A popular New York City restaurant, Please Tell Me More, is implementing a unique concept of serving wine through a traditional wine window to increase revenue. The 500 square-foot restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has been named one of the 10 most fun bars in NYC. The owners, Eric Griego and Austin Woolridge, are also part-time DJs and have incorporated their love for music into the ambiance of the lounge, which is inspired by Japanese listening rooms. They have introduced “winyl Wednesdays,” where they offer lesser-known blends like Japanese Syrahs and Merlots from Mexico. Prices for wines at the wine window will range from $9 a glass for house wines to between $10 and $15 for organic wines.
To stay compliant with city laws, the bar will be serving wines in sealed cups to avoid breaking open-carry laws. Patrons ordering from the wine window will also be required to order small but substantial bites, such as charcuterie-style sandwiches, per state law. While the restaurant’s craft cocktails will not be available for takeout orders, the wine window is expected to have a quick turnaround to cater to customers looking for a convenient way to enjoy a glass of wine. This concept of wine windows, also known as buchette del vino, originated in the 1600s in Florence during the plague, and it was replicated in New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic to help struggling restaurants survive.
The restaurant’s homage to the traditional wine window concept may be short-lived as the state’s drinks to-go program is set to expire in April of the following year. However, there is a push from food and wine industry lobbyists to make the drinks to-go policy permanent. The program was abruptly shut down in 2021 but was reinstated after an outcry from organizations like the NYC Hospitality Alliance and restaurant owners. Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, has emphasized the importance of making the policy permanent, as it has been beneficial for both consumers and restaurants alike since its inception.
Griego and Woolridge’s decision to incorporate a wine window at Please Tell Me More reflects not only a creative way to generate revenue but also a nod to the historical significance of wine windows in Florence during times of crisis. The charm and uniqueness of the wine window concept have attracted attention to the restaurant, adding to the overall fun and innovative atmosphere that has made it a popular spot in NYC. The owners’ passion for music is evident in the design and events at the lounge, contributing to the appealing and vibrant ambiance that customers enjoy. As the wine window becomes a temporary fixture in the restaurant, patrons can experience a touch of history and tradition while savoring a glass of wine in a convenient and novel way.
