Wined It Up: A delightful addition to Beaufort's culinary scene

By Stephanie Venz | Wined It Up, Beaufort’s new Wine Bar and Specialty Deli is the perfect addition to the Beaufort dining scene. Since the spot is new, I figured it would be a great spot for a new foodie to check out. When we first walked into the restaurant I found a large newly furnished space, with an impressive 55ft copper topped bar, great red ‘mood-setting’ lights, and bright paintings across the walls. After being seated by our friendly server, we settled in to the chilled-out Monday night atmosphere, and listened to the great contemporary background music.

Now to the important stuff: The wine. It’s fabulous! I’m not just talking about a good wine you can buy from your local liquor store; I’m talking about handOne of the unique things Wined It Up offers on their wine menu is different size wine servings, including 2oz, 4oz and 6oz glasses. The purpose of this is so you can pair different wines with your chosen small plate, without drinking gallons of wine. picked wine from the owner and wine buyer Bryan Shepler. My husband and I sampled quite a few wines between us (hiccup!), and enjoyed every one we tried.

One of the unique things Wined It Up offers on their wine menu is different size wine servings, including 2oz, 4oz and 6oz glasses. The purpose of this is so you can pair different wines with your chosen small plate, without drinking gallons of wine. We started with a glass of the JCB No. 69 Brut Rose, went to white, then red, and then finally finished with a dessert wine that was simply to die for (but I will get to that later).

In particular, I recommend that you try the Kunde Zinfadel as it is very smooth and easy to drink red.

Wined It Up offers a tapas style dinner menu meticulously put together by head chef, Tara Tracy. We ordered the soft shell crab, pot stickers and the ‘Meta’ y Medio’ – a combined cheese and charcuterie board. All plates were delicious. My personal favorite of the three dishes was the pot stickers, which are made by hand and change daily. On this night we had braised rabbit- my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I would consider going back and just ordering two bowls all to myself!

The ‘Meta’ y Medio’ platter was also great. Some notable inclusions on the plate included roasted fava beans, brie cheese, speck, and these little red balls called sweety peps.The ‘Meta’ y Medio’ platter was also great. Some notable inclusions on the plate included roasted fava beans, brie cheese, speck, and these little red balls called sweety peps. I had never had sweety peps before but boy they are tasty! The only negative I have about our dinnertime is the table size. The table for two was a little small such that we couldn’t fit all the plates on at the same time. My recommendation – ask for a bigger table if there’s room.

After our tapas plates, my husband and I were getting pretty full. But then we were told the dessert menu.Our server said the words “chocolate fondue”, and the rest is history. Our server said the words “chocolate fondue”, and the rest is history.

The chocolate fondue was accompanied by homemade marshmallows, fruit, pound cake and homemade peanut butter truffles.

Am I in heaven? Yes, I am.

What topped this dessert off was the accompanying French wine, called Sauternes. The owner went into the intriguing process of making such the sweet wine, sealing my faith in him as a wine expert.

Overall, I thought the price points were pretty reasonable. However, if you’re really hungry and want to eat several different tapas plates, it could add up quickly. Don’t expect to have a big hearty meal here. If you want a big steak and mac and cheese you’re at the wrong place. Expect tasty small plates, and I recommend ordering about two per person.

A few things you may not know about Wined It Up… They have a fabulous Deli in the back of the restaurant where you can buy meat and cheese by the ounce. There is a wine retail section in the back half of the restaurant, where you can pick up some great gifts and the paintings on the walls are all by local artists and if one catches your eye you’re in luck- it’s for sale!

Finally, you can buy the wine right off the wall. I don’t know about you, but I often want to gift a nice bottle of wine if I go to a friend’s place for dinner but feel like I am playing Russian roulette when it comes to picking out the perfect bottle.

I will always feel confident going to Wined It Up and picking up a bottle(s) of wine there, as with Bryan’s expertise I can guarantee it will be tasty.

Wined It Up is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, from 11am until close. It’s located at 705 Bay St (near Fordham Market) Beaufort, and you can place your reservation for a night of fun at 843-379-5585.

Cheers!

You can always see more of Stephanie over on her travel & style blog at TripsandTrends.com.

My personal favorite of the three dishes was the pot stickers, which are made by hand and change daily. On this night we had braised rabbit- my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wined It Up offers a tapas style dinner menu meticulously put together by head chef, Tara Tracy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can buy wines right off of the wall at Wined It Up. I will always feel confident going to Wined It Up and picking up a bottle(s) of wine there, as with Bryan’s expertise I can guarantee it will be tasty.