June 8, 2005

Sworn to Secrecy

The Hidden Vine Wine Bar

You’re a sucker for the hush-hush, the underground, the quietly tucked away.

Unlisted numbers bring out the P.I. in you. Buried treasures haunt your dreams. And signless, covert doorways induce a Goonie-like thrill.

So you’ll certainly dig The Hidden Vine, a tiny jewel of a wine bar in the back of the old Fitzgerald Hotel. A subtle alley entrance and descending staircase lead to a warm space resembling a library or intimate English parlor. Charming dark wood tables and mismatched, comfy furnishings peep out from behind pillars and beckon from candlelit nooks.

Husband and wife owners David and Angela Cahill let guests in on their favorite local, best-kept-secret wines — most at extremely quaffable prices. Each month they highlight a different region, adding select flights to the menu. To enhance the experience, nosh on cheeses, cured meats, olives, fruits, breads, and flavored chocolate truffles. And every Thursday they serve free gourmet cheese boards from 6 to 9 p.m.

Free cheese? Great wine? At a sweet little spot with no attitude?

Better get there quick. It won’t be under wraps long.

The Hidden Vine, 620 Post Street, at Taylor Street (enter on Cosmo Place) (415-674-3567 or thehiddenvine.com).