screwtop wine bar

Wine 101 Class

2010-06-28T14:03:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the wonderful world of wine!
In this "wine basics class" we’ll explore your palate
and learn what you like and why you like it.
We’ll learn how to build your perfect glass of wine,
which will be followed by a tasting and lecture of 5 classic wines.

When: Sunday July 18th, 6:30-8:00pm

Cost: $35.99/pp

Call or come in to reserve your seat today! 703-888-0845

Oregon Wine Maker Visits - Next Week

2010-06-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

It must be the beautiful weather we have experienced the last couple of days?
Or all the Oregon wine makers are feeling a little stir crazy at the moment.

Whatever the reason, we are happy to have them next week on two different nights.
Wine Maker Visit - Tuesday June 15th 6-7:30PM

Patrick Reuter, Dominio IV

Patrick Reuter is the winemaker and co-owner of Dominio IV Winery in Mosier, Oregon. The winery began in 2002 and he has been working with fruit from Viognier, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo ever since. Patrick has learned about winemaking while working harvests in Chile, New Zealand, Napa, Burgundy, and of course Oregon. He’s also a graduate from UC Davis where he studied “terroir” while his wife simultaneously studied viticulture.

Wine Maker Visit - Wednesday June 16th 6-7:30PM

Winemaker, Darcy Pendergrass from Amity Vineyards will pour a selection of Pinot, and more.

Amity Vineyards is located in Yamhill County, Oregon just 7 miles from McMinnville. This region has been recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing areas in the world-rivaling the best in Burgundy. As one of Oregon's pioneer wineries, Amity Vineyards helped establish the area's reputation for world class Pinot noir as early as 1985, the year Robert Parker "Discovered Oregon," praising Amity Vineyards' 1983 Winemaker's Reserve Pinot noir.

" One of the best Pinot noirs I have ever tasted " - Robert Parker

Wine & Cheese Class - Pacific Northwest - Sunday June 6

2010-05-14T06:50:00.001-07:00

Since opening, I have had the opportunity to pour some pretty amazing wines from the Pacific Northwest, remember the Technicolor Bat Tempranillo, and The Pines Old Vine Zin?

But, I have only begun to scratch the surface on amazing wines from this region which stretches from Oregon into Canada. This area is so much more to offer than phenomenal Pinot Noir!

We’ll taste through 6 wines and six regional cheeses that pair oh so perfectly with those wines. Call 703-888-0845 or come in the shop to reserve your spot today.

Class size is limited to 34 people. $59.99 Per Person, Pre Paid, Plus Tax
Sunday, June 6th from 6:30-8pm.

April 25th Class - Livin La Vida Local

2010-04-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Many of you don't know that I grew up in a farming family in Texas, (we used to grow 150 acres of Watermelons and Cantaloupe, and Hay) so I know first hand what it's like to watch the weather and pray for rain...without hail! ;-) Even when the crops turn out perfect, you have to struggle to get it all sold in time, and you more than likely have to use a distributor as well who in turn gets a large piece of the profit pie. Farming is hard work, whether it's melons or grapevines.

There is a lot of "talk" these days about supporting local farmers. Just about every menu says local this and local that (hopefully it's true). I never understood how you could get a local melon on a D.C. menu in November? LOL - oh well...city-folk.

What I am getting to is that Virginia wine makers and cheese makers are farmers who deserve our support year round. There those of you who are skeptics when it comes to drinking Virginia wine. You know who you are: (ahem my husband David) . But our plan is to change your mind with our next class. We are going to feature six - really good Virginia wines, and six delicious local cheeses to pair with those wines.

I do hope you'll join us in celebrating wine and cheese makers from our own state.

Livin La Vida Local
Sunday April 25th 6:30-8pm.
Seating is Limited.
Come by the shop to reserve your spot today.

New Class Announced - France vs. California Wine & Cheese Throw Down

2010-02-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

When: Sunday March 28, 6:30-8pm
RSVP: wendy@screwtopwinebar.com
Price: $59.99pp

What:
Six Wonderful Wines & Six Amazing Cheeses go head to head in the ultimate throw down.
Learn the differences between old world vs. new world wines and cheeses as your taste buds travel through a tour of France and California.

