By Linda Catoe
Armed with only their taste buds and the willingness to explore, travelers on the Battleground Wine Trail’s greatest challenge will be choosing from an arsenal of wine selections, paired strategically with a delectable array of culinary treats.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Zeto Wine and Cheese Shop features self-serve VinoMatic Wine Machines. All you need is a VinoMatic card to press and pour tastes or glasses of twenty-four weekly selected wines. “The VinoMatic is a great thing,” McCauley, who teaches the Science of Wine course at Guilford College, said. “I like it because no one else does it.” The ‘Wine Wall’ lets tasters try an extensive variety of wines for a reasonable price. Zeto also hosts wine tastings. “We had a summer of many exciting wine events, like the South African Rickety Bridge tasting,” said co-owner Penny Demetriades. Located on Lindsay between and Greene and Elm Streets, with a GPS address of 335 Battleground Avenue, Zeto Wine and Cheese Shop is open Mon-Sat and offers a lot more than wine and cheese. “We’re still working on our fall tasting lineup,” co-owner Su Peterson said. “We have a few things we are still working on for the fall.” Stay tuned into Zeto at www.zetowines.com.
Moving west and north of downtown, touted as ‘Greensboro’s first authentic California-style wine bar,’ Rioja! A Wine Bar offers an astonishing selection of eighty wines by the glass. With sumptuous tapas featuring southern European delights, savory international sandwiches, and artisan cheeses, Rioja! stands out as a place to relax in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Feeling creative this fall? Owner Mark Lile-King says, “On Wednesday nights at Rioja! A Wine Bar, you can create your own three wine flights. With hundreds of combinations, let your creation match your wine mood!” Lile-King went on to say, that to add to the fun, “Rioja! will throw in a gourmet cheese sampler featuring two cheeses to enjoy with your flight. You get to create wine flights and explore gourmet cheeses all for only $9.00.” Open Mon-Sat. Rioja! A Wine Bar is located at 1603-D Battleground Ave. For more about Rioja! go to www.riojawinebar.com.
Just across the street and slightly north, the 1618 Wine Lounge not only promises great wines, but also an innovative small plate menu. The Wine Lounge also offers, “very nice cocktails for a change of pace,” McCauley said. In the Irving Park Plaza at 1724 Battleground Ave., Suite 105, the 1618 Wine Lounge, is open Mon-Sat. Check out their daily drink specials at: www.1618winelounge.com.
Travel the Battleground Wine Trail for fine wine, good food, and good company this fall. Or invent your own wine trail downtown and around town. The Triad has plenty of options for in town wine tours in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem.