11/15/07

Outstanding wine-buying guidance and a general interest in what people want!

by youraime

Vinea has broadened my tastes and opened my eyes to buying wine that I've never heard of. Generally, when having my heart set on something, I have at times been dissapointed by the lack of dynamic in a bottle I have chosen. All I can say is that this is a thing of the past! Ever since Vinea has opened, my habit-forming drive to Green Hills to buy has been transformed to a quick trip to 12 South. The prices can be a little steep, however, the quality is never lacking. I have found some of my new favorites just wandering about the store. I think that's one thing I find most pleasure in, that I can actually walk around and not be in danger of knocking someone over or even worse, paying for broken bottles! It's much less intimidating because you can actually concentrate on what your there for... to buy fantastic wine! Thank you Mark and Jason for always pointing me in the right direction. Mark has a palette like no other and somehow, seems to read your mind when it comes to buying something new. I've yet to be dissapointed. Some of the brightest, boldest, chewy vino I've ever had has come by way of Vinea. Thank you!

Visit them and you'll know what I'm talking about!

Just a recommendation: In Situ Gran Reserva Cabernet, Sassiolo, Slatestone Reisling, and Frambois to go with dessert. Utterly fantastic!

• Pros: Outpouring of wine knowledge!
• Cons: Sometimes the wine you want may be out of stock.

10/03/07

Great wine expert on staff, but lack of inventory

by tdadams

The best reason to shop at Vinea is Mark Johnson. Those who know him agree, he knows his wine better than anyone in Nashville. And Mark is a very likable guy. He is always friendly (enthusiastic I would say), eager to talk about wine, and very helpful to customers looking for a new wine experience.

The biggest downside of Vinea though is a serious lack of selection. They keep a bare minimum inventory. Last time I was there, I couldn't find a single magnum of Chardonnay of any kind in stock. I will commend them on the wines they carry. In every price range, they choose some of the best vineyards.

But I will also agree with those who say the prices are too high. I'm sure they can't get the same wholesale price breaks that Frugals can, but their retail prices are a bit tough to swallow. To compare, a bottle of Rocha delle Macie at Vinea is $15.99 and at Frugal is $11.99.

I hope Vinea is able to stay in business. They are conveniently located, a nice addition to the 12South area, and I like supporting local shops. But they need to improve prices and inventory available.

• Pros: Great service, friendly and knowledgable staff, good selection
• Cons: Expensive and limited inventory

07/18/07

Relaxed, comfortable, and VERY OVERPRICED

by nashvilleneighbor

Mark is very outgoing, good at matching wines to customer tastes, and much more approachable than employees at nearby retailers.

BUT -- the prices are INSANELY HIGH. Identical wines at other Nashville shops were 20 to 40 PERCENT less. One bottle I bought for $50 is readily available for $30-$35 around town. I would have never found it without Mark, but I sure felt ripped off later. For this reason, I'll be back, but not often.

• Pros: Very approachable AND full of knowledge (a rare combination in the wine world)
• Cons: Prices. Finer wines are seriously overpriced.

01/03/07

Good Italian Wines!!!! Si! Si! Si!

by italianteacherintn

Amazing! Meraviglioso!!! I have lived in Italy and taught Italian for the last ten-twenty years, and by far this store has assisted me to find and buy the wines that I long for from my Italian experience and heritage while living in Italy....Mark Johnson is by far the best wine EXPERT in Nashville, and offers himself as a consultant to the learning public LIKE ME...who wants to know what is available at my price range in Nashville....so have no fear, he is helpful, and will educate you as to good wines, and good italian food, lessons, etc.

Translated from the Latin words for "city of wine," this 12South district bodega lives up to its name.

by Contributor

In Short
Wine lovers browse between cedar racks that separate bottles by region and country at this space adjacent to Mafiaoza's. Hardwood floors, exposed brick and mustard-colored walls give the room a warm glow as employees engage customers from a rectangular--and cork-covered--counter in the center of the room. While a cooler for chilled wines and specialty beers runs the length of one wall, a selection of liquors line shelves at the back of the store.