While opening and introducing the Triad to Medaloni Cellars in Lewisville, NC, entrepreneur Joey Medaloni had, as a second vision, something he likes to call a “wine journey,” where customers can actually explore and refine their own palates. The other key ingredient to the journey would be, of course, sharing it with good friends.
When the Tasting Room in Greensboro opened seven years ago in its quaint, rustic location (think cozy brick and shutters), the surrounding neighborhood embraced it with the spirit that Joey had hoped for – and the charming spot (situated near UNC-G, but in no way a college bar) has grown into a very comfortable, personable gathering place for neighborhood wine enthusiasts.
After only a few minutes inside, you’ll notice the staff knows most patrons by name – and also by personal wine preference. Manager Alison Breen says many regulars sit down at the bar and say “Surprise me!” With 50-plus wines served by the glass, it’s an easy task!
“We like people to like being here!” says Alison, proud of the welcoming ambiance that sets this retail wine shop and neighborhood wine bar apart. Treated very much like family, female customers also appreciate the laid-back atmosphere where they can feel comfortable even stopping in alone.
To further develop their clientele’s wine palates, and to introduce new friends to their diverse collection, the Tasting Room holds weekly wine tastings on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., and on every second Saturday. While introductions vary, a tasting usually includes two white wines and two red wines. They offer new wines weekly, and the wine shop selections change frequently. You’ll notice a little something different each Friday, heading into the weekend, as their popular “Fancy Friday” events offer a higher-end wine by the glass and live music – a much-deserved way to treat yourself at the end of a long week!
On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, the Tasting Room is available for rental for private parties – and Alison says they’ve hosted a variety of events from baby showers, bridal luncheons, and graduation gatherings, to small intimate weddings. Each event is custom created – with outdoor seating also available – and the overall space is perfect for 20 to 40 guests.
Joey Medaloni’s instinct that people’s wine tastes can definitely be transformed has been proven true here at the Tasting Room. You’ll find the “regulars” always eager to try something a bit out of the box, and land on a new favorite wine to share and enjoy among friends. Just follow the cute sign that hangs in the seating area (of charming wood benches and authentic wood barn doors): “The best wines are the ones we drink with friends” – and you can’t go wrong!
Come by the Tasting Room at 901 S. Chapman Street in Greensboro and sample their warm, inviting spirit for yourself. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. For more information on hours, tastings, and scheduling a private event call 336-676-5602, or visit them online at tastingroomgso.com. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on wine tastings, live music, and other happenings!
