There is no better time to discover a spectacular new wine destination than for a friend’s birthday! To celebrate a special milestone, we headed just north of Venice to experience Masō in Sarasota.
As a newer addition to the local wine spot scene, we had already heard amazing things about its curated wine selection. A fellow wine lover at a local Venice wine bar first tipped us off, insisting while we sipped Cabernet Franc that Masō was an absolute must-visit for the region’s best wine lists. She wasn’t wrong! We absolutely loved it.
Enjoying the night at Masō!
Quick Facts
- Location: Sarasota, FL (tucked into the Swift Lounge Plaza. Enter through the Swift Lounge)
- Details: Website
- The Vibe: A vibey, moody steakhouse feel. Only 32 seats and a “hidden” entrance makes it feel fun and exclusive at the same time
- Food: An upscale, expertly curated menu featuring premium steaks, fresh seafood, and a raw bar
- Specialty: An extraordinary, extensive, and fairly priced wine list designed to elevate the dining experience
🍷Ambiance at Masō
There is something inherently thrilling about a dinner date that begins with a secret.🤫 Stepping into the elegance of the Swift Lounge is a treat in its own right (even though it’s in an odd strip mall location), but the real magic happens when you slip through its speakeasy-style entrance into Masō.
Instantly, the casual lounge atmosphere disappears, replaced by a deliciously moody, tucked-away sanctuary. Wrapped in deep midnight-blue tones and bathed in low, dramatic lighting, the space carries an exclusive, intimate energy. It feels less like a standard night out at a high-end Sarasota steakhouse and more like you’ve been granted access to a private, underground club where you can completely unwind and focus on friends (or each other!).
With just over thirty seats in the entire room, the layout embraces a striking intimacy that is hard to find in our part of the Gulf coast. Because you aren’t fighting the ambient roar of a massive crowd, the evening shifts instantly to focus on genuine connection, incredible food, and, of course, what’s in your glass 🍷. The service is stellar and attentive without being stuffy, perfectly matching the relaxed approach we love.
Why Visit
- The wine. Visit for the wine list alone!
- The menu is refined but still offers something for everyone with a clear focus on quality. All of our meals were delicious (and don’t skip the sides! Yum!)
- The new experience! This is one of a kind in the area and a perfect spot for a celebration!
- You can reserve on OpenTable!! And come on – we all really love to just book it ourselves when we think about it versus having to wait to call in during business hours, don’t we?
🏝️ Our Venice Wine Spot Wednesday Experience at Masō
The white-glove treatment actually started the day before our reservation. We received a text message containing a digital link to the wine list, along with an offer to decant any of our selections in advance. Because we were dining with friends and wanted to choose together, we didn’t utilize it this time – but you know my Partner in Wine loves to thoughtfully peruse a wine list without feeling rushed, so I know we will absolutely be taking advantage of this service in the future!
When we arrived, we spent a fun moment confirming we were in the right place within the Swift Lounge before being ushered through the secret door and into the beautiful dining room.
Upon opening the wine list, we were immediately impressed. It is not only incredibly extensive but also surprisingly well-priced for such a premium destination, setting the stage for a spectacular celebration.
To kick off the night, we selected a 2019 Tignanello Super Tuscan. Having a few vintages of this in our own cellar, we knew it would be a guaranteed winner for a birthday toast. It was spectacular—lush, smooth, and full of ripe cherry notes, lingering with elegant hints of chocolate and coffee.
The kitchen’s creativity was on full display when it came to accommodating a vegetarian request. Instead of a predictable pasta or risotto, I was served an incredibly imaginative grilled watermelon steak. The flavor profile was entirely new to me, and I loved appreciated the kitchen’s innovation.
Across the table, the meat-lovers were equally thrilled. The Pork Secreto was a massive hit for my Partner in Wine, and our birthday friends opted for steaks – with the birthday girl declaring her filet mignon one of the absolute best she’s ever had in the Sarasota area.
For our second bottle, we chose the 2022 Jax Cabernet Franc. We are big fans of Jax vineyard in general, and this bottle did not disappoint. While the 2019 Tignanello brought a bold, velvety Old World complexity, the 2022 Jax Cabernet Franc offered a brighter, more vibrant New World contrast, leaning into expressive red fruit and a savory hint of herbs. Paired with decadent, shareable sides (do not skip the sides!) and delicious homemade desserts, it was an unforgettable night that perfectly captured the essence of an upscale yet relaxed birthday celebration.
🍷 Our Final Pour Wrap Up
Ultimately, our evening at Masō was a perfect reminder of why we love exploring the local wine scene. While it requires a short drive north from the Venice area, the seamless blend of hidden exclusivity, a fair-pricing philosophy on premium wines, and genuinely thoughtful hospitality makes it well worth the ride. We think it is well worth leaving the beach a little early to dress up for dinner and head to Masō!
In fact we’re already planning a return trip, next time to spend an evening in the Swift Lounge for a more casual, relaxed experience.
🌴 Looking for more curated wine spots in the Sarasota, Venice, or Englewood areas? Check out our comprehensive Local Guide to Wine Spots and stay up-to-date on the latest tastings with our Monthly Wine Events Calendar and Happy Hour Guide.