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Sinful Sweets and Full Bodied Wines Make a Winning Team
Sinful Sweets and Full Bodied Wines Make a Winning Team
Will we see a new wine bar or dessert bar brand on par with Starbucks enter the market? Could be.
Thanks to this coffee mogul who has paved the way for upscale coffee shops, restaurateurs are now running with the idea of gourmet specialty bars, incorporating desserts, coffee, AND wine to appeal to the masses. Often times fused with coffee, lattes, and specialty drinks, these bars draw a very diverse crowd. What’s better than the relaxing and cozy appeal of a gourmet coffee shop that also features a plethora of wines and decadent desserts?
According to a new study conducted for Bordeaux-based trade group VinExpo, by 2008, U.S. consumers will account for 25% of all wine consumption worldwide. By comparison, the same market segment currently stands at 19%. In 2003 alone, U.S. wine consumption increased by 40%.
And just as wine’s popularity has grown, wine technology has advanced as well.
Many wine bars can now serve upwards of 150 wines by the glass via a cuvinet system. With this innovative delivery method, patrons have the opportunity to sample a more diverse array of wine, including the higher-priced brands. This wide range of choices also gives consumers added incentive to visit again and discover more variations.
The ‘gourmet specialty’ approach has also grown to include dessert bars. These establishments serve cakes, pies, and other rich treats. Many locations also incorporate the ‘bar theme’ into their signature delicacies with mousses, sorbets, and bread puddings served in elegant martini glasses.
Considering the growth of gourmet specialty concepts and that wine is a $100 billion a year market, the burgeoning popularity of wine and dessert bars isn’t surprising.
Like many coffeehouses, dessert bars and wine bars often feature an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Some even incorporate nightlife aspects such as DJs and dance floors. Some establishments offer a little of everything, part wine bar, part dessert bar, part traditional bar. Cool Grindz in Tallahassee, Florida offers liquor and coffee in an appealing coffeehouse setting.
This new trend is being embraced nationally due its appeal of sophistication and the fashionable lifestyle that the image of wine consumption portrays to consumers. Many restaurateurs have taken note of these emerging trends and have responded by expanding their dessert and wine offerings. It’s no wonder these bars are a place where people feel content to keep the wine and the conversations constantly flowing. After a long day, the intimate atmosphere of a specialty bar offers an inviting place to unwind and happy hour options offer an added attraction.
Some restaurants have taken the further step of developing a range of dessert and wine pairings with complementary flavor profiles. These restaurateurs show that it’s possible to capitalize on changes in consumer trends while still staying true to their brand.
References:
Anderson, Gordon. 18 Feb. 2007. “A study confirms that Americans are becoming the planet’s biggest wine drinkers.” World’s Biggest Wine Country: USA. 4 Sep. 2007. .
Lewis, Denny. Mar. 2007. “Wine Bars Take Flight.” Hotel F & B. 4 Sep. 2007. .
O’Hara, Susan. 8 Jan 2007. “The Wine-Bar Phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest.” Wines Northwest. 11 Sep. 2007.
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Oliva, Rebecca. Jul. 2004. “Uncorking Profits.” Hotels. 4 Sep. 2007.
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Aug. 2007. Cool Grindz Coffee. 11 Sep. 2007. .
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