A "Splash" of wine in North Park

Hello North Park time to get your wine on with one of the newest concepts in wine bars, it's called Splash and is making a quite a splash in the North Park wine scene. Just a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to give a Splash a swirl, when meeting up with some old friends.
I really like the concept of Splash, which is unique and novel. I like the fact they call themselves a wine bar and I believe they fit the bill. The term "wine bar" has become cliché and is something that many restaurants use far too loosely. The presence of a wine menu does not make you a wine bar and viceversa. This place is real wine bar and what some folks would call a wine lounge. In my mind the only thing keeping from being a full fledged wine lounge is the absence of a jazz musician, but I digress.

The Splash Wine Lounge is all about the wine, but if you're feeling a bit hungry they have a small but growing menu to accompany your tastings. According to Splash owner Traci Smith, "it's technology which allows Splash customers to taste on average over 72 different wines from around the world, (not just California wines) including bottles of wine that may otherwise be priced out of the budget (like Chassagne-Montrachet). She also says's, "Splash will also offer educational information and monthly tasting and pairing events. The basic concept is that it's so nice to be able to swirl, sniff and sip through a few types of wine before choosing a bottle to sit down with for which the bottle pricing is pretty reasonable. For example Splash offers the 2007 Mt Rosa Pinot Noir Central Otago New Zealand for $30.00 each, which still may be somewhat young to be drinking, but the point is their pricing is competitive.

According the their website, "Splash is using the latest Italian technology and they offer on average over 72 different labels in the form of a one ounce pour (splash), a glass or a bottle. The one once pours tend to range from 95 cents to 10 dollars. The enomatic wine machines beautifully display the wines which are available for the consumer to "self-serve" a one ounce splash of wine with a pre-paid plastic card. It is very similar to a Dave and Busters type experience. It allows the wine lover and novices alike to try many different wines before selecting a glass or bottle for which to sit and sip or to take home.

Good: You have an opportunity to taste many types of wine, from sweet to sophisticated. If you want you can serve yourself or just sit bar-side and have wine served by the glass (4-5 oz). So if you're the kind of person who loves self discovery and you don't mind bumping into other patrons, then Splash is for you. If you do need assistance with recommendations the owner and staff are more than willing to accommodate your request. It definitely has a chill factor which is appealing, plop down onto the comfy sofas with some wine and chat with friends. Splash offers the opportunity to try some wines which are not always in everyone's price range and or are of very limited production. Two other things which are outstanding values is, Two-Splash Tuesdays (basically doubles your money) and No Corkage Wednesdays.

Bad : The price per ounce can be somewhat steep, while it may seem like a deal that you're only paying a few dollars for 1 oz. of wine, it can really add up quickly. By the time you've come across your favorite for a bottle purchase you've spent a nice piece on change on a few tastings. The other issue is Splash is a small location and can become very crowded and quickly. Going to splash with a large group can be a little tricky as the lounge chairs, couches and the bar seats are few in number. The card you purchase tasting with must be used the same evening. No refunds are available.

Recommendations: Splash is wonderful opportunity for the uninitiated. There are no wine snobs looking over your shoulder telling you what you should be tasting. If you're one of those folks who is unsure whether you are Red or White wine fan, then here is a perfect place to take your palate out on a test drive. On the other hand if you are looking for more "bar-type" experience than you may want to save your money and try a different venue. Visiting mid week is great way to avoid the crowds and have unhurried experience.