This is a seated class limited to 34 people, so reserve your spot today!

Thumbs Up Tuesday Tonight

2010-01-26T08:07:00.001-08:00

***Thumbs Up Tuesday Tonight***5pm-7pm
On the Free tasting bar we are pouring a Tempranillo tonight from Oregon and it rocks!

We had such a great response for this happy hour last week, so we thought we’d offer it up again this week.

* Bottle Beer Choices:
Bottle Beer (Choices Below): $4
Cabin Fever
Founder's Reds Rye
CAN - Mama's Little Yella Pils
CAN - Old Chub Scottish Ale
Penn Kaizer Pils
Smuttynose IPA

Valentine Chocolate & Wine Tasting Event

2010-01-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

Our very first event at screwtop wine bar will be a co-hosted event.

Jason Andelman, owner of Artisan Confections & Yours Truly are going to walk you through a tour of wine and chocolate pairings.
You’ll even get a box of chocolates to take home with you after the event.

Here are the details.

Valentine’s Night (Sunday February 14^th 6:30-8pm)
5 Different Wines

5 Chocolate Pairings

A box of chocolates to take home

$55 per person.

Hey that’s less expensive than roses these days and a whole lot more enjoyable!

This is a “reservation only” event and is limited to a very small group.
Please email me ASAP and I will get you signed up. wendy@screwtopwinebar.com

screwtop coupons

2009-12-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Yeah, we know the credit card statements from your Christmas spending are rolling in.
That's why we created some coupons for you to use all throughout January.
Enjoy!

http://www.screwtopwinebar.com/january_lunch_coupons_screwtop.pdf

New Menu Items for January

2009-12-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to our complete menu for January.

We added Grilled Cheese Sliders to the appetizer menu.

The soup of the month is:
Rustic Tomato Bisque

We also added a new sandwich:
Sophia’s Serenade
Prosciutto, Buffalo Mozzarella, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, greens on Ciabatta.

***& Stay tuned for the brunch menu coming out soon.***

We'll be open for brunch New Year's Day from 11:30-3
and cheese & charcuterie plates from 3-6pm.
Of course we'll serve mimosas all day!!

We've got George Pinot Noir - 5 bottles!

2009-12-22T05:31:00.000-08:00

We may have a flight on the bar called "The Grinch Who Stole My Grenache", but our distributor is, how shall I put it: "Scrooge-worthy" when it comes to allotting the George. George is a cult-worthy pinot from the Russian River Valley.

You can only get it at our shop, fancy restaurant bottle lists, and through George Levkoff's personal wine club. He made 999 bottles of it, and we have the last drop.

This would make a truly amazing gift for any pinot noir fan.

$94.99

We Are Open - Yay!

2009-12-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

We'll after many months of construction and a few years of planning, it is finally here and we love it. We hope you will too.

Here are our hours:

Tues-Thurs: 11-10pm
Lunch 11:30-2:00
Dinner 5-10pm

Fri-Sat: 11-11pm
Lunch 11:30-2:00
Dinner 5-10pm
(Bar open Sat 11:30-11pm)

Sun: 11-6pm
Lunch 11:30-3pm
(Bar open 11:30-6pm)

Monday:
Closed

*Seating is first come first serve

Getting Close Now

2009-12-03T04:45:00.000-08:00

This view makes me want a sumptuous glass of GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre).

Menu Item 1 - Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed w/ Stilton

2009-11-17T16:11:00.001-08:00

Ok, so a food photographer I am not, but a damned good cook I am!
Here is the first in a series of menu items.

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed w/ Stilton

"We are just enjoying the flavors of a fallen brethren. What's wrong with that?"

Lights, Bar, Action!

2009-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I love, love, love my lights.

These are insulators that were once used on telegraph poles long ago. I can't explain the technical uses well, but the gentleman who built them for me, Chuck Roy can. He is a retired electrical engineer and he knows everything you'd ever want to know...and then some, about lighting. He is also a cook book author and LSU grad (but I won't hold that against him) ;-)
If you're interested in some of these I have his info, just shoot me an email.

