New York - May 17, 2004

Wine and Shine

Smith and Vine Wine Store

At last, a liquor store for Smith Street to match its zippy shops and restaurants.

There’s no drab, dusty vibe and no bad overhead flourescents at Smith and Vine. Just an excellently curated selection of off-the-beaten-path vineyards and bottles. Owners Patrick Watson and Michelle Pravda wanted to open an intimate shop where they could showcase finds culled from a decade of sommelier experience at Lupa, Blue Hill, Raoul’s, and Gotham.

Their interests outside the bottle are harmonious too. (They’re married, btw.) Patrick is a trained opera singer; Michelle is in the rock band Rare.

“Rare” could also sum up their wine list, which includes obscure choices like Paolo Bea Sagrantino di Montefalco from Italy, Frick Cinsault from California, and Heidi Schrock Austrian muscat.

Exactly the kind of juice that makes chardonnay and merlots seem very Lite FM. Which, we know, is really not your style.

Smith and Vine, 246 Smith Street, between Douglass and Degraw Streets (718-243-2864).