Sip Happens

Glorified far beyond its modest beginnings as the fruit of the vine, wine has fallen victim to classism, elitism, and pretension. Buying a bottle sight unseen can feel as confounding as taking the bar exam without having attended a single lecture, and potentially just as expensive. Setting aside the rites and rituals, pomp and ceremony that seem like exclusive insider information, it doesn’t need to be that way. Wine is for everyone, which is the ethos and inspiration behind Sixty Vines. Succinctly named for the sixty wines on tap, this Texas-born establishment is changing the wine landscape, quite literally, for the better.

Having just sprouted last month in The Domain, this is thirteenth location of the thriving restaurant group. Commanding a massive open space with high ceilings, walls of windows, and long communal tables, the use of space feels downright luxurious. Outside, you have the option of dining al fresco on the dog-friendly patio, perfect for the whole family.

The benefits of offering wine on tap are multi-fold. There’s no risk in trying something new and getting stuck with a lackluster, pricey full bottle. Never had an orange wine before? Curious about the difference between a Malbec and a Merlot? This is the place to find out. If you go in completely blind, with no prior knowledge of wine whatsoever, you’ll be graciously guided without judgement all the same.

If you’re like me and want to try a little bit of everything, customized tasting flights available in 2.5-, 5-, or 8-ounce pours are much more feasible without getting a wicked hangover later. Kegged wines are also much fresher than bottles that are repeatedly opened and exposed to air. From a sustainability standpoint, one keg holds the equivalent of 26 bottles, which adds up to much less material going into landfills.

Just as wine shouldn’t be reserved for the elite few, neither should the wine bar experience itself. Thoughtfully rounding out the drink menu with craft cocktails and equally creative non-alcoholic cocktails, every visitor will find something that’s a refreshing change of pace.

This spirit of hospitality extends to all facets of the menu. Items are clearly labeled as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan, but there’s much more room for nuance between those crisply printed insignias. Don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments, as most meatless offerings can be made completely plant-based. Case in point, the Crispy Zucchini is typically dipped in a buttermilk batter, but a soda wash is easily substituted upon request, and request you should. More substantial and meaty than potato chips, they’re crisp indeed, but also tender and juicy, coated in a sweet chili lacquer with blistered shishitos on top for garnish.

Similarly, ask for no cheese on the Hummus and you’re good to go. It’s a two-for-one prize that includes both edamame and beet spreads, although surprisingly, no chickpeas are involved in either. Relying solely on the creamy richness of tahini and glassy olive oil to create incredibly compelling spreads, a touch of cumin rounds out the fresh flavors, as well as the impressively short list of ingredients.

Making the case for carb-on-carb action, the Broccolini & Potato Pizza is the standout entree that immediately told me the chefs had real ambitions for inclusion here. Vegan by default, there’s no red sauce lurking beneath that velvety cashew blanket, despite what the deceptively rich flavor imparted by slow roasted cherry tomatoes may lead you to believe. A thin, gently charred crust supports the tender toppings that blend together harmoniously, ensuring that no one will walk away from the bar hungry.

Wine and all its trappings deserves to be enjoyed without all the ceremony or status. Sixty Vines is making a splash to shift that perspective, creating a space for novices, solo sippers, first dates, happy hours, and larger events, too. Even for non-drinkers, you’ll find plenty of reasons to say “cheers!”

Sixty Vines

3401 Esperanza Crossing
Austin, TX 78758