wine that they serve. Â Their recommendations are great, I highly recommend that you seek their advice when in doubt. Â They will not steer you wrong.
They have a small plates menu with a lot to choose from. They have a variety of sea food, meats and salads.  I don't think I have ever been to a wine bar with sea food plates.....but the seared  Halibut with the Ginger-Mango Puree is a must try.  The cheese board and the cured meats plate is also very good, and you have to get desserts! The French Apple Tart, YUM!
They have wines by the glass and the bottle. The prices very from $5/glass to $12/glass. If you are a customer of WCA, you will know that even the cheap deal wines are very good. Â WCA has a knack for finding great wines at super great prices.
I'll give them time, Grapes will earn the fifth star when I see a Groupon/Living Social/ or Group Deals or some sort of super awesome deal.
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