The Adventure Begins
The rain came down in sheets last Wednesday night as Redbeard, Jenny, Julie and I ventured out into the night. I pressed the accelerator down, and the mighty Bloomsmobile splashed through puddles and skimmed over the large lake that had formed underneath the Louisiana Avenue railroad bridge in St. Louis Park. Nothing was going to keep us from going to Date Night at the “Warehouse Winery;” we would not be denied!
As the Bloomsmobile rounded the corner on Cambridge Street, we could see a number of cars parked on the street and a headed towards unique, welcoming marquee sign that blinked “Warehouse Winery.” We had arrived! I had been waiting a year and a half to go to this venue, and it was finally becoming a reality!
Dropping Jenny and Jules at the door, Redbeard and I parked the Bloomsmobile in a parking lot across the street. I wasn’t sure if that was the right location to park, but there were other cars parked there. We figured we were in the clear since it was after working hours for normal businesses in the area. Memo to self: that probably is one question I will have to follow-up with the fine Warehouse Winery folks for future reference.
Enter the Winery
Queue the Sinatra! You can’t tell the story about a place like this without some classic music, right?
As Redbeard and I sprinted across the street through the pouring rain and entered the Warehouse Winery, we noticed the unique décor right away. Immediately inside, there are a number of classic suitcases, unique tables, couches and a coat check area. Beyond that was a central bar area with several award-winning wines on display. We shook off the rain, hung our coats on the rack, walked around the bar area and peered into the main gathering area where a band was playing. There were all kinds of eclectic items on display including an elephant skull, elephant statues, mannequins, a pinball machine, piano and all kinds of interesting bureaus and industrial-type furniture. It was tastefully decorated, and every corner, nook and cranny was an adventure.
We paid our entrance fee ($15 per person) and received a Warehouse Winery wine glass. As part of our $15 fee, we tasted four of the featured wines and got a glass of our favorite of the four wines after the tasting was complete. We also had an opportunity to sample glasses of any of the other wines for $6 per glass.
As part of the wine tasting, Warehouse Winery also provided appetizers from Green Mill and Muddy Paws Cheesecake. Green Mill provided spinach dip, humus and salsa with a pita bread, pita chips and tortilla chips. Muddy Paws Cheesecake provided two types of cheesecakes that were simply fantastic! I had never heard of Muddy Paws Cheesecake before, but Julie had. I guess that should not be surprised given her contacts in the wedding world through Julia’s Blooms. Regardless, I have to say that the food was REALLY good, and the folks keeping the table stocked were really nice.
We were there to taste the four bottles of wine, of course! Overall, the wines were good, although we preferred the first bottle of wine that night: Number 7, which was a Rosé. Two of the red wines were Frontenac blends and aged in oak. Warehouse Winery blends juice from Minnesota Frontenac grapes (that can tolerate the cold climate here in Minnesota) with juice from California grapes. After we tasted the four wines, we all got one more glass of Rosé.
With the wine flowing, Redbeard and I decided to try a different wine that was not on the tasting menu. We talked with the staff, and we both purchased a glass of white wine made from peaches. It was very, very good, and I would have that wine again.
Future Events
Redbeard, Jenny, Julie and I agree that Wine Down Wednesday at the Warehouse Winery was a great time. We will be going back on future Date Night Adventures to try other wines and hang out together. If you are interested in going to a future Wine Down Wednesday, please see the following upcoming Wine Down Wednesay dates:
December 2015 – DUE TO HOLIDAYS THERE WILL BE NO WDW THIS MONTH
January 13th 2016 6-9pm
February 10th 2016 6-9pm
March 9th 2016 6-9pm
April 13th 2016 6-9pm
May 11th 2016 6-9pm
June 2016-August 2016 Closed for Summer
September 14th 2016 6-9pm
October 12th 2016 6-9pm
November 9th 2016 6-9pm
December 14th 2016 6-9pm
The Warehouse Winery is not open to the public every night, but they are open for Wine Down Wednesday tastings and also for special events (weddings, corporate parties, etc.). The Warehouse Winery can also be reserved for group events (i.e., birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, etc.). As of November 24, 2015, the cost for a group events is on the following sliding scale:
10-25 Guests $20.00 (Per Guest)
25-100 Guests $15.00 (Per Guest)
101-200 Guests $10.00 (Per Guest)
Group Minimum: 10 Guests
Wines to Sample: Up to 5
Check with the Warehouse Winery to confirm availability and current prices.
Your Turn
I hope you get a chance to get out and explore different places like the Warehouse Winery. Do you have an unusual place that you go for Date Night? Feel free to share it with us! We are always looking for new places to go. Just make sure you get out and have an adventure.
Learn. Do. Grow.