Nightlife for Wine Lovers
If you're looking for a classy place to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine and some quiet conversation, Dvine Wine Bar and Bistro in Chandler is not the place to go, at least, not on a Saturday night. On the other hand, if you're looking for a sophisticated alternative to the southeast Valley's usual bar scene, complete with live music, unusual appetizers, a full menu and and more than 40 wines served by the glass, you won't want to miss this gem hidden at Ocotillo and Alma School.
The location, at 3990 S. Alma School Rd., is as unexpected as Dvine is. The Chandler location is part of a strip mall next to a Holiday Inn that is new and still mostly empty. That's a good thing because it means there is plenty of parking. Plenty of parking is needed because this place has obviously been discovered by the locals.
The crowd is also unusual. Unlike other wine bars around town, this crowd includes a variety of ages, career choices and social skills. Some come in large groups, probably working together or perhaps neighbors. Others arrive alone or in couples. Oddly, while wine bars are often popular for "girls' night out", there didn't seem to be any all-female groups. Neither do there seem to be many dates, in the traditional sense. Of course, Dvine isn't really a good choice for a romantic date.
For starters, it's too popular. This past Saturday, there were no seats at the bar and a waiting list, of less than 10 minutes, for a table. The space itself is tight, with every table placed precisely to allow black-clad waitstaff to move easily, if not in a straight line. This arrangement suits the atmosphere, which is sparsely decorated but far from plain. In fact, the impression given by the creamy walls and dark wood tables and chairs, is more one of limiting distractions so the patrons can focus on the wine, food, company and entertainment. This style extended to the patrons who were primarily dressed in jeans and t-shirts. There are two seating sections, one in front by the bar and the "stage" where musicians perform and another towards the back. There is also a patio with a view of either Ocotillo or Alma School.
On Saturday, the live music was provided courtesy of Ten Dollar Outfit, a local act that bills itself as "Phoenix's own version of Widespread Panic-meets-John Mayer". The first set began with a James Taylor cover that lead singer/guitarist Brian Chartrand performed quite well. The rest of the set continued along the same line, neither grabbing attention nor ignorable. The music would have provided a nice backdrop had conversation actually been possible.
Even without the live music, the poor acoustics and unexpectedly large crowd, make conversation challenging. The extensive wine list, including a half-dozen wine flights, more than 40 wines by the glass and nearly 100 bottled wines to choose from, an assortment of unusual appetizers and a full menu, make it more than worth the effort. Appetizers running from calamari to oysters to bruschetta. The calamari was tender with an spicy but not too hot sauce, however, they could have been fried a bit more as they were rather, well, floppy. They went well with both the white and red wines I tried. I preferred the red, a Spanish blend, which at $7 was one of the less expensive choices. Overall, the variety of wine was excellent but prices seemed a bit steep. Then again, I lean towards Spanish tintos, blancos and sangrias, preferably served at a little cafe in Spain, so perhaps I am not the best judge.
Dvine is neither your usual wine bar nor your usual neighborhood pub, though it has characteristics of both. The range of wines, diversity of menu items and friendly crowd, however, make it not only a place worth trying but one you will want to visit again and again. Oh, and if you can't make it to Chandler, the original Dvine location is in Mesa, at 2837-101 N. Power Rd.
