Now that we’re getting settled in the new place, Nick and I are having fun exploring Santa Barbara and our new neighborhood. Living downtown and being within walking distance to numerous places definitely has its perks, one of them being that we’re only a 10 minute walk from a new wine (and beer!) bar that just opened up last month. Talk about convenient!
Armada Wine & Beer Merchant is a bright and airy bar tucked away in a courtyard off of State Street in Downtown SB. It was started by friends Jaime Heer and Tucker Huget, who met while working at a local winery in town (Carr Winery) and dreamed of opening their own place one day. That dream is now a reality, and, if their Grand Opening Party is any indication of how popular this place will be, I think they’re in good shape.
Armada carries mostly smaller-production wines and artisanal beers from Central CA and beyond, perfect for those looking to try something new. The name Armada is not only a play on the ‘exploration’ of wine/beer, but also pays tribute to the Spanish Conquistadors that are carved into the facade of the San Marcos Courtyard where the place resides. Inside, the space is tastefully decorated with a coastal, nautical and airy theme that is casual and inviting (I want my living room to look like this!). Both Jaime and Tucker are super nice and down-to-earth, and you can tell they’ve put a lot of thought and time into making it an inviting place for both locals and tourists – from the décor to the wine list. There’s even a TV playing movies like Ghostbusters or Grease if you need an excuse to stay awhile…
Here are a few examples of what’s on the list (some of which they change up every few weeks)… All great selections!
2012 Mes Amis Dry Riesling ($25) – Produced by two local young winemakers Matt Brady (of Jaffurs) and Drake Whitcraft (of Whitcraft), I was impressed with this wine. With notes of honeysuckle and cantaloupe, it’s dry and crisp enough to make even the non-Riesling drinkers fans.
2013 Ledge Vineyards Los Topos Rosé ($25) – A blend of 72% Grenache, 14% Syrah and 14% Mourvedre from Paso Robles, it’s a juicy rosé that isn’t overly sweet at all. It had notes of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of basil. If you’re not into pink wines, if nothing else, the label is a fun conversation starter – moles wearing Mexican wrestling masks. “Los Topos” is Spanish for “the moles” in case you’re wondering. Also, the winemaker, Mark Adams, was named one of the top winemakers to watch in 2014 if you keep up with that stuff. :)
2012 baker & brain Central Coast Pinot Noir ($40) – Nick and I both fell in love with this wine, which happens to be one of Armada’s most popular wines, a silky blend of grapes from Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties. Founded by two friends from college, Josh Baker and Matt Brain, their small-lot wines are created with minimal intervention. This Pinot smelled of raspberry pie, cinnamon and dried herbs, with refined fruit-flavors and a lingering finish. Rumor has it that Armada is hosting a {baker & brain} wine dinner in early April which I might just have to attend!
2011 Veramonte Primus Malbec ($25) – After tasting such restraint in the Pinot, this wine was quite different but really grew on me. The tobacco, pepper and blueberry notes will satisfy any full-bodied red wine fan’s tastes, especially if you’re looking for a good Malbec from Argentina.
2012 Medici Ermete Concerto Lambrusco Prosecco ($30) – Not a wine you’ll see on many wine lists, this sparkling, intensely-colored wine will keep you coming back for more. It smells like fresh raspberry jam, but is actually super mellow in the mouth – with light fizz, black cherry flavors and a dry finish. Grape juice for grownups.
Telegraph Brewery Coffee Abbey Beer – This beer is off-the-charts good. It’s brewed with fresh ground coffee extract and has notes of toast and vanilla. And guess what? It’s the only place in town with it on tap. So good!!
Zwet.be Belgian Porter – This bottled porter is very different… almost sour or tart with interesting notes of cocoa and roasted coffee. Really different but definitely good.
Grab your friends, try some new beers or wines on tap and settle in to your new favorite neighborhood hangout. Thanks to Tucker and Jaime for the hospitality! Cheers!
Armada Beer & Wine Merchant:
Open: M, W, Th – 1-9pm; Fri-Sat 1-11pm; Sun -1-7pm; Closed Tuesday
Phone: 805.770.5912
Location: 1129-A State Street – Santa Barbara, CA
Tips: There are cheese and charcuterie plates available should you end up staying for the entire movie (hey, sometimes you just have to watch those classic 80s movies all the way through.)
