Vino Veritas Wine Bar, Riverside

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This Wine Bar just opened up this week and the wife and I have been eagerly anticipating its arrival. We have been there twice already and it has not disappointed. The selection of fine wines in this area was sorely needed and this upscale wine bar provides sampling not available in many places. You buy a "credit" card and can sample 1 & 1/4 ounces of wines costing from $0.75 to $15 per sample (most hover in the low $1-$2 area). Even some VERY expensive bottles are available to you at a cost that is manageable. The machine that dispenses the wine keeps the air from souring the wine so it can be sampled over a series of weeks. Almost like a wine ATM. If you really like your selection, you can either see if it is available by the glass or get a few more "samples" to have a full serving. Purchase by the bottle is also available. For those who aren't particularly fond of wine, IPA Stone Pale Ale and Stella Artoire is also available on draft but no other alcohol (soft drinks on tap flow also). A limited, but very tasty and eclectic menu also exists to complete the wine tasting experience. Bartender/servers Dan and Shawna are great and knowledgeable as can be. Be sure and pick Dan's brain if you are unsure about what type of wine you might like. Chef Al is a great guy who can and will make your food selection excellent. Managing Partner Dan Bear seems an affable and accessible gentleman. Overall, I can't wait to try more wines without having to drive into wine country (complaining only about the drive to wine country, not being there!!!) In fact, I am going again tonight with work colleagues instead of heading to the local bar after work. Lastly, there are at least three LCD TVs (one huge one behind the bar) providing sporting events or news, or, as Dan offered, whatever the people want to see (each TV is on it own different feed). Enjoy!!!