Antonio Moreno, who works the counter at Enoteca by EdenVale Wine Tasting & Bistro, gets excited telling couples about the remodeled space upstairs, overlooking the Ashland Plaza. Standard tables and hard chairs were recently replaced with romantic, two-person ottoman-like seating and low copper-top tables that can be rearranged to accommodate a group.
A few Fridays ago, a man threw a surprise 40th birthday party there for his partner, who never suspected anything except a stop for a glass of wine.
In the slower winter months, tasting room staffs often have the time to serve flights in the smaller rooms.
But instead of pouring each flight one at a time as they do at the counter, the Enoteca staff brings a wine glass tree that holds five glasses, one for each taste of red or white wines, and printed tasting notes to the upstairs visitors.
Moreno compares the new approach to the slow-food movement.
"It's really about the slow sip," he says, adjusting his purple bow tie and black vest. "Wine is meant to be enjoyed, not to be a quick drink. So why would we want people to ever leave?"
For more information: Enoteca by EdenVale Wine Tasting & Bistro, 17 North Main Street Ashland, OR 97520, 541-482-3377, www.edenvalleyorchards.com
Read the complete article in the Ashland Daily Tidings: http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121231/NEWS02/212310306
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