Passing through Fort Lauderdale and looking for a quality pour, I happened upon the excellent wine bar Vinos on Las Olas. With impeccable decor (and a generous happy hour!) it’s worth a stop on your way to the beaches, riverwalk, or shops of Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront.
Passing under soaring white arches on the trendy Las Olas Boulevard, you seat yourself at the outdoor tables or large wooden bar. Colorful glass light fixtures and Art Nouveau booze posters adorn the walls and ceiling. Looking through the tall windows, you can watch the sports cars and partiers parade up and down the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s beach district.
Parties of four or more can ask to be seated in the wine cave, and larger groups can reserve the blue-and-white Napoleon’s Parlour. There’s also a rumored speakeasy on premises–a tired gimmick that the Wine Fairy is totally over–but we won’t hold it against them.
Our bartender, Esteban, was patient and helpful as we combed through the wine list. Vinos has a good selection of wines from around the world, and very fair pricing. A full menu offers charcuterie boards and pizzas (the latter are just $10 during happy hour). Friendly local patrons were eager to proffer recommendations for nearby dining options including top-notch seafood and Italian spots.
I wasn’t expecting to find any drink specials on Friday after 5 PM in a beachfront town. But the Gods of Thrift were smiling upon us that day, because Vinos has 30% off wines by the glass. Also, half-price bottles (under $100) if you buy a cheese board.
I love spending a day in Fort Lauderdale, with its miles-long expanse of public beach, clean and walkable shopping districts, and mild evening weather. Though I never stay for very long, I always feel welcomed by its natural beauty and easygoing charm.
To float a wine metaphor, if Miami is a bottle of brand-name Champagne–flashy and eye-poppingly expensive–then Fort Lauderdale is like a good Crémant. You get the same white sand and palm trees, sunshine and elegant restaurants. But at a much better price and with less scene-y pressure. We got to build our own tasting flight at this lovely watering hole, and still have enough dough for oysters and street tacos.
Where: Vinos on Las Olas, 901 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
How much: Wines by the glass $10 and up. Wines by the bottle $28 and up. Happy hour specials Monday through Friday until 7 PM.
Wines tasted:
Augustine Bordeaux Blanc (France)
Borsao “Tres Picos” Garnacha (Spain)
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec (Argentina)
Château du Gaby Bordeaux 2014 (France)
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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