The Caviste Wine Bar/Shop — Restaurant in Winston-Salem

In a quaint European-esque building discreetly nestled on the corner of one of Buena Vista’s most picturesque streets, lies The Caviste Wine Bar/Shop, a beacon of hope for oenophiles in Winston-Salem. It is for this reason that I pen this critique; The Caviste holds promise, yet alas, the service leaves much to be desired.

Before delving into the crux of the matter, allow me to share some advice with you, dear reader, who is in search of a truly exquisite bottle of wine. Do go to The Caviste and pick up a bottle. Purchase it and take it home or go to a friend's house and share it with them. You will have a better time and have a plumper purse to boot.

If you decide to stay, I have a few commendations and cautionary tales to share.

Le Pros: Mon ami, the wine selection is truly impeccable and the ambiance très charmante. The Caviste excels at hosting date night events. There’s a homey neighborhood feel to the atmosphere. One can easily discern the regulars, and if perchance you are not among them, the regulars will spot you—a good sign to those in pursuit of a distinguished wine establishment—and that is precisely why I am incredibly confused each time I leave.

Le Cons: Upon bidding adieu to The Caviste, I am left with feelings ranging from indifference to outright bewilderment. Initially, these sentiments left me crestfallen, but after parting with upwards of $600 in total, frustration reigns supreme.

One star for service — a begrudging nod to the superlative wine selection. Alas, there is one bartender whose demeanor is consistently sour. Initially, I entertained the notion that perhaps they had endured a trying day, yet their demeanor remains perpetually dour.

Two stars for atmosphere; here’s rub: The Caviste’s proprietor has decided that the wine bar/shop should close its doors at 7 p.m. (week days) and 8 p.m. (Fri & Sat)—and that’s their business—quite literally. However, I implore the staff to exercise a modicum of consideration and refrain from haughtily expelling patrons. The conduct of certain staff members in this regard is both pretentious and annoying.

Three stars for food. The food (i.e., small bites) is delicious; the fare is regrettably overpriced for what is offered.

In conclusion, The Caviste Wine Bar/Shop in Buena Vista stands as a promising haven for wine enthusiasts in Winston-Salem, offering an impeccable selection and a charming ambiance reminiscent of European elegance. However, amidst the allure of its quaint setting and delectable offerings, the experience is marred by inconsistent service.

While the establishment shines in curating memorable date night events and a cozy neighborhood vibe, the lingering dissatisfaction stemming from lackluster service and premature closures casts a shadow over its potential greatness.

Despite the allure of its wine selection, the recurring disappointment leaves me always questioning the value of my experience. Thus, while The Caviste holds promise, it falls short of delivering a consistently satisfying experience. My advice: buy a...

A very special wine merchant, specializing in predominately more far-flung affairs from all over.

I know precisely a hair more than the average bear about what I like. I've worked at a wine bar, and have dear friends that are sommeliers, or otherwise run tasting rooms in California. I know how little I know, more or less - and what I've had that I like. I also know enough to make the wrong choice.

Stepping into Caviste, it's obvious that they're deeply knowledgeable about the background of their selection, going far deeper than the label's information would offer, but more than that, can home in on your preferences within that matrix of awesome options to really nail your subjective preferences.

That's a pretty tall order, and the bottle they helped me pick out at $45 was as good as much more expensive, excellent bottles I've had, but more importantly precisely what I described as my preferred flavor profile. That's pretty rare in my experience. You have to really understand and translate subjective language and also know your stock inside and out to pull that off.

Super impressive, and a fun time too. Highly...

So I’m here because your compatriot “Snobby Boy Bakery” threw you under the bus and pointed me in the right direction (although their review is staying too). They also clarified that you guys serve dinner until 8 apparently, or better yet, serve dinner to your snobby Winston-Salem “socialites” until 8. I arrived with two friends as a stop for one of their 30th birthdays, dressed to far exceed any code that might be present and quickly got the vibe that their “International Wine Night” was more of an event for regulars who probably all live in the same neighborhood. That’s a shame for me because I hear that a $20 glass of Malbec is a great pairing with a rude sommelier and “trendy” dive that wouldn’t know atmosphere if it snuck up behind it and tied its shoelaces together. More cadaver...