Laid-back Loft

‘I’m not really a ‘wine bar’ kind of girl,” says Brittany Allphin-Smith, 26.

Nevertheless, she’s all about The Loft, which opened in a lively quadrant of Perkins Rowe in December. Allphin-Smith says while The Loft’s wine list appeals to some, two things make the hangout bankable to her and her friends: outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe.

“It’s classy, but not over-the-top, and you don’t have to know a lot about wine to have fun,” she says.

Not that there isn’t plenty for oenophiles to chew on. With more than 70 selections by the glass and 250 by the bottle, The Loft and its sister location, the diminutive, chi-chi Wine Loft downtown, are giving patrons the kind of vast choices they’re used to only seeing in beer.

“It’s not overwhelming because you can follow the staff recommendations,” Allphin-Smith says about the single-serving choices of servers.

The Salon Eden hair stylist generally goes for a glass of pinot grigio alongside a serving of baked brie with lavender honey and balsamic drizzle, part of a tapas menu that also includes lamb lollipops and a charcuterie board. Allphin-Smith also appreciates the weeknight specials such as half-priced Tuesdays, which allows her to sample bottles, such as:

2006 Don Olegario Albarino

This Spanish white is just right for summer. Well-structured with solid fruit and good minerality.

2006 Ferrari-Carraro Fumé Blanc

Pairing well with everything from ethnic foods to seafood to veal, this fumé blanc (actually dry, oak-aged sauvignon blanc) features a wide range of tropical fruits with hints of grassiness.

2001 Arcadian Fiddelstix Pinot Noir

There’s a lot going on in this noteworthy vintage, including smoke, spice and supple fruit. A great food wine that’s really smooth.