Somm Insider Vol. 10 ~ Jamie’s Wine Bar

Somm Insider: Volume 10
What: Jamie’s Wine Bar
Where: Wrigley Mansion | 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix
By: Darla Hoffmann

I find it ironic that the Wrigley Mansion was built during prohibition, as it now houses, in my opinion, one of the finest wine bars in the country. Wine was a part of history long before there was ever an inkling of prohibition, so the sultry section of the mansion now designated as Jamie’s Wine Bar fits in afterall.

Opened in November of 2016, the wine bar sits directly next to Geordie’s Steak, which was named after Jamie’s late husband, Geordie Hormel, heir to the meat packing Hormel Foods Corporation. The Hormel family purchased the vast property in 1992, and continue to enhance the ambiance. Jamie and her nephew, Michael, who became huge wine enthusiasts over the years, wanted to share their passion with visitors of the mansion, showcasing eclectic wines they’d come to love throughout their travels. Gillian, the youngest Hormel daughter, had the idea to place the new wine bar where the library used to reside, next to Geordie’s Steak.

I sat in the cozy room, furnished by several large couches, plush chairs and a 5-seater bar to chat with General Manager Ben Sinon about what makes Jamie’s special. “We want to keep the wines exciting and ever changing, since wine was what made this project come to life,” he said. “We have three sommeliers on staff that take turns rotating a ‘Somm Selection’ so that we are constantly involved in the wine program.”

They highlight premium select wines, kept in an Argon pressurized case to maintain freshness of the bottles they choose each month. “This allows our guests to try wines by the glass without compromising the integrity of the bottle,” said Ben. They also have a nice mix of Arizona wines which are a hit with tourists and locals alike.

Because the mansion is designated as a residence by its Home Owners Association, it must operate as a club, but the folks at Jamie’s hope that isn’t off-putting. Guests must pay a small membership fee to visit for drinks or dinner, but fortunately it is only a one-time fee; and with the membership comes exclusive discounts. Tourists incur a minimal fee to imbibe as well. Private events can be held exclusively in Jamie’s Wine Bar with reservations. The room is truly elegant, and although it is no longer the library, you can share plenty of stories over a nostalgic glass of wine.

Jamie’s Wine Bar is located in the Wrigley Mansion at 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix, and the hours are 3pm to 9pm Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information visit www.wrigleymansion.com/jamieswinebar.

eat | drink | share | jamies wine bar