Somm Insider Vol. 16 ~ My Wine Cellar

Somm Insider Volume 15
The Place: My Wine Cellar
The Location: 5030 Warner Road, Phoenix
By: Darla Hoffmann

My Wine Cellar & Bistro houses a seemingly endless supply of wines from around the world. Owner Shannon Rush has been a foodie since she was 14-years-old, working in her aunt’s restaurant in Malaysia. Her passion for both food and wine flourished in the states, especially while working at Tempe’s House of Tricks. Shannon took all her experiences and molded them with her own ideas to create an eclectic wine bar that’s comfortable enough to pop into solo with a book, or hoop-it up with friends.

“I was a loyal patron and employee of My Wine Cellar prior to buying it in October of 2016,” says Shannon. “[It] has been a staple in Ahwatukee since 2002. We made quite a few renovations and are excited for the upcoming months, since we have extended our wine list for the season and will be doing wine classes and fall tastings on the patio.”

Some of the new offerings include pinots from the Willamette Valley in Oregon and French varietals from the Rhone Valley. “And be on the lookout for some special tastings from Arizona’s own Page Springs Cellars,” says Shannon.

The wine bar and bistro hosts events all throughout the year, from blind tastings to larger festivals. They’re hosting a winemaker dinner on Thursday, September 6th with Luke Manuel of Chacewater from Lake County, California. And their annual wine festival is being held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, with live music and wine vendors set up throughout the restaurant. “It’s kind of like a wine wonderland,” says Shannon enthusiastically, “We may even have a bubbles booth!”

My Wine Cellar also offers food and wine pairings once a month which are open to the public. “I want to make sure people in the valley know they are welcome to come,” says Shannon. “These events are not just for wine club members. I love to see new local faces and would really like to be a destination spot for people all over the valley.”

They have a beautiful patio that overlooks the Ahwatukee Country Golf Club and a cozy, inviting interior. Some of their food offerings include a selection of flat breads, bruschettas and burgers, mac n’cheese, salads and small plates. Additionally, a large charcuterie collection can be paired by the glass list, which includes over thirty wines.

Shannon’s favorite food and wine pairing is her mom’s Malasian Beef Rendang—slow braised beef with coconut and ginger, red potatoes and a six-minute egg—with the Milbrandt Syrah from Washington state. Come on by and find out what your favorite pairing is. The delicious possibilities are endless.

My Wine Cellar is open Monday 3 pm-9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday 3 pm-10 pm, and is closed on Sundays. Happy hour is daily from 3 pm-6 pm and includes $2 off wine (by the glass), draft beers and shared plates. For more information, visit mywinecellarphx.com.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Darla Hoffmann, passed both her Sommelier Level 1 and Certified Level 2 exams with the highest score in her class, earning the esteemed “Walter Clore Scholarship”. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine and Hospitality Beverage under the Society of Wine Educators, and a member of The Wine Century Club. She works in the tasting room of Scottsdale’s LDV Wine Gallery, has written for City Sun Times, MYnewsMesa, and The Society of Wine Educators’ website. Darla is the sole proprietor of About Wine, which focuses on wine education and marketing through means of tastings, classes, and promotions. She conducts customized classes at various restaurants and events in Phoenix. For more info, visit: www.aboutwineinaz.com.