If you ask any server at The Grape to recommend a wine, he won’t skip a beat before spouting forth options to pair with your dinner. That’s because wine training is an everyday occurrence at this Lower Greenville staple. Both the menu and wine list rotate every week or two, and the staff stays abreast with regular tastings so they can recommend favorites and explain why a particular bottle would complement your Australian lamb sirloin. With a list topping 200 bottles, it’s good to know that someone can point you in the right direction. But no one will cringe if you stray from the path, says general manager Mark Gilsdorf. “We’re very unpretentious. We certainly carry white zinfandel — we’re not above that,” he says. “Wine should be something enjoyed with any type of atmosphere and any type of situation with no particular rules or strict dos and don’ts.” Pinot noir is The Grape’s top seller (Gilsdorf chalks this up to the impact of the move Sideways) but the restaurant also prides itself on seeking out good dollar-value wines from places such as Spain and Argentina. The by-the-glass options also include a Chardonnay from neighborhood favorite Times Ten Cellars — try it and other varietals for half price on Monday nights, when the menu also features $3 martinis and half-priced calamari to boot.
The Grape
2808 Greenville
214-828-1981
$$$
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 5:30-11:30 p.m.
Five more wine lists worth checking out
1 EASY ON THE WALLET
The casual atmosphere this eatery exudes is accentuated by its affordable wine list, featuring mainly Australian and off-the-beaten path selections.
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2 A GREAT MATCH
The wine list is every bit as good as the restaurant’s dishes. Select a bottle based on the menu’s recommended pairings or choose one that strikes you — either way, it’s hard to go wrong.
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3 RARE FINDS
A Texas restaurant that carries Texas wines — what a concept. This eatery prides itself on carrying labels before they become popular.
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4 JUST A TASTE
If the selection isn’t enough to draw you into the store, go for the free wine tasting on the last Sunday of every month from 4-6 p.m.
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5 IT’S GREEK TO ME
Whether you want a $20 bottle or a $120 bottle, this restaurant has it, and every selection complements the Greek dishes.
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