Victor Abler and Darrick Beekman bring their love of and passion for wine to Hyde Park with
Unwind, a wine bar where guests can forget the worries of their days while enjoying a glass--or glasses--of wine.
“I want people to come and be relaxed, I want people to come and have fun,” Beekman says. “Whatever Unwind means to you.”
Both Abler and Beekman have management backgrounds. Since neither has been schooled in wine or cuisine, they hired a sommelier and are in the process of hiring a food coordinator for their new space, slated to open in November before Thanksgiving.
Beekman says Unwind will be upscale, but without an attitude. He envisions a more Napa and Sonoma Valley feel for Unwind.
“I want people to feel that they have stepped out of Cincinnati into a little part of wine country, wherever that is for them—it
could be California, it could be Bordeaux, it could be in Germany, it could be in France,” Beekman says.
Abler and Beekman chose 3435 Michigan Ave. because of its central and its outdoor space, which they will heating in the colder months. The courtyard will house a fire pit; the indoor space will have a fireplace.
Unwind’s main focus will be wine. It will display clear, temperature-controlled coolers to ensure the best flavors for each wine. The décor and furnishings include barrels of wine used as wall decorations and tables. Three flat screen televisions will show instructional DVDs about wine.
Unwind will also feature a wine cave, or side lounge, available for small, private events. The owners also plan themed nights, art and wine events in which the artist’s work will be displayed and nights featuring live soft music, like jazz, classical or acoustic guitar.
The menu will include light appetizers, such as a cheese plate, with pairing suggestions. Bottled beer and liquor will also be available.
Construction for Unwind begins Monday, Sept. 17. Expect a real red carpet for the grand opening celebration. Owners say that tentative hours are 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., with special brunch menus for Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Abler and Beekman also plan to showcase wine tastings and wine classes for beginners up to experts. “The sky’s the limit,” Beekman says. “We have years to play with this, and make it so interesting.”
By Stephanie Kitchens
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