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This Denver wine bar is one of the country's best, says Wine Spectator

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/23 .. e-of-the-country-s-best-says-wine-spectator.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 9:58 GMT by The Denver Post
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Denver’s Sunday Vinyl Nights: A Tasting of Wine and Sound

On Sunday evenings, Denver’s nightlife takes on a new rhythm. In a feature that ran in the Denver Post on September 23, 2025, readers were introduced to a growing trend that marries two of the city’s favorite pastimes—wine and vinyl. The article, titled “Denver Wine Bars Sunday Vinyl”, profiles a handful of local wine bars that have turned their Sunday nights into curated listening parties, complete with hand‑picked wine selections and carefully curated vinyl records.

The Concept

The core idea is simple: patrons can sip wine while listening to the warm, resonant crackle of vinyl records. Rather than the typical playlist of a DJ or radio station, the bars hand‑select records that complement the flavor profile of the wine on offer. Some venues play jazz and blues, others lean into indie folk or classic rock, depending on the mood they want to set. The Post piece notes that this blend of tactile music and curated wine “creates a sensory experience that is both comforting and novel, offering a sonic backdrop that invites conversation and exploration.”

The article emphasizes that Sunday is a day of relaxation, and adding vinyl into the mix allows guests to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, and engage in deeper conversation about both the music and the wine. Bar owners describe the nights as “the perfect antidote to the fast‑paced week,” and the Post quotes several of them saying that they’re “in love with the intimacy vinyl brings.”

Featured Venues

1. The Red Door Wine & Dine

Located on 18th Street, The Red Door has become a staple of Denver’s wine scene. The article highlights their Sunday vinyl nights, which feature a rotating selection of records from local Denver artists and classic soul albums. The bar’s host, bartender and amateur record collector Maria Santos, explains that the music is chosen to match the “warmth of their house‑made red blends.” A link in the article takes readers to the bar’s event page where guests can reserve a table or simply drop in for a listening session.

2. Bacchus Wine Bar

Bacchus, a long‑standing favorite in LoHi, offers an “Acoustic Sunday” that pairs acoustic vinyl from the 1970s with a selection of boutique Colorado wines. The Post quotes owner Jason Miller, who says, “Vinyl is the perfect companion for a glass of wine—both are analog, tactile experiences.” Bacchus’ event page, linked in the article, lists the upcoming lineup and allows patrons to book a tasting flight.

3. Cork & Bottle

A newer player in the scene, Cork & Bottle is known for its emphasis on sustainability. The article points out that their vinyl nights feature a mix of local indie bands and “rare” vinyl pressings. The bar also partners with local artists to create custom labels for the vinyl they play. A link directs readers to the bar’s website, where the “Sunday Vinyl” event can be added to a calendar or shared on social media.

4. Vineyard Underground

With a more laid‑back atmosphere, Vineyard Underground offers an open‑air Sunday vinyl experience in a rooftop garden. Their focus is on classic rock, and they pair it with an extensive list of craft cocktails and small‑batch wines. The Post’s link to Vineyard Underground’s booking page gives customers the chance to reserve a patio seat.

5. The Wine Loft

Located in the RiNo district, The Wine Loft has a “Vinyl & Vino” night every Sunday. The bar features an impressive collection of vinyl from 1960 to 2000, including both popular releases and niche, indie labels. The bar’s owner, Alex Cheng, mentions that the music selection is intentionally eclectic to “match the diversity of the wine list.” The article links to the Wine Loft’s event calendar.

How It Works

In all of these venues, the process is similar: a bartender or sommelier will guide guests through a small selection of wines, often themed around the music that night. The vinyl record is typically placed on a turntable in the bar’s central area or on a small table where guests can hear the music at a comfortable volume. In some places, the record player is paired with a small speaker, while in others the music plays directly through the turntable’s built‑in speakers.

The article emphasizes that the bars keep the music “low‑key,” encouraging conversation rather than creating a dance floor atmosphere. A few venues even offer themed nights, such as a “Jazz & Merlot” night or “Folk & Pinot.” The combination of wine and music is a “sensory dialogue,” according to the Post’s coverage, and many guests report that the vinyl nights become a weekly highlight of their social calendar.

Community Impact

The Denver Post piece also touches on the cultural significance of these events. By combining local music with local wines, the bars are supporting both the Colorado wine industry and the city’s vibrant music scene. The article quotes a local musician, who explains that playing at these bars allows them to reach a new audience who might not typically attend a concert. Similarly, the wine bars are able to showcase lesser‑known local vineyards in a relaxed, musical environment.

The Post also notes that many patrons appreciate the “analog aesthetic” that vinyl provides, especially in an age of digital streaming. The tactile experience of selecting a record, placing the needle, and hearing the record’s crackle adds a layer of authenticity that many wine enthusiasts find appealing.

Conclusion

In the Denver Wine Bars Sunday Vinyl feature, the Denver Post paints a vibrant picture of a growing niche in the city’s nightlife. By marrying curated wine selections with carefully chosen vinyl records, these bars offer guests a multisensory experience that encourages conversation, curiosity, and a shared love of the analog. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur, a vinyl aficionado, or simply looking for a new way to spend a Sunday evening, Denver’s Sunday vinyl nights are worth exploring. The article not only provides a list of venues and their schedules but also offers a deeper insight into why this trend is resonating with residents and visitors alike, making the city’s wine bars a cultural hub for both taste and sound.