Tastings, A Wine Experience in St. Petersburg

A Bistro and Wine Bar Franchise that Focuses on Wine and Food

Jul 28, 2009

"Tastings" offers a wide selection of wines from around the world available as a tasting or by the glass. A bistro menu adds to the total wine experience.

Tastings, A Wine Experience focuses on worldwide wines and food. The owners, David & Penny Maso and Gail & Michael Newfield, developed the concept of "Tastings" after visiting an Italian wine bar and experiencing a wonderful time. Back in the US, they created "Tastings, A Wine Experience" that opened in 2005 in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2006, the owners began offering franchise opportunities to those who enjoy wine and food.

"Tastings" Franchise in Mystic, Connecticut

"Tastings, A Wine Experience" in Mystic, Connecticut provides wines from around the world, Riedel glassware, free WiFi and a delightful light menu that includes cheese from around the world.

The "Tastings" franchise in Mystic, Connecticut is open daily with hours until 10pm and on Friday and Saturday nights until midnight. While the wine bar and bistro is small, this adds to the intimacy and friendliness that pervades the entire facility.

Immediately upon entering there is a bar with nine high bench seats. Nearby, tables with leather seating for two to four are available for those who enjoy sitting and partaking in a drink and food. For those arriving with larger groups, the tables for two can be combined. Two walls are lined with wines and Wine Station tasting machines.

Wine Station Tasting Machines

Wine Station machines allow wine bottles to be opened and kept for up to 30 days without deteriorating. The concept is that argon gas acting as a blanket prevents oxygen from reaching the wine. According to Ken Kilcoyne, the General Manager of the Connecticut "Tastings" wine bar, the Wine Station tasting machines are also used for expensive wines without worry of an expensive bottle of wine deteriorating before it is finished.

The Wine Stations feature a self-service mechanism. Visitors purchase a Tasting’s Card with money on it and then may insert the card into the wine they would like to taste and select the amount of wine poured. Kilcoyne indicated that the machines are very precise with measurements. Visitors can choose between a one-ounce tasting, half-glass or glass of wine.

Kilcoyne noted that in Connecticut the law prevents visitors from serving themselves wine. The cards are used in the same way but a staff member is readily available to retrieve the requested wine.

Bistro Food to Pair with Wine

A wide selection of bistro food is available and makes "Tastings" a great place to enjoy food and wine pairings, conversation with friends and light food. Menu selections include cheese and charcuterie, salads, gourmet flat bread pizza and desserts.

The Mystic, CT facility has a smaller room at the back with tables. This location is for special events and private parties. At this location in Mystic, Wi-Fi is available.

"Tastings, a Wine Experience" Locations

Several "Tastings, a Wine Experience" wine bars are located in several states in the US. Below are the current locations. A location will open soon in downtown Indianapolis. Current Tastings locations are below.

Tastings is an excellent wine bar to stop at for a light lunch or to relax in after the day is done.

The copyright of the article Tastings, A Wine Experience in St. Petersburg in Food Trends is owned by Kathleen Sullivan. Permission to republish Tastings, A Wine Experience in St. Petersburg in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.