News Summary
Darling Wine Bar, located at 101 W Loudon #164 in Lexington, has been awarded the title of Best Wine Bar in the 2024 Best of Lex by Smiley Pete. Open since July 2023, the bar features an inclusive atmosphere and an extensive selection of over 50 wines, focusing on natural and low-intervention varieties. The bar also hosts various events to engage the community and promote a fun-loving environment. Owner Alex Johns aims to make wine accessible to all, enhancing the local social scene.
Lexington, Kentucky – Darling Wine Bar, a new venue located at 101 W Loudon #164, has been named the Best Wine Bar in the 2024 edition of Best of Lex by Smiley Pete. The bar, which opened its doors in July 2023, has quickly made a name for itself, taking over the space previously occupied by The Breeze Wine Bar in Greyline Station.
Owner Alex Johns has created a welcoming environment where all guests can enjoy the experience of wine without pretenses. With a philosophy centered on inclusion and fun, Johns seeks to make wine accessible to everyone, positioning Darling Wine Bar as a community hub rather than just a drinking establishment.
The decor at Darling Wine Bar is notably eccentric, featuring unusual items like a high-wire unicycling doll, Hot Wheels cars, and various squishy toys, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both lively and inviting. Patrons appreciate the space, often describing it as a second living room reminiscent of the beloved bar in the TV show ‘Cheers,’ fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Darling Wine Bar offers a diverse lineup of events to engage patrons and enhance the experience. Regular happenings include “Sunday Scaries,” trivia nights, Friday happy hours, and specialized food and wine pairings. This variety has proven to attract a wide audience seeking both entertainment and quality beverages.
The wine selection at Darling Wine Bar is extensive, boasting over 50 wines available by the glass and bottle. The focus is on natural and low-intervention wines, with an emphasis on options that have low or no sulfites. The selection features wines from various regions, including California, Italy, France, and Georgia, alongside offerings from the University of Kentucky Winery. Most wines range in price from $20 to $35, with select options rotated regularly to encourage patrons to experiment with new flavors.
In addition to wine, the bar provides a variety of drinks, including beers, cocktails, and unique nonalcoholic options. Among the selections are THC beverages as well as small bites like fish and olives, catering to a range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Johns, who previously bartended at Cosmic Charlie’s until its closure, is also active in the local music scene. His commitment to collaboration within the Greyline community is evident; he often directs customers to nearby restaurants for food, fostering a collaborative atmosphere among local businesses.
The bar’s operating hours are designed for maximum accessibility. It opens Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Darling Wine Bar remains closed on Mondays to ensure staff can regroup and prepare for the week ahead.
Looking to the future, there are plans to expand the wine selection to include organic and biodynamic options, further enhancing the offerings available to customers. As the bar continues to grow, it reinforces its commitment to creating an enjoyable environment where wine lovers of all types can gather and celebrate the pleasures of great beverages and friendship.
For those interested in learning more about Darling Wine Bar, further details can be found on their website, DarlingWineBar.com.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com – Bourbon
- Wikipedia: Wine
- Smiley Pete – Best of Lex Bars & Nightlife
- Google Search: Dramatic Wine Bar in Lexington
- Visit Lex – Greyline Station
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine bars
- Smiley Pete – Where to Eat Now
- Google News: Dramatic Wine Bar Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
