GULFPORT — In the funky waterfront town of Gulfport, the latest new food spot is The Wine House, a wine bar and smoke house where you can also buy bottles of wine at retail prices (some as low as $14). Housed in the former location of Backfin Blue, the charming cottage has been transformed in pink and white with a photo-worthy patio and porch.
It’s a collaborative effort between owners Matt Acree of Gulfport Brewery + Eatery and Gaston Gonzalez, Chi Charrak and chef Nathan Hardin of the Historic Peninsula Inn.
For now, the fare is heavy on the charcuterie, but in a couple of weeks there will be barbecue, said manager Nikki Nadeau. A large smoker on the patio is ready to go and smoked pastrami is available now on the charcuterie board. Nadeau said there will eventually be meats and cheeses in a cooler so folks can create their own boards and take them to go.
If wine and barbecue sound like an odd pairing, Nadeau said that rose pairs perfectly with meats because of the fat-acid balance.
Wine is also sold by the glass, but guests can purchase a bottle of wine and enjoy it there for a $5 corkage fee. Nadeau is knowledgeable about wines so she can help guide guests to the ones they wouldn’t find other places.
“We want it to be approachable,” she said.
All the wines are biodynamic, sustainable, vegan and fair trade, and they don’t have added sulfites. Beer from Gulfport Brewery is also available.
The Wine House’s patio is adjacent to the hotel’s, so guests at both spots can enjoy live music throughout the week.
What to know if you go to The Wine House
The Wine House is located at 2913 Beach Blvd. S. It’s open from noon-8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Follow at facebook.com/thewinehousegulfport.