Installing the bar top. Oh yeah!

Our cheese area. Love the barn wood look!!

We Have Walls!

2009-10-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

It's so amazing to see the transformation since the dry wall was put up.
It looks like a real space now and not just a skeleton. I find the days are a lot less stressful than they were the last time I posted. I think this is because there aren't a lot of "big" surprises left with the construction. What's left? Painting, hanging light fixtures and installing the floors, bar and equipment. I know that sounds like a long list, but this is a great team of guys and they should have it all knocked out by Thanksgiving. I took some photos today. See below.

David, pretending to be the chef. That is our window on the back bar where delicious treats will come out of the kitchen.

The front bar (where ya'll will sit) and back bar which will be well stocked with over 35 wonderful wines and a long list of craft beers. Did I mention we have 2 beers on tap as well?

Retail area - looking towards the restrooms.

Retail check out and 6ft long cheese deli case will go here.

The insulation has been covered up and now there are walls around the windows.

Bathrooms and a Little Dry Wall

2009-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Well electrical and plumbing inspections are this week. That's why you don't see the walls covered up. They have to pass inspection first. I'm crossing my fingers. Our crew is great, but nothing ever goes the way you think it will in a construction job. There are always surprises.

Here are a couple of photos from today.

Bathrooms and mop closet are framed!
Wine goes in wine goes out.

Dry wall around some of the kitchen.

Framing Has Begun!

2009-10-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

It's so exciting to start to see where everything will actually go.

Here is the bar! I think it's around 30 feet long. Seats between 10-12.

The cheese area. The space to the left of the trash can (classy) is where our deli case will go.
It will be filled with the most decadent and delicious cheese!

More of the cheese area. The space in the back with the small pass thru window is the kitchen.

Retail area, there will also be some bathrooms in the back that aren't framed yet, because (even though we x-rayed) we ran into a pipe while drilling a hole for one of the toilets. It's always an adventure!

Construction - Before Photos

2009-09-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Construction started on Monday 9/22. I took these before the mayhem began and I'll update these once a week. The photos are somewhat deceiving, when you are actually in the space it feels huge. The ceilings are 13'6 high.

Entrance - Just to the right of the Zoso lobby.

As you walk through the front door - Bar and cafe area

Kitchen and bathrooms will be back here.

Retail wine will go along this wall.

Looking out one of the giant windows towards our neighbors at 1021 lofts.

Clarendon's New Foodie Row

2009-09-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's so exciting to watch the construction progress of the other great businesses surrounding screwtop.

Starting at the corner of 11th & N. Fillmore Street and walking South you have American Flatbread, then Bakeshop DC, Artisan Confections (amazing sea salt caramels!), and last but not least screwtop wine bar and cheese shop.

All these delicious places will be open within the next 2-3 months. I love progress!

Bar Pendant Lights

2009-09-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hey baby it's all about being green whenever you can.
These beauties are recycled from days gone by and will be the pendant lights hanging above the bar.
Can you guess what they are?

Calling All Cheese & Wine Lovers - Want to work at screwtop?

2009-09-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Screwtop is an exciting new wine bar and retail wine and cheese shop opening this December in Clarendon (22201)
We'll be on the new "foodie row" with American Flatbread, BakeshopDC(cupcakery), and Artisan Confections (kick ass chocolate) in the sexy new Zoso lofts building.
We are metro accessible on the ORANGE line.
www.screwtopwinebar.com

We are looking for a few amazing people (like YOU) who exhibit the following characteristics.

• Enthusiastic Love of Taking Care of People (both customers & fellow team members)
• Honesty & Integrity
• Promptness – You arrive early and take care of tasks in a timely manner
• Multitasking Maniac
• Outgoing & Warm Personality
• A passion for learning and sharing gained knowledge
• Professionalism
• Creative thinker
• And finally, no job is below you. You take the initiative to do what needs to get done, be it restocking wine, mopping a floor, or running an errand.

If this sounds like you, then read on. We are hiring for the following positions.

