Leanne S.
Yelp
I remember the buzz around town when this place first opened. I once went in twice in one day with different friends -- everyone wanted to get a look and a drink here. Still going strong, it is the only wine bar in town, a relaxing stylish understated atmosphere crafted from a row home and an important part of the renaissance that is West Reading. I thought surely when one wine bar became successful, others would crop up, but Winedown pretty much has the entire market.
Winedown is now open on Sundays, which is a good thing, because Sunday pickings in this county are slim. In the last year, they have added an outdoor patio. The menu has recently been upgraded, and I was pleased to see that some (plant-based) things I had suggested showed up on it. Thank you Ben, for listening to your customers and being open to vegan food. Small plate snacks are artfully presented, and they will customize dishes without making you feel like a pain.
Service in here has always been very sweet and personable, whether you are at the bar or a table. The wines are listed by style, which is always helpful, because you can choose by your mood. Their daily drink specials are good too. I recently got in on the Beaujolais Nouveau (which the French rush around for at this time of year) at $5 a glass, and it is quite good this year. Glassware is roomy to allow appropriate space inside, and they know how to make cocktails too. I'd love to see them add more vintage recipes to the menu. That trend is passing in major cities but still has not hit our county.
You will never be stuck with an oxidized glass here, and they pay attention to wine news and are up on what is going on in the wine world in order to bring it to you. They have classes and special events too.
I was hoping they would buy the empty space next door and expand, but it's ok; a very cool little bookshop grabbed it.