TWIS Happy Hour Guide: Magnum Wine & Tastings

Necessity is the mother of invention. Or, in this case, necessity is the mother of ... discovery ... of a great place for happy hour.

A few months ago, I was picking my boyfriend up from work. As always, I running a little late. Not wanting to wait in his office, he wandered over to the bright turquoise strip mall next door. There, a large sign simply reading “WINE” beckoned.

Now we’re regulars at Magnum Wine & Tastings (that’s the real name of the shop, though I still affectionately refer to it as “WINE”). This isn’t my typical “two for one beers” or “$4 tapas” happy hour – Magnum is so much more than that. It’s not so much about the deal as it is about the experience, which is worth every penny you pay.

Magnum was not a place I ever expected to fit in. It bills itself as “Sarasota’s only boutique wine bar and shop.” The majority of the clientele have a couple decades on me and a knowledge of wine I do not possess. Most of my wine came from Publix – anything with a pretty label reading “moscato” or “California red.”

When I sat down at Magnum’s bar, filled with other regulars, I instantly felt among family. It’s an intimate space. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and happy to strike up a conversation. And that includes Heath Cordes. The owner of Magnum Wine & Tastings and man behind the bar, he’s as passionate about wine as he is about his customers.

Behind the bar, you’ll see a chalkboard listing the wines Heath is selling by the glass that day (ranging from about $8 to $15; it changes). Honestly, I’ve never actually ordered off this menu. I just chat with Heath and he’ll suggest something. In the short time I’ve been coming here, he already knows what I’ll like. Ethan brought home a bottle of Argentinian red (Clos de los Siete) last week that Heath recommended. He liked it, but I loved it. The next day, Heath sneakily revealed that was the reason he recommended the bottle. I dare you to find better customer service than you’ll find from Heath. Not in the mood for wine? Heath keeps a variety of craft beers in stock. He serves espresso too.

Magnum occasionally hosts tastings. Recently we attended an event for Fritz Underground Winery from California. The winemaker, Brad Longton, was there, and for just $10 we sampled six of his wines and got to chat. Watch Magnum’s Facebook page and website in case more pop up – they’re a lot of fun!

While I love sitting at Magnum’s bar, its primary business is selling bottles and cases, rather than glasses. If you’re looking for a to-go bottle that’s more unique (and, honestly, tastier) than your grocery store usual, Magnum is definitely the place to go. And to go along with it, one of my favorite new spots is Artisan Cheese Company on Main Street. With service almost comparable to Heath’s, you’ll find cheese mongers behind the counter happy to recommend something for whatever you’re planning to drink. Each cheese even seems to have a story. They also sell a bunch of other unique little condiments like jams and sausages. Everything is so nice and pretty here, you will have a hard time choosing. They also host cheese classes and serve breakfast and lunch, all of which I have yet to partake in, but plan on doing so soon — stay tuned!

Bottom line: Whatever your age, background or knowledge of wine, you’ll feel right at home at Magnum Wine & Tastings. It’s an ideal spot for an experienced drinker to order a case or pick up unique vintages you won’t find in the grocery store and for the wine-curious to learn and develop their palate. And for all, it’s a great place to relax after a long day and make new friends. I’ve never left without a smile.

Magnum Wine & Tastings is located at 2300 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.