Bacchus Reigns in the Gaslamp District

by Frank Mangio

Bacchus is the God of Wine in Greek mythology. Also known as Dionysus, he represents the intoxicating power of wine, and its social and beneficial influences. He is also known as a liberator, bringing an end to care and worry.

Karen Kiser and Jeff Sullivan know well the extraordinary magic of the wine experience. Their Bacchus Wine Bar and Market in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego casts a knowing atmosphere of the international charm of wine. It is an experience of discovery, with wine events twice weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. One week it could be Italy, next the Rhone Valley, then Chile and Argentina; or big Zinfandels and unusual grapes. Karin brings years of study and training to the Bacchus. Here is a true Wine Bar and Market in downtown San Diego that offers many wine discoveries.

“We offer something different and want the customer who wants to try something new,” she said. “As wines grow in popularity, we grow with that success. We look for a wine that is not a household name, but carefully choose one that has cultivated the highest quality while keeping case count under control.”

I asked her what she drinks at the end of the day. “It changes a lot. I have a wide-ranging palate. Right now, I’m on a Bordeaux kick but it could change next week when we do our next tasting. I may find a new favorite.”

I asked then if her customers still search around for value with a low price. “Not as much as last year,” she answered. “Our customers want to find a relationship with a great bottle of wine. Most of our wine events are offered with wines under $20. a bottle.” The event I attended was a Rhone-Style Blend Flight, with 7 beautiful wines for just $15.

Most wines reflecting this style were from the south of France, with my favorite being a 2009 Domaine des Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone with 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Carignan.($14.99)

Hours are Monday thru Saturday 12 to 9pm and Sunday 12 to 6pm. Call 619-236-0005. www.bacchuswinemarket.com.

Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards

The leading wine/food trade publication, Wine Spectator, just released its 2011 awards for their excellent wine programs.

The Addison at the Grand Del Mar was a Grand Award Winner, with Wine Sellar & Brasserie in San Diego.

Jesse Rodriguez is the Wine Director at Addison and Amaya Bistro at the Grand Del Mar, both 2011 award winners from Wine Spectator Magazine.

Other awards went to the following restaurants in San Diego: Acqua Al 2, San Diego, Amaya Bistro at the Grand Del Mar Bertrand’s at Mr. A’s San Diego, Clay’s La Jolla, Donovon’s Steak & Chop House San Diego, Mistral Coronado, Ruth’s Chris Steak House San Diego, Toast Enoteca & Cucina San Diego.

North San Diego County included: Argyle Steakhouse Carlsbad, West and Bistro West Carlsbad, Delicias Rancho Santa Fe, Firefly Grill and Wine Bar Encinitas, Firenze Trattoria Encinitas, Flavor Del Mar, Mille Fleurs Rancho Santa Fe, Pacifica Del Mar, Paradise Grille Del Mar, Sbicca Del Mar, Vivace Park Hyatt Carlsbad.

Wine Bytes

§ Viva Vino Tapas Wine Bar in Old Town Temecula has Dylan Carbonne and the Latin Connection Sat. Aug. 13, from 8 to 11pm. Thurs. is Salsa Night. $10. a lesson after 8pm. Phone 951-506-5953.

§ Sage Grill Encinitas presents d’Arenberg wines from Australia, matched up with a three course dinner Mon. Aug. 15. Cost is $59. RSVP at 760-943-7243.

§ Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido brings in Rudi Wiest, German wine expert, Sat. Aug. 13 from 2 to 4pm. RSVP at 760-745-1200. $10. charge.

§ San Diego State University resumes its schedule of extension wine classes with “Exploring Wine” Tuesdays starting Aug. 16 to Sept. 13 from 6 to 9pm on campus. The goal is the Business of Wine Professional Certificate. More at www.neverstoplearning.net/wine, or call 619-594-6924.

§ Rossi’s Pizza and Sports Bar in San Marcos has a Rotta Wine Dinner featuring owner Mike Giubbini, from Paso Robles, with award-winning Zinfandel and other wine varietals. The date is Sat. Aug. 20 starting at 5:30pm. Four course dinner with four Rotta special wines. Cost is $40. Call 760-727-4747 for an RSVP.