Zest Wine Bistro, a family-owned wine bar and eatery, is bringing a tasteful venue for wine lovers to Lemon Grove.
“I knew that there was a need for places like this one, especially in East County,” said owner Karina Kravalis. “We decided to go with a wine bar and also create a different menu…and have a little bit more eclectic, small bites menu.”
Kravalis, who with her mother also runs the popular Italian restaurant Giardino, saw an opportunity to open a chic and cozy wine destination with small plates when the space next door to the restaurant became available.
Zest Wine Bistro opened its doors last year to offer wine tastings, events and a rotating menu of appetizers. With a selection of over 50 different types of wine from vintners all over the world, visitors can enjoy wine by the glass, flights or bottle. Beer is also available.
Charcuterie boards featuring cheeses and meats from , Holland, , California, and beyond are a staple at Zest Wine Bistro. The rotating menu features dishes like Spanish octopus, warmed olives and patatas bravas.
On the last Sunday of every month, wine tastings are held on the patio, which is also available for private rentals. Led by Roberto Avila, the house sommelier and Kravalis’ fiance, the wine tastings highlight a wine region or country with a flight of six wines and a charcuterie board.
The bistro at 8129 Broadway also hosts a happy hour called Zest Hour from Wednesday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with $5 wines, beer, cocktails, and snacks.
Wine enthusiasts looking for bottles of wine and other perks can the bistro’s tiered wine club as a monthly hip.
Zest Wine Bistro is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Visit zestwinebistro.com and follow @zestwinebistro on Instagram.
Roxana Becerril is a freelance writer.
