Jessica N.
Yelp
What a much anticipated, lovely addition to downtown Farmington. While craft breweries and coffee shops have become plentiful in the area, a wine bar has been a much needed addition and Santé winery has finally welcomed the area to fill the wine shaped void. They're located in the former Browndog Barlor next to 1Up Arcade and Basement Burger Bar. The atmosphere is charming, chic, and cozy with warm red walls, plush leather booths and welcoming staff. The wine bar is setup similar to popular craft beer self-pour taprooms like Elephant & Co. Taproom and North End Taproom. Santé has a self-pour wall of over 32 rotating taps of various wines from chardonnays, cabernets, and rosés, to ports and ice wines. They give you a lanyard with a card attached that you can scan at any of the pour stations and select whether you would like a 1 oz, 2.5 oz, or 5 oz pour. No need to worry about pouring too much or too little as the machine does all the work for you once you make your selection. The touchscreens at each station allow you to browse the various regional wines with descriptions of flavor profiles and tasting notes to help you make your selection. I chose to make my own flight to try several various 1 oz pours. My favorites were the Carmenere Reserva, an earthy Chilean red with notes of red fruits and black pepper, and also the Pelee Island Vidal Ice Wine. They also have the option to purchase a full bottle to take home if you find a wine that you love and have over 100 wines to choose from. Santé also will offer a full charcuterie menu to snack on while sampling your wine as well as seafood selections including white fish, mussels, and crab and artisan cheese plates including honey goat cheese, brie, and tomato herb fomage. I sampled several cheeses and fresh salami, prosciutto, a delicious jam with crackers and other offerings from their charcuterie menu and they were all super tasty. The staff and owner, Clint, were all so welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable offering selections and recommendations and were attentive and helpful. Clint said they would also be hosting various wine tastings and events throughout the year where you can not only sample the wines but learn more about the wines from their knowledgeable staff. Love this addition to downtown Farmington and can see myself coming here for girls night out with friends or date nights. Really enjoyed the wines I tried and the experience here. Can't wait to return.