The Grape and Hop Wine Bar

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has only been open for a matter of weeks and yet it's buzzing. People are spilling out the front and along the street. Tonight there's live music playing with a guitarist supporting a female vocalist. Spencer (the owner) likes to support the local musicians so the bands change regularly. This is my style of music. Hotel California by the Eagles is being belted out. It suits the mature clientele tonight although I notice there are some families with small children as well. On the ceiling small specks of coloured lights are reflected. You can imagine you are staring up at the beautiful night stars.



The whole front of the shop opens up so that indoors blend into the outdoors. There are people standing around and sitting on tall bar stools and resting their glasses on old booze barrels. We are amused to spy some owners from a nearby café/bar. Why shouldn't they enjoy the night out too?

I was lucky I got to speak to Spencer. When I asked him if he had always been in this field he said no, he was previously a motor mechanic who didn't drink wine or beer. After some life changing experiences he is now single, running a wine bar (exceedingly well by all accounts) and loving it.



Spencer opened this wine bar without any food. He's quietly spoken and modest but his whole approach is gutsy. There will be tapas and pizza coming but for now it's B.Y.O. food. We bought a big bowl of wedges with sour cream and chilli for $9 from next-door. I'm sure the local pizza and hamburger shop would be thanking Spencer for allowing people to take their food to the Grape and Hop.

To my surprise Spencer has done no advertising but the bar is packed. As well as the front bar area and stylish inside space with bar stools, there's also an outdoor courtyard. Spencer would like to put a cover over the outdoor courtyard for winter. He can cater for about 70 people at a function. By the look of the crowd I'd anticipate he will need to consider expanding to cater for all those who are trying to be part of the fun.



The racks of wine look impressive but are wasted on me. Spencer told us he stocks only boutique wines Little Creatures and Mountain Duck. They sell craft beers and a range of cocktails and Spencer does a good martini.

I guess it's a part of living to experience some potholes through the journey of life. Spencer has experienced some major roadblocks that others would find debilitating. Spencer has used these experiences like a bungy jump rope propelling himself headlong into the unknown waters below. He is admirably gutsy in his vision and created one of the trendiest little wine bars in the area.

Once an old toy shop, you should see it now. Shaynna Blaze would be impressed! The café and wine bar business seems like hard work to me so how do they look so incredibly enthusiastic.



It's my great fortune to come across some lovely people when reviewing for WeekendNotes. Spencer is one of those inspiring young business people. I often leave hoping that my review will boost their business and this is certainly the case for Spencer who deserves to enjoy and do well in his new adventure.

So Spencer do you believe in karma? So raise your glasses, here's to your health and good fortune. Cheers.

#bars
#cocktail_bars
#food_wine
#montmorency
#music
#nightlife
#north_east
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