The Library of Wine and TeaThe Library of Wine in downtown Prescott, is a unique take on the traditional wine bar. Our outing to downtown Prescott began, as usual, with trying to find a parking space. I have a genetic predisposition to drive around the block several times trying to find the perfect parking spot, which we did, before settling, as usual, on one of the hundreds of free parking spaces in the new parking garage just a block south of Gurley on Granite Street. From there it was a short walk to The Library of Wine.
The decor is rather spare with a few high top tables, a couple of lounge chairs and a single table for two. The wine stock is prominently displayed behind the counter and in full cases at various locations throughout.
Klaas and Melanie, the owners of the establishment, are passionate about their products. 
While both are well schooled in the finer points of wine and tea, Klaas leans more towards the tea and Melanie more towards the wine, together they make a formidable pair.The four of us sat at one of the high top tables where we were warmly greeted by Melanie and Klaas. We were presented with a menu that included a whole list of interesting teas from all points of the compass. India, China and Ceylon were well represented. Black teas, white teas, green teas and various blends. We each started with a different cup of tea.
We had expected to order a full meal with our wine. Oops, our bad! This is not a full service restaurant nor does it pretend to be. This is a wine and tea bar that has a limited Nibbles menu. I can live with that! There is a bread, fruit and cheese plate on the menu that is a steal at $15. The cheeses vary, ours included a really good soft creamy Cambozola blue and a hard "Cave Cheese". All were quality cheeses and there were generous portions of each. The bread was warm and delicious, the fruit fresh and sweet. We also ordered 2 portions, at $8 bucks each, of the artichoke spinach dip with tortilla chips. This was just fine but nothing spectacular. To wash all of this down we decided on 2 flights of wine - one red and one white.
She gives you a very good idea of what each wine is all about, without too much of the typically over the top "wine speak" that doesn't even make sense to most of the wine "experts". In short, Melanie, with her Scottish accent and depth of knowledge, is just a kick to listen too and learn from. I am not even going to attempt to describe each wine that we tasted - I am only an "expert" on the wine I like. However, I can say that all of the wines tasted were well made with good balance. Did I like all of them? No, but would you expect me to? No way, everyone likes something different, this was certainly true at our table, all four of us chose a different favorite from the reds and the whites. Vive' la Difference'! We spent 2 - 1/2 hours at The Wine Library. We had a fine time, tasted some good wine, excellent teas and cheese, and believe it or not I left completely satisfied. Not stuffed mind you, but full enough. This little Wine, tea and Nibbles spot would be perfect for a ladies lunch or a casual first date. The Library of Wine is a great addition to Prescott.
From The Library of Wine Review to Nibbles
|
Now don't worry, if you are just looking to slam down a couple of cups of Assam after work Klaas is down with that too.
