As I’ve written before, Reno these days is a food-lover’s paradise. In just a few short years, the city has matured into an extravagant yet quirky and eclectic culinary scene with craft breweries, distilleries and new dining establishments. The character of Reno is felt in its food.
And as much as we love food, wine is a whole other story.
See, Reno is geographically close to Napa Valley – California Wine Country is literally just over the mountain. And as the city expands its culinary flavor, it is completely embracing a love of fine wine as well. I mean, really – what else are you going to drink with such incredible food?
It starts with the Reno Wine Walk every month – the next event being this Saturday, January 20. The hugely popular event draws crowds to the Riverwalk District to sip the afternoon away from bar to restaurant to storefront. Be it rain, snow or sunshine, Reno wine fiends will show up and make it one of the most fun and entertaining social gatherings of each month.
But don’t let other people get in the way of enjoying some of the best wine in town. Maybe you just want to pick up a bottle and bring it home. Your place is Craft in Midtown, a dimly lit wine and beer bottle shop (plus tasting room) with cases upon cases of options covering its floor and lining its red brick walls. You can peruse the reds and whites at your leisure, but the staff is made up of true sommeliers who will find you the best wine for your price point (including a ton of great imported wines). Ask about the wine club.
For just a nice evening glass among great company and plenty of options, try South Creek’s Whispering Vine. The classy wine bar boasts one of the larger selections in town, so if you’re not set on that zinfandel you may want to order a flight of four to try. The wines have traveled from as near as Shenandoah Valley and as far as France, and you won’t ever be disappointed with your choice. Be sure to ask about the weekly deals and specials as well.
As for a great wine to go with dinner, one of my favorite spots is Napa Sonoma. It’s kind of like dining in a wine cellar, as the bottles take up much of the wall space at both restaurant locations in Reno. The resident sommelier picks only the best and most interesting wines from all around the world. And whether or not you know the perfect pairing with your filet mignon or seared salmon, the staff will ensure one of the best casual dining experiences in town. Napa Sonoma hosts wine tasting events as well.
Finally, how about some activity while you drink? Reno’s certainly caught the paint-and-sip fever that has swept most major cities in the country. The most prominent place for that activity in Picasso & Wine. Make it a date night or get a group together and sign up for one of Picasso & Wine’s nightly classes, where you show up, pour a glass and paint a masterpiece. Artists will guide you step by step, so no artistic experience required – though the wine may help.
Or try Succulents and Wine, a hands-on creative garden arranging class with – you guessed it – plenty of wine on hand while you create. A little more loosely structured than your average paint-and-sip, Succulents and Wine has so many types of plants and materials, you’ll go home with your own unique mini home garden and have some fun building it as well.
Photo: Succulents and Wine Facebook
I could try to go through every great wine spot in the Reno area, but the list is quite extensive. This city loves its wine, and sometimes the most fun you could have is stumbling upon a great little wine bar or fantastic restaurant with a surprisingly great wine list. I encourage you to go out and see what you can discover in the biggest little city, whether you’re walking, painting or just relaxing after a long week. I can guarantee you’ll love what you find.
For all the events around town this week, visit our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
