La Botana answers locals' need for Latin wine

Sit at the bar at La Botana and order a glass of wine and bar master Swede will say, "What do ya say we have some fun and play a game?"

Three different flights of wine are then poured in three different glasses and lined up in front of a customer. The labels are hidden, and the receiver must rely totally on his or her taste buds in making their selection. 

This "game" of taste is only one thing that draws folks to the bar.

Swede's theory is when a customer comes to La Botana, they should remember where they were when they tasted a great wine instead of wine's label.

"You can go somewhere else and purchase a wine you like, but it's the experience you remember," he explained.  

In addition to making wine tasting fun through a sense of adventure, Swede's game inspires lovers of wine to expand their horizons.

The game also opens up opportunities for conversation -- all important ingredients for a stimulating bar that keeps regular customers coming back.

The Seagrove Beach bar is a small and intimate local's gathering spot furnished with a large round table and as well as a booth with retro padded seating.

At the bar, kick back in acrylic rocking bar stools.

Open for less than a year, La Botana is the child of newly-weds Jane Soloman and Phillip Morgan.

Moving to Seagrove full time in 2007, the couple wanted a nice wine bar where they could take friends and enjoy small plates along with their favorite -- Latin wines. With no such place nearby, they opened their own.

The worldy wine list emphasizes Spanish, Chilean and Argentine vintages.

The Latin cuisine inspired the name "La Botana," which translates loosely to "little snacks." The plates are designed to be shared between two or more people.

"This is more of a party/forum venue than a restaurant," said Swede. "It's a place to drink heavy and eat light."

In addition to featuring live music three to four nights a week, the owners have focused their approach to gaining business on using unique promotions to attract attention.

Feliz Cumpleanos Fiesta is a promo where if you come to the bar within seven calendar days of your birthday, La Botana's gift to you is a free bottle of champagne.

From 4 - 7 p.m. daily, and after 10 p.m., the bar's special is "two for one" glasses of wine, or buy two glasses and get the bottle.

"There's no better value on wine than here," said Swede.

La Botana's chef is a nephew of the owners and a Mexican chef, who developed the menu of tapas to compliment the wine list.

"It's Mexican like mama made it, not Tex Mex," said Swede. "It's genuine authentic Mexican food."

Soloman said the wine bar has done well, thanks to the group of loyal followers.

Last week, Seaside Repertory Theatre held its season introduction get-together there.

Each first and third Wednesdays, La Botana hosts a SpeakEasy with open discussions on various topics.

Girls' Nite Out is the second Wednesday of the month, where local womens' fashion boutiques are invited to bring in their goods. Drink specials, prizes and live music are also featured.

Date nights and fundraisers are also planned.

"It's all about drinking wine and socializing," said Swede.

La Botana is open from 4 to 11 p.m., seven days a week, at Grand Isle in Seagrove Beach.