This week, we’re venturing a little further out to Lakewood Ranch for Wine Spot Wednesday. Fine Wine & Tastings on Main is an easy ride up I-75 and serves as an ideal waypoint if you’re traveling north (or returning home) for any reason. Since there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, it’s fun to make a day of it—a little shopping, a glass or two of wine, and a delicious dinner. Just one more unforgettable afternoon in our little corner of paradise!
I recently stopped by with a friend after visiting Palmer’s Orchids, and it was a much-needed break before heading home 🥂. We arrived in the middle of a bustling art fair, but parking was surprisingly easy to find. We slipped right in and secured a prime seat at the wine bar for a chilled glass of Carménère – a varietal we’ve grown quite fond of after our time in South America – and a shared hummus plate. It was a delightful pairing shared with a great friend.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Downtown Lakewood Ranch (about 40 minutes from Venice)
- Details: Website
- The Vibe: A more traditional wine shop and tasting bar, but still easy to drop in and grab a seat and a sip
- Food: They offer a sampling of small plates perfect to nibble on, but not enough to replace dinner
- Specialty: Nicely appointed wine shop and a rotating list of wines by the glass every month, so there are always new wines to try! Also, the owners only stock bottles they personally try and love
Ambiance:
This is a great storefront location right on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, so it is a little less neighborhood-esque than our Venice area picks, but it’s absolutely worth visiting! They have a large selection of bottles in the wine shop that you can browse while you taste, and we expect you’ll find at least one that you cannot leave without!
Why Visit:
- More than 300 selections by the bottle and 35 wines by the glass (rotating monthly). The wine list spans everything from approachable favorites like Caymus to higher-end bottles such as Opus One. Also check out their small South American wine section for some potential new varietals
- Great location for strolling shops, or trying restaurants in the area. It’s also an easy stop if you have errands or other things going on north of Sarasota…swing by for a taste or two
- They offer 2.5 oz and 5 oz pours. We love this because it makes for easy tastings of multiple wines, and is also the perfect pour for anyone who isn’t a big wine drinker, anyone who is driving but doesn’t want to be left out, etc
🏝️ Our Venice Wine Spot Wednesday Experience at Fine Wine & Tastings on Main
We’ve visited several times and appreciate the bottles available in the shop as well as the wines by the glass. This is where we first tried Viña Montes Purple Angel (an elevated Carménère that we enjoyed so much, we made sure it was on our must-visit list when we were in Chile earlier this year). You can find more accessible bottles like Caymus The Walking Fool, as well as more exclusive bottles like Opus One. You’ll certainly find some new-to-you wines, too, so don’t be surprised if you end up adding a few for your next dinner with friends.
🍷 Our Final Pour Wrap Up
Fine Wine & Tastings on Main is a great spot if you have a reason to be in the north Sarasota, LWR, Brandenton area, or if you just want to take a drive. It’s got a great selection and the team is knowledgeable, as they’ve tried all the wines they carry. We love stopping in when we’re in the area and trying something new…we think you will, too!
🏖️ Have you been to Fine Wine & Tastings on Main yet? We’d love to know where your go-to spots are in north Sarasota/LWR/Brandenton! Drop them in the comments! ⬇️