[ Cafe/Bar Manager ]
This job will be an absolute blast, but it is hands on and requires a LOT of energy and charisma.
Below is a list of responsibilities associated with the role. Additional responsibilities may be assigned
You'll report directly to the owner, who is a very cool chick but takes zero shit.
... manage FOH operations and coordinate ordering with the kitchen manager and assistant retail manager.
... help hire, train and support all bar/waitstaff.
... create weekly reports on food spend and profit margins.
... use your brilliantly creative mind to come up with engaging ideas for the bar
... help the owner with weekly wine/beer selections with vendors
Some management experience is required but it doesn't necessarily have to be in the restaurant industry.
The pay is good, (with additional quarterly incentive bonuses) , we want you for the long haul and we don't want to burn you out,
and you'll have the opportunity to be a part of something brand new from the ground up.

[ Assistant Retail Manager ]
It ain't easy being cheesy, but it sure is a lot of fun!
Below is a list of responsibilities associated with the role. Additional responsibilities may be assigned
-You'll report directly to the owner.
-You'll ensure screwtop retail is beautiful, bountiful, and clean.
- Assisting the owner with enforcing policies and procedures for the retail shop
- Creating schedules for retail employees
- Receiving & Stocking retail products
- Introducing and tasting all staff on new cheese, meat and gourmet selections
- Weekly Meeting with Owner
- Cutting and wrapping cheese for customers
Compensation: Negotiable Depending on experience + Quarterly Incentive Bonuses
*Please send salary requirements with your application

[ Kitchen Manager/ LeadCook: ]
The menu is easy breezy and we still have room for your input as well.
Below is a list of responsibilities associated with the role. Additional responsibilities may be assigned.
- Create and maintain weekly food spend/waste budgets
- Order and receive grocery items for kitchen use
- Work with café manager to create scheduling for cooks and dishwashers
- Cook & Prep for service
- Assist with menu creation and recipes
- Keep an immaculately clean kitchen area

[Full/Time & Part/Time Cheese & Wine Experts]
This position reports to the Retail Assistant Manager.
- Must be comfortable “cutting-and-wrapping-the-cheese” for customers,
- making beautiful cheese plates for the bar and working a register
Wine Experts
- You'll recommend quality wines for customers.
- Set up the daily tasting table
- Stock wines

[ FT/Part Time Wine Servers: ]
You - Must LOVE LOVE LOVE wine and people!
We don’t really have bartenders at screwtop, everyone works both the tables and behind the bar.
Tips are shared.
This position reports to the Café/Bar Manager.

[FT/PT Cooks:] This position reports to the Kitchen Manager.
Our menu simple & easy to prepare. (no deep frying)
Must have prior cooking experience.

If you are interested in any of the positions above, please send an email with:

* a resume,
* cover letter indicating position of interest,
* and salary requirements

to wendy(at)screwtopwinebar.com.

Thanks so much!

screwtop on AOL Home Page - Wow

2009-08-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

Just a big THANKS to AOL for featuring screwtop this morning on their home page.

Very cool!

We signed the lease - 1025 N. Fillmore Here We Come!

2009-08-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

So to some, a lease might sound like small potatoes, and I guess in the grand scheme of things it's just another detail. But for us this has been such a long time coming. We searched over a year to find something "within our budget"; and in Clarendon that's no easy task.

We are just a block South of Clarendon Blvd. and very metro accesible from the Clarendon stop. If you turn right at the corner where Harry's Taproom and Le Pain de Quotien (LPQ) N. Fillmore st. and go through the stop sign on 11th, you'll see our space next to the Zoso flats lobby.

If all goes as planned, we should be open sometime in December.

We All Start Somewhere

2009-08-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

You would presume that most of my family and friends think I am absolutely certifiably crazy to leave a great corporate career with a fantastic salary and bountiful benefits “during a recession” to open a business in an entirely different field. But, everyone in my life has been so supportive and excited for this, and I am filled with so much appreciation and love for all of you.

I have always been entreprenurially minded, and it doesn't help matters that both my family and David's are a very driven breed of people, who don't go down without a fight.

Having said that, AOL Small Business has decided to follow me on this journey of opening a small business in a new series called The Start Up. So here we go, hang on to your hats because it’s going to be a wild ride.

Photo Credit: David Rogowski, AOL