Construction on a self-service wine bar opening in downtown Cincinnati later this year is underway.
Orlando “Lando” Chapman Sr., rounder of RilEntertainment and best known for his Old School Happy Hour event, signed a lease for a 3,580-square-foot space at 3CDC’s 4th & Race development where he’ll open the bar, called Something to Wine About. The wine bar will feature self-pour wine machines — all patrons have to do is buy a reloadable card and then swipe it at the machine — as well as a full-service bar. Chapman says he also plans to highlight African American and other minority-owned winemakers with a dedicated section on the menu titled “The Darker the Berry, the Sweeter the Juice.”
Something to Wine About will offer an upscale, yet laid-back atmosphere with finger foods like charcuterie and pinwheel sandwiches. It’ll also host a book club and bring in live performances by national recording artists and up-and-coming jazz and old-school R&B musicians.
“I’ve hosted numerous events downtown, and it’s hard to find a good-sized space with ample parking to accommodate this type of concept,” Chapman said in a press release. “But this space has both. The vibe will be like Downtown Manhattan meets South Beach.”
The bar will also offer monthly “Wine-O” memberships in two classes: the Bottle Club and the Noir Wine Club. Memberships include perks like red, white, rose, sparkling and fortified wines from their in labels, merch discounts, exclusive event access and more. There will also be a special “Wine-O” members area at the bar.
“3CDC has been partnering with Lando on hosting diverse, engaging events at our civic spaces for many years, so it’s exciting to expand on that relationship and work with him to activate a commercial space, as well,” Lindzie Gunnels, director of commercial leasing with 3CDC, said in the release. “Something to Wine About will add vibrancy and activity to the southwest corner of downtown and is also a win for the minority winemakers and musicians that will be promoted in the space. Lando has a 30-year history as a successful promoter and has become widely known as a springboard for talent and helping business owners increase their footprint.”
Something to Wine About is currently in its buildout phase and is expected to open this fall.
