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Wine snobs beware. A trio of new Baton Rouge wine experiences are sure to expose new fine wines to the masses.

The three, unrelated ventures—two of them wine restaurants and bars at Perkins Rowe, one a discount store—will all be open by year’s end.

What they have in common is they offer wine in comfortable, approachable ways, from bargain price retail to customer-friendly, sit-down service in trendy new hot spots.

The Grape, coming to Perkins Rowe next month, will feature a full-service restaurant, a bar and a retail wine shop.

The Grape

Coming to Perkins Rowe in December

Named one of the “Hot Concepts of 2007” by Nation’s Restaurant News, The Grape at Perkins Rowe promises a fun, inviting vibe. It’s a national chain offering a two-fold concept: a full-service restaurant and bar, plus a retail wine shop. Their smartly designed classification system is based on numbers one through 10—one being a lighter, fruity sip and 10 being a distinctly full-bodied red wine for special occasions. Appetizer-style fare is the center of the menu, although heartier dishes are served. “There’s no need to go out for dinner before. Guests can enjoy a four-course meal if they choose,” spokeswoman Kelly Norris says.

Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight

The Loft

Coming to Perkins Rowe in December

If the late-night movie feature leaves you famished, you’ll soon be able to head to The Loft for one of those sumptuously big glasses of red wine and some fresh grub—the kitchen stays open until midnight. The restaurant and bar boasts an extensive wine and cocktail menu. “The atmosphere is chic and sexy,” says co-owner, Rob Musemeche, who with his business partners also owns and operates the popular downtown Wine Loft. Tapas-style food will be served for lunch and dinner, as well as panini sandwiches, soups and salads. The Loft will offer stylish outdoor seating, and the restaurant can accommodate reservations for private parties. There will be drink and food specials throughout the week.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Elio Marcello’s Wine Warehouse

Opened in October in the former Books-A-Million on Perkins Road

No membership card is required at this discount warehouse, although the prices may remind you of a certain famous discount club. Owner Gene Todaro, who won over many Baton Rouge wine lovers when he operated the modest Marcello’s Wines farther down Perkins Road, believes consumers should be able to afford wine whenever they want. “You may not see any recognizable labels, but you can sample before you buy,” Todaro says.

Todaro has a nose for great wines and even better bargains—a label may have not been successful, but the wine itself may be a delight.

As well as his renowned low prices, Todaro will bring back his popular mix-and-match—three bottles of wine for $10. Cheers.

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.