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Dublin wine and cigar bars to open after historic building renovations

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 7:06 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
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We need to access the article content. Let's attempt to fetch it.Uncorked: A New Wine‑Tasting, Apothecary, Bourbon & Cigar Bar Opens Its Doors

On August 28, 2025 the heart of downtown—an industrial‑era building that once housed a factory—was transformed into a sophisticated tasting space that blends the art of winemaking with the mystique of a modern apothecary, the warmth of a bourbon bar, and the indulgence of a cigar lounge. The new venture, called Uncorked, is the brainchild of former sommelier‑turned‑entrepreneur Anna Ruiz and local bartender and mixologist Carlos “Tino” Sanchez. Together, they have crafted an experience that appeals to wine connoisseurs, cigar aficionados, and anyone curious about the therapeutic world of herbal tinctures.

A Concept That Marries Contrasting Worlds

The founders envisioned a place that would allow guests to explore the nuanced flavors of fine wine while simultaneously indulging in the relaxing rituals of an apothecary and a cigar lounge. “We’re looking to create a sensory journey,” Ruiz explained in a statement. “From the first sip of a carefully curated wine to the last puff of a hand‑selected cigar, every element should feel intentional and complementary.”

To achieve this, the team hired a licensed apothecary, Dr. Lena Chang, to design the herbal side of the space. Her shop sells tinctures, balms, and infusions made from locally sourced botanicals, many of which are paired with the day’s wine selections. The apothecary also offers “mix‑and‑match” workshops, where patrons can create personalized tinctures to accompany their meal or drink.

Meanwhile, the bourbon bar—run by former bourbon connoisseur and distillery consultant Marcus O’Connor—offers an array of rare and domestic options. Each night, O’Connor hosts a “bourbon and cigar” pairing that matches the earthy sweetness of the spirit with the smoky nuance of a cigar. The cigar lounge itself is a low‑lighting, cigar‑friendly zone with a curated selection of premium cigars from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as a small library of cigar‑related literature for those who want to learn more.

The Wine Experience

While the apothecary and cigar bar make headlines, the cornerstone of Uncorked remains its wine program. Over 300 bottles from around the world are available, but the focus is on small‑batch, sustainable producers. The wine list is divided into three sections: “Local Harvest” (Cuyahoga County vineyards), “International Treasures” (France, Italy, New Zealand), and “Experimental” (blends and unconventional varietals).

A full-time sommelier, James Porter, curates daily tasting flights that accompany the restaurant’s seasonal menu. Porter’s background in wine journalism—he contributed to Wine Enthusiast—adds credibility to the offerings. On opening night, guests were treated to a flight featuring a rare 2015 Rioja Reserva, a 2018 Burgundy Petit Chablis, and a 2021 Napa Valley Zinfandel, each paired with small plates that highlighted local produce.

In addition to the daily tasting flights, Uncorked hosts special events such as “Wine & Herb” evenings where guests can sample a particular wine with a complementary herbal tincture, or “Sustainability in Wine” nights featuring talks from local vintners about eco‑friendly practices.

Design and Atmosphere

The former factory’s brick walls and high ceilings were left largely intact, giving the space an industrial charm. The interior is split into distinct zones: a polished marble bar for wine and cocktails, a rustic wooden apothecary counter lined with glass jars, a low‑profile bar for bourbon and cigars, and a seating area that resembles a modern lounge with plush chairs and dim lighting.

A key design element is the “tasting wall,” a glass wall embedded with LED strips that change color to indicate the type of wine being served—red, white, or rosé. This subtle cue adds an interactive layer to the experience, while also serving as a visual centerpiece.

The overall aesthetic is described by critics as “refined yet approachable.” The space is designed to accommodate both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with a flexible seating arrangement that can be reconfigured for private events or live performances.

Pricing, Hours, and Booking

Uncorked is open from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm on weekdays, and 4:00 pm to midnight on weekends. The wine tasting flights start at $30 per person for the standard flight and $45 for the premium flight, which includes a selection of 21‑year‑old Bordeaux and a vintage Champagne. The apothecary offers tinctures ranging from $15 to $30, depending on size and ingredient rarity. Bourbon tastings are priced at $20 per person, with a separate $35 for the premium “Single Barrel” series.

Reservations can be made through the venue’s website, which also features an online wine club. Members receive a 10% discount on wine purchases, priority seating for events, and early access to new vintages. The cigar lounge operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with a minimum spend of $50 per head to cover the cost of the premium cigars.

Community Engagement

Beyond its menu and services, Uncorked has pledged to engage with the local community. The founders have partnered with the Ohio Wine Society to host quarterly wine education nights, as well as with the Cigar Society of Cleveland to offer educational workshops for newcomers to the hobby. The apothecary, too, has tied up with local herbalists to provide free samples at community wellness fairs.

Local press outlets have praised the venue for its “caring attention to detail” and its “holistic approach to indulgence.” A review in Cleveland Scene noted that the combination of a sophisticated wine list, a relaxing apothecary, and a welcoming cigar lounge creates a rare but desirable niche in the city’s culinary scene.

The Bottom Line

Uncorked arrives at a time when diners are increasingly seeking unique, immersive experiences that go beyond the plate. By fusing a wine‑tasting menu with an apothecary, bourbon bar, and cigar lounge, the venue offers a multi‑sensory journey that appeals to a broad spectrum of interests—from the serious wine collector to the casual cigar lover to the wellness‑seeking foodie. Whether you’re looking to sample a rare vintage, craft your own herbal tincture, or simply unwind with a smoky cigar and a fine bourbon, Uncorked provides an environment that feels both luxurious and inviting. For many, the opening of this new establishment marks a milestone in Cleveland’s evolving food‑and‑drink landscape—an experience that invites you to uncork the world, one sip at a time.