Local Shop Adds 'Flair' with New Wine Bar

It's a labor of love for LuAnn Shapiro. Her lifelong passion for all things wine is evident in every detail of her Westchase area store, .

You may have read about the store in our column. Now patrons can spend time tasting wines at the newest addition to this neighborhood gem: a wine bar.

The bar is a hand carved and tiled work of art. LuAnn, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and wine expert, added the finishing touches, staining the mahogany behemoth bar that now serves as the centerpiece of the store, located at 1967 Sheldon Road in Tampa.

The bar's menu changes monthly featuring a wide variety of wines including more than 30 chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, sparkling wines, pinot noirs, cabernets and red blends. Prices per glass range from $5 to $10. The house signature cocktail is a "Flower Passion," a glass of sparkling wine with an edible, jellied hibuscus flower floating among the bubbles. 

"I've tried to create a nice atomphere here, and I really strive to offer a good selection so everyone can find what they're looking for," said LuAnn, "And if we don't have it in stock, we can always make special orders."

The little known "secret" of the wine bar? Beer is also served.

A monthly rotating beer list offers a small but solid variety of imports and domestics. October's menu highlights include a Spaten Oktoberfest from Germany and a Session Lager from Oregon.

"I want Westchase residents to think of us as their neighborood wine shop," LuAnn said. "Where they can come as a couple or with friends, get a glass - or a bottle - and enjoy some time together."