AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 21,, 2011) – With an eye on showcasing small production, artisan wineries and craft breweries, Whole Foods Market opens “Bar Lamar” with wines and beers on tap and featured wine flights and cheese pairings in a comfortable bistro setting in the wine section of the downtown Austin flagship store.
A growing national trend, wine on tap offers a fresh, eco-friendly delivery of wine. Whole Foods Market has selected wines from two artisan wineries, featuring small lot, hand-crafted wines, to share on tap at the new Bar Lamar, which provides a horseshoe-shaped bar with stools as well as several cocktail tables.
Featured wines on tap include Texas’ Duchman Vermentino and Montepulciano and California’s Brack Mountain Wine Company’s L’Oliveto Chardonnay, Ellipsis Rose, Bench Pinot Noir and Tramonto Zinfandel.
More than twenty wines will be available by the glass, including those on tap, and wines on tap will also be offered by the carafe and half-carafe. Bar Lamar will offer wine flights featuring wines created for Whole Foods Market, including Brack Mountain wines, and a new sparkling wine made by well-known Texas wine pioneer Kim McPherson from McPherson Cellars in Lubbock.
“The wine bar is a natural extension of Whole Foods Market’s wine business,” says Devon Broglie, specialty coordinator for Whole Foods Market’s Southwest Region. “Whole Foods Market’s wine program is all about offering quality wines, some of which are rare finds that are only available at Whole Foods Market or regional wines specific to each store, and sharing information about the wines, wineries and winemakers with our customers. We enjoy sharing our passion for wine with our customers and what better way than through tastings, seminars and other events that will be offered at the new Bar Lamar.”
Bar Lamar also offers craft beers on tap, including Real Ale’s Fireman #4, Independence “Kill Switch” Scotch Ale, Live Oak “Primus” Weizenbock, Dog Fish “Midas Touch,” Breckenridge “471” IPA and North Coast “Old Rasputin,” and will have an extensive list of bottled beers available.
Cheese flights and a dessert flight – selected specially to pair with both wines and beers on the menu — are also available will also be available.
The beers on tap will be available for purchase in 32 ounce or 64 ounce growlers. Customers can purchase an initial growler for $6.99 for the 64 ounce screw cap growler or the 32 ounce flip-top growler. The price of the beer will vary by type and amount poured. The growler can be refilled on future visits, and patrons will pay only for the price of the beer.
