Way back in November a little birdie visited me, and whispered in my ear.
I’d been having a bad day. My inbox was vastly overflowing, I had phone calls to return, I was on a day off and ended up sorting out work stuff anyway and by the time 3pm arrived, well, I’d had enough.
Thankfully I knew a hiding place (no, I’m not telling you where) and a friend who could supply me with cake.
And when this little bird unexpectedly whispered in my ear, it spoke of wine, and samplings, nibbles and wine tastings.
But I’d have to be patient. So I sat on this information and waited.
Finally, it was this month that Salut Wines opened it’s doors, inviting Manchester in to delve into it’s wines, spirits and tapas style food from the lovely North Star Deli and say hello.
Just look at the wine.
No, seriously look.
There’s just so much of it. And as someone who likes a good wine, I was pleased to see lots of familiar bottles – you know the ones that you remember because they were just downright great bottles?
Of course, if they have an odd name, it helps.
Or a striking label.
Sometimes even a quirky font will do the job. It might be the wine’s flavour that makes it, but the bottle can help make it memorable.
They’ve also got a good selection of spirits, including gins – though admit themselves they need more.
Myself and Mr GFB went in for a bottle on Bank Holiday Monday – we’d had a very lazy Sunday and, taking advantage of the extra day, wandered into the city to indulge in our fondness for a good red.
We had a fantastic red and in fact, I’ve said to a couple of friends since, I fancy an afternoon, a plate of cheese and good company and wine to share. My idea of absolute heaven – and you have the option to do this in Salut with corkage charge applied, or at home, simply purchase and take home for a living room carpet picnic.
If you need a little help deciding, or who just fancy an hour or two sampling wines, Salut has a bank of Enomatic Machines – aka wine jukeboxes – that can dispense samples of wine in smaller measures, with the use of a card. Bakerie in the Northern Quarter have one that I have played with a couple of times, but this full bank of machines offers a greater selection. I have a feeling my card is going to get a serious work out.
They’re also working with Stephen Rosser to offer those who want to learn more, their own Wine School on Monday and Tuesday evenings. So whether you’re just wanting to learn a bit more, or have really developed a passion for wine, then you can indulge.
I guess that’s what comes across at Salut. Everyone loves wine – and I don’t mean in a cuddling the bottle in a corner of the room on the floor the worse for wear kind of way. They’re passionate, they’re knowledgeable and they want to pass that on to you. Whether that’s in an in depth knowledge sort of way, or just in a I need a bottle for tonight that will taste great/impress my date/future in laws/boss kind of way, that bit is up to you.
Add to that I’ve known Nick, for a good couple of years now – a guy who loves his football as much as his wine (his love of Rugby Union now sits further down the list I think) and I know that if I go in and see him, I’m going to walk away with a great bottle of booze and even a food recommendation.
My only worry now, is with Beef & Pudding a stone’s throw away and the tram so very close, am I ever going to be away from that part of town?
The (very lovely) wine in this post was paid for by ourselves.