THIRD WARD

By Nan Bialek | Photography By Eric Halverson

The upbeat vibe of the Historic Third Ward pairs well with both seasoned and emerging wine lovers. That’s why there are no less than three establishments in the Ward that focus on assisting customers to taste, purchase and learn more about their favorite beverage. “You don’t need to have a refined palate to enjoy wine,” insists Paul Monigal, owner of Vino Third Ward, 219 E. Erie St.

Monigal credits his staff for building Vino’s reputation as the neighborhood’s version of “Cheers,” but with some of the world’s mostprized wines and spirits.

“All of our sommeliers are Wisconsin natives and have traveled the globe to learn and bring that information back to our store,” he says.

Monigal has deep roots in the Third Ward, going back to his grandparents, so he believes it just made sense to locate Vino here. “Aside from that, the diversity of the neighborhood — from the permanent residents to the festivalgoers and tourists — makes this area of downtown busy and colorful, which is the kind of energy that I want to have at our store and bar.”

The dynamic energy of the Milwaukee Public Market was a magnet for Thief Wine Shop and Bar’s Phil Bilodeau when he decided to open his business there 14 years ago. He knew he wanted to focus like a laser beam on wines and not on food. 2A WINE MERCHANTS

“We are a wine shop and bar first and foremost,” he explains. At the Market, Thief is steps away from “a really good cheese shop, a really good fish market and a really good chocolatier.” Customers are welcome to bring their food purchases to Thief’s bar and enjoy them with a glass of wine. He also believes he has an ideal location, between downtown offices and Third Ward condos.

Bilodeau, who has passed both Masters of Wine exams, says Thief is distinguished by three things: knowledge, experience of the staff and a competitively priced selection.

“I’ve traveled wine regions throughout the world and worked with wineries in Napa. I feel I’ve got a nicely curated selection,” he says. “Our wine selection is incredibly varied and adventurous, a mix of something people might know and new things to try.”

FROM THEIR VERY FIRST CONVERSATIONS ABOUT OPENING 2A WINE MERCHANTS, 577 E. ERIE ST., BUSINESS PARTNERS ROB LEVIN AND TONY BISCIGLIA KNEW THEY WANTED TO DEVELOP A UNIQUE, UNEXPECTED AND RELAXING SPACE.

“Music was always going to be a major focus, as it allows us to create a vibe, a feeling, an environment that relates to everyone,” Levin says.

With more than 50 years of combined industry experience, Levin and Bisciglia hired like-minded people who understand hospitality. They consider the staff to be “ambassadors of winemakers and wine houses who align with our mission of family, culture, economic and environmental responsibility, and just overall correct thinking,” Levin adds.

An exciting lineup of educational events fill the calendar for 2A’s tasting room, where customers can learn about specific types of wines they might not discover on their own.

“Variety is one thing,” says Levin, “but value is another. We charge no corkage fees for any bottles consumed on premise. Our goal is for you to drink more wine. Period.” PHIL BILODEAU, THIEF WINE SHOP AND BAR

PHIL BILODEAU, THIEF WINE SHOP AND BAR

Yesterday I had a great bottle of champagne. I was out on the lake with my girlfriend, and it was beautiful. I think sparkling wine is good for any occasion, whether to celebrate or just to have yourself a better night.

ROB LEVIN, 2A WINE MERCHANTS

In the summer months, lighter, fresher, highacid wines are my go-to. From a white wine perspective, sancerre, Riesling, high-acid/ cool-climate chardonnays are my go-to. If I am in the red mood, I am poppin’ some coolclimate pinot noir, trousseau, sangiovese, and, depending on the region, possibly some fresh syrah. I’m also digging on Portugal for fresh red summer wine picks.

PAUL MONIGAL, VINO THIRD WARD

Blackjack Ranch Cab Franc, with a Prosecco “back” because it instantly brings back memories of the eclectic Solvang and Los Olivos tasting rooms in central-coast California, where ranchers, politicians and famous musicians would all hang out together with the tourists, just enjoying wine.