We just happened to wander in to this place for a late lunch. We were the only ones there ( it was Monday) and the staff member was very friendly. We both had paninis which were very tasty. I had a wine recommended by the server which pairs excellently. My husband had a Raspberry Belgian dessert beer which was great. We were both very happy with it and will be returning. Great service, much faster than I expected.
Review Source:The place is very comfortable and laid back. They have music playing in the background. Combined with the other people talking make it perfect for hanging out and having a conversation without having to yell.
The wine is excellent. Some of it is expensive, but where is that NOT the case? They let you chose 1 oz, 3 oz or 6 oz glasses, so you can taste the wine before committing to one (or you can just taste them all night). They have beer too.
The bartender/server is very helpful. You don't have to wait long with an empty glass before he comes over to find out what you want next (that goes for water too).
The only reason they don't get five stars is because they close really early (11:00p on weekend nights). If you are still in a wine mood and not done at 11:00, go across Battleground to 1618 Wine Lounge. They stay open until 2:00a like a bar should.
Definitely check this place out. It's fun. Good for a date.
Last review was written in August, 2011, Â this is November 2011 and I have to disagree with every review on here. I have been here 4 or 5 times since they opened and I have to say it's has gone downhill ever since. The prices are extremely high. The three different priced "pours" are quite questionable and pricey. Bring your graduated cylinder to make sure that when they charge you $14 for a glass of wine they are giving you the right amount. The service is slow and often rude. Are they doing me a favor by serving me? Yes, the selection is great. If you want to overpay for a glass of wine you can't seem to find elsewhere, then this is a fine place. If you are looking to enjoy a nice decently priced glass of wine in nice company...keep walking.
Review Source:Come here for the large selection of wines, relaxed atmosphere, and Jake.
The Atmosphere
This is a good spot for people who want to relax with a glass of wine and converse, just not at home. Â It can be so relaxed in fact, that I've come in a few times by myself on a weeknight with a book. Â That said, I've also run into friends here and hit it off with some other patrons. Â The Lady once got so raucous that we felt the need to self-impose a temporary ban. Â A really good acoustic duo has been playing here on weekends lately, with sets ranging from Across the Universe by the Beatles to Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show. Â
Rioja feels like a library of wine, hundreds of bottles line the wall in  a bookshelf-like arrangement.  On the down side, Rioja is located in a strip mall anchored by a Starbucks, and many of the tables and chairs might work better on an outdoor patio.
The Wine
There are a few dozen wines available by the glass here. Â The top-shelf wines are poured from the Cruvinet, which is a tap system that prevents the wine from oxidizing. Â Rioja also scores wine-geek cred with its Riedel stemware. Â This is the new home of the former Wine Warehouse, so there are plenty of bottles to select from.
The Beer
There's also a really nice range of bottled beers. Â A flight of Chimay is an option if you want to opt out on wine.
The Service
The bartender/server/manager?/owner? Jake is more or less a one man show, which is alright, because he's a really endearing and helpful guy. Â He's clearly passionate about wine, but will never rub knowledge in your face. Â Don't expect the speediest service.
The Food
Oh yeah, there is food here. Â It's a bit basic, but it supports the wine nicely. Â Think: cheese, charcuterie, deserts, and paninis.
The Lady Says
Remember the time I delighted an audience by harassing that dude for not wanting to date my sister despite the fact that he had never met her? Â We were out of control!
and
I think I have a crush on Jake.
Rioja fit my party's needs beautifully. Â We lounged on the couch in back and enjoyed finger foods and wine. Â Perfect. Â
The cheese plate and brie on bread were delicious. Â Our wines were good and properly served.
The tacos were not that great - we had Asian and Southwestern - though the mango salsa that accompanied them was very good.
Service was friendly and slow. Â One waiter and one food runner in a full wine bar. Â We were nowt in a rush, though, and I'm sure we could have flagged someone down if we had chosen to try.
We been consistently visiting Rioja for 4+ years and during that time we have never been disappointed. Â The management team has done a great job growing the business and now offer high quality beers, enhanced appetizer and dessert menus and regularly host special events such as tastings and pairings. Â The crowd is always diverse and friendly. Â This still a great little place to relax and enjoy good company, food and wine.
Review Source:AWESOME! Been very impressed with this place not once, not twice but 3 times already. This place is really really cool, only a few miles from d-town g'boro (which is getting kindda crowded). This place offers a chilled trendy atmosphere, great wines, great appetizers and great service. The crowd that goes there is a nice mixture of young and older folks but all really into their stuff - not a pick me up meat market place. Lighting is just right and although you might think the glasses are expensive - they do serve you more than what you usually get elsewhere - I mean almost half a big merlot glass.
Great food, great wine, great place.
(if you are not a wine drinker and are stuck with a wine guzzlin' crowd - they'll let you sneak in Starbucks from next door)
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