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A South Street wine bar is revived in Center City

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/27 .. h-street-wine-bar-is-revived-in-center-city.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 22:52 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer
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Winedive Bar Rittenhouse: Philadelphia’s New Wine‑Focused Destination

The latest addition to Philadelphia’s culinary scene, Winedive Bar Rittenhouse, has opened its doors on the city’s famed Rittenhouse Square. A joint venture between celebrated wine curator Elena K., who runs the acclaimed “VinoVerde” wine bar in New York, and longtime Rittenhouse resident and restaurateur Miguel Santos, the new venue blends a refined tasting‑room atmosphere with the casual vibe of a contemporary bar. The concept is simple yet ambitious: to offer a curated, constantly evolving selection of wines—both boutique and mainstream—paired with a small‑plate menu designed to complement each bottle.

Location and Design

Situated at 12 South 19th Street, the bar occupies a former retail space that formerly housed a boutique clothing store. The interior is a study in understated elegance. Natural light floods the central patio, which features a wooden pergola that folds down to reveal a glass‑lined bar. The walls are lined with custom shelving that showcases the wine collection in glass-fronted cases. Seating consists of a mix of high‑top stools, a communal bar counter, and a series of upholstered lounge chairs that create a relaxed yet intimate setting. The design, helmed by interior architect Mark Henson, emphasizes organic textures and a palette of warm neutrals that echo the natural hues of vineyard landscapes.

Wine Selection and Tasting Experience

Winedive Bar Rittenhouse prides itself on its “Living Cellar.” The cellar, a three‑floor, climate‑controlled space, holds more than 3,000 labels from over 200 vineyards across the globe. Each bottle is accompanied by a detailed tasting note and pairing recommendation. Elena K. personally curates the collection, ensuring a balance between classic French reds and cutting‑edge New World varietals. In addition to the main selection, the bar offers a rotating “Wine of the Month” series that features a single label each month, paired with a menu of dishes specially crafted by Chef Miguel Santos’s kitchen.

The bar’s tasting experience is tailored to both novices and connoisseurs. Patrons can opt for a guided tasting led by a sommelier, a self‑serve “wine flight” of five hand‑picked selections, or a casual “pour‑and‑play” where guests are encouraged to sample a variety of pours from the open bar. A unique feature is the “Wine Dive” experience: a half‑hour guided walk through the cellar with explanations of terroir, production methods, and the stories behind each bottle. This interactive component has been praised for demystifying wine for those who find the industry intimidating.

Cuisine: Small Plates, Big Impact

Chef Miguel Santos brings his signature culinary flair to the menu. The kitchen, located in a separate but adjacent space, operates on a “menu of the day” model, with a focus on seasonal produce, locally sourced meats, and artisanal cheeses. Highlights include:

• Charred Octopus with lemon‑infused olive oil, served with a pickled cucumber slaw – pairs beautifully with the bar’s house‑blended dry rosé.
• Duck Ragu on a bed of creamy polenta, topped with micro‑greens – a match for a bold, tannic Cabernet.
• Truffle‑Infused Mushroom Tart – an excellent companion to a buttery Chardonnay.

The small plates are designed to highlight the flavor profiles of each wine, encouraging diners to experiment with different combinations. In addition to the standard menu, the bar hosts weekly “Food & Wine Pairing Nights” featuring collaborations with local chefs and distilleries.

Service and Atmosphere

The staff at Winedive Bar Rittenhouse are described as “knowledgeable yet approachable.” Bar staff are trained in the fundamentals of wine service, but they also provide honest recommendations based on a patron’s palate. The service style is a hybrid of a wine bar and a lounge: guests can linger for extended periods, sipping wine, enjoying a bite, or simply watching the city bustle through the expansive windows.

The bar’s ambience is intentionally laid‑back. Live jazz is played on Thursday and Friday nights, while Sunday brunch is accompanied by a curated playlist of acoustic covers. The lighting is dimmed in the evenings to create a cozy atmosphere that invites conversation and relaxation.

Events, Private Dining, and Community Engagement

Winedive Bar Rittenhouse has positioned itself as a community hub. The venue offers private dining spaces for up to 30 guests, ideal for corporate meetings, birthday celebrations, or wedding receptions. The private rooms feature an elevated wine selection, bespoke menus, and optional live entertainment.

The bar also collaborates with local organizations. Partnerships with the “Philly Wine Lovers” club bring quarterly wine‑education workshops, and the venue has hosted fund‑raising events for the “Artisans of America” nonprofit, supporting local craftspeople.

Pricing and Accessibility

While Winedive Bar Rittenhouse is positioned as a mid‑to‑high‑end establishment, its pricing remains accessible. A typical wine flight starts at $28, while the “Wine Dive” experience is priced at $45. Small plates range from $12 to $18, with a few $25 options for more luxurious items. The bar also offers a happy hour menu on weekdays from 4 pm to 7 pm, featuring discounted wine pours and a rotating selection of house‑made tapas.

Final Thoughts

Winedive Bar Rittenhouse delivers on its promise of a refined yet welcoming wine experience. By pairing a meticulously curated selection of wines with a thoughtfully designed menu and a relaxed atmosphere, the bar sets a new standard for wine‑centric venues in Philadelphia. Whether you are a seasoned sommelier or a casual wine enthusiast, Winedive Bar Rittenhouse offers a space where the joy of discovery, community, and good food can converge. Its opening marks an exciting addition to Rittenhouse Square’s already vibrant dining scene, and its future looks poised for even greater exploration of the world of wine.