Everything about Fruit of the Vine Wine Bar is unexpected - from its location in an old air gas building along U.S. Highway 92 in Auburndale to the Old World atmosphere inside, not to mention the beverage choices that go beyond the simple "white" or "red."
Perched on the edge of the highway among warehouse buildings and mobile homes, brightly colored umbrellas and European-style statues beckon one to take a closer look. Refreshing water fountains, twinkle lights and green plants lead one upstairs to an indoor garden patio created with the help of Winter Haven-based artist Robert Shelsea. His star-ridden night sky, painted columns and other architectural accents transport patrons to another place and time.
"I love Victorian and patio," she said. "I love the Old World look," said owner Terry Johnson. "I wanted a place that when you walked in you feel comfortable - not like an ordinary bar."
"Women don't like to go into bars. They don't want to be followed or stalked," she added.
But men and women alike are drawn to the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
Lisa Duke of Polk City and Audrey Oscarson of Auburndale are sisters who meet at the wine bar every Thursday for Ladies Night.
"I think it is just classier than a bar. It's decorated so nicely," Duke said.
Her sister smiles in agreement.
"I'm kind of a prissy person and this is a prissy place," Oscarson said.
But it's not for ladies only. Bob and Wendy Malott have been regulars since he discovered the place while looking for a consignment shop. He went immediately home and returned with his wife.
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A large horse water fountain greets guests as they walk in the door of the Fruit of the Vine in Auburndale.
George Aycrigg / News Chief |
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"I walked in and found out it was one of the bars that has class," he said. They've been regulars ever since.
While a variety of hors d oeuvres are served during happy hour, 5 to 7 p.m., one may choose from several menu items, including chicken, egg and tuna salads; cheese plates; and desserts. But the main draw is wine - hundreds of varieties to satisfy every personal taste.
Featuring 100 percent fruit wines from the Florida Grove Winery, customers - all of whom Johnson considers friends - may choose from Mango Champagne; Water Melon Wine; Florida Fever; made from passion fruit; Cocoa Beach, an orange wine fermented with chocolate syrup; and Florida Sweet Pineapple Wine.
For those with more traditional taste in wine, Johnson offers such favorites as Francis Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau St. Michelle Reisling.
Johnson allows three complimentary wine samples during a visit to the establishment. An additional four samples can be purchased for $5.
"I like the free samples," Oscarson said. "I like to try before I buy."
Then there are the wine-tinis and wine smoothies, variations of refreshing favorites.
Wine-tinis, a big seller at the wine bar, is wine made into a martini.
"Instead of vodka, we use a wine that tastes like vodka, tequila or rum," said Johnson, who attended bar tending school to hone her drink-making skills before opening the place.
She describes smoothies as "slushies made with wine." They come in a variety of flavors - coco polada, Key lime, mango, sangria, watermelon, strawberry, banana and moca. A wine is chosen to enhance the flavor of the smoothie mix.
Wendy Malott often orders a slushy.
"They're refreshing with different fruit flavors," she said.
And it is also a drink of choice for Duke, who describes herself as, "not much of a wine drinker."
Regulars like the Malotts know that on Thursday and Friday nights they can chill out to the live music of Chrissy Harriman, who sings an eclectic mixture with both current and old music and a blend of country, folk and soft rock, and the Las Vegas style of vocalist Richie Val.
The wine bar's very existence is a surprise to Johnson, a former Realtor who dreamed of creating custom-made distinctive gift baskets for all occasions. In 2008, she opened Fruit of the Vine Gift Baskets and ran the business out of her husband's real estate office.
"I started investigating the wine to put in baskets, but everyone started wanting to sample the wine," Johnson said. "If I gave people a sample, I didn't want to get into trouble."
So, she took a year to study the growing wine bar industry, transform the air gas building into relaxing, European-like getaway place and learn everything she could about wine.
For Johnson, a vivacious blonde with a genuine friendliness and thick Southern accent, the wine bar is as much about people as it is wine and business.
"These are sad times. Everybody you talk to has a sad story. People need to reach out and listen," she said. "So I thought, why not produce an atmosphere that is safe and fun - a place to laugh and meet new people?"
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