Water 2 Wine — Restaurant in Austin

I have been a dedicated patron of Water 2 Wine for the past 16 years. I have been a wine club member the entire time, as I have always enjoyed the wine and I absolutely LOVED the people (employees) and the atmosphere/vibe. I've been going here long enough that I have watched it change hands (owners) multiple times - the one constant throughout was Jenny. She was, truly, the FACE of Water 2 Wine, and for a stretch, she was the owner.

The place recently changed owners, again. Jenny told us the very disappointing news, but said she'd be staying on in some capacity, so despite some changes, we did not immediately jump ship - after all, Jenny WAS the reason that we'd been such loyal customers for as long as we were.

We've been by twice in recent weeks - the first time we walked in (and noticed that Jenny wasn't there) we inquired about Jenny's absence - in the 16 years that we've been going to Water 2 Wine I can count on 1, maybe 2 hands times, how many times she's not been there. When we asked, the owner said "Yea, she's taking some time off". We went back again last night and again, no Jenny - again, we asked about her absence and were told "Yea, she's not working tonight". At no point were we told that she no longer works there - I actually called today and asked - at that point I was told that "she sold the business a few months ago and doesn't work here anymore".

Since changing ownership, the place has a COMPLETELY different 'vibe' - it feels almost sterile. The TV has been removed and the music has been turned down to a level that is so low, you can't hear it - both times we've been there recently, we were one of two table in the entire place. Because it was so quiet, you felt as if you had to whisper, otherwise you'd be part of the net table's conversation. Additionally, everything is now painted white and all of the 'wine-themed' decor has been replaced (seems silly since this is a WINE BAR). As mentioned, we have been part of their wine club for 15 years - one of the perks is pay for the year and then receive various discounts on glasses and batches of wine. With change of ownership, we no longer have the option of paying annually, but rather have to pay by the month. The only 'up' side to that is now it should be easy to cancel the membership and not be out a year's payment.

The owner is friendly enough, I guess, however he made no effort to 'get to know us', so again, it's an easy decision to cancel our membership.

I HOPE the business succeeds, but without Jenny, and based on the empty tables the past two times we've been in, I am doubtful.

If you've never been, you won't know how great it used to be, or what you'll be missing. That said, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it a try, as it is a...

Enjoyed a visit on a Friday afternoon for a tasting. We sampled three different flights of wines as recommended by our hostess. She is very knowledgeable about all matters wine and their particular vintages. We also enjoyed a plate of delicious cheese and crackers. It was fun to try the different wines and see which ones we preferred. We took home a couple bottles including a special one with a unique label, which is something they can do for you. The interior is very comfortable with multiple seating options, and there is plenty of parking out front. They even have a way you can make up your own wine.... and they will " babysit" it before bottling it for you. Overall a very fun experience and something we...

LOVE Water2Wine! I've been a member there for about 8 years and have met some of my closest friends while enjoying a good glass of wine. Jenny, the owner, is a wonderful lady, and makes some of the best wines in town with the lowest of sulfites and chemicals. She and Dustin, who works there, are very knowledgeable of their wine and can give you a tour on how it is made. Dustin is a French Sommelier, as well as Chris, who works part time. It's a family oriented wine bar, and new people visiting there are always treated like family. They have lots of planned activities at different times from music, art exhibits, dinners, and much more. Check it out and you...