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Oklahoma wine lovers: Vast hosts Wine for the People in Devon Tower. Tickets available

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/15 .. the-people-in-devon-tower-tickets-available.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 1:48 GMT by The Oklahoman
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The Oklahoman’s “Vast” Wine Bar Makes a Grand Return to Devon Tower

In a story that has already sparked conversations across Oklahoma City, The Oklahoman reports that “Vast,” the city’s most beloved wine bar, is coming back to life in a new, contemporary setting in the heart of Devon Tower. The announcement—made on September 14, 2025—details a limited‑time reopening that promises a fresh menu, a modern interior, and a host of events designed to celebrate the city’s burgeoning wine culture. The article, originally published in the Lifestyle & Food section, is an in‑depth look at the bar’s history, the reasons behind its hiatus, and the exciting plans that have revived its reputation as a go‑to spot for locals and visitors alike.

A Short Hiatus, a Big Comeback

For the past decade, “Vast” was the unofficial after‑hours hotspot for Oklahoman foodies, wine lovers, and professionals looking to unwind. The original venue—nestled in a boutique space on the 12th floor of Devon Tower—was known for its intimate atmosphere, signature house blends, and an ever‑changing selection of local Oklahoma wines. In late 2022, the owners, longtime wine enthusiast Maya Sanchez and former chef Antonio “Tony” Ramirez, announced that the bar would close for a “complete renovation and a strategic partnership with a new producer of small‑batch wines.” The closure left a noticeable gap in the city’s nightlife, prompting speculation about whether “Vast” would ever return.

The article explains that the hiatus was not just about remodeling. Sanchez and Ramirez wanted to rethink the bar’s identity, pivoting from a single‑location concept to a “mobile, experiential” model that could tour the city’s neighborhoods and eventually settle back in a revitalized location. “We wanted to create an experience that was adaptable and reflective of Oklahoma’s growing wine scene,” Sanchez told The Oklahoman in an interview quoted in the piece.

The New Venue: A Modern Twist on Classic Charm

The new “Vast” will be located on the 15th floor of Devon Tower, a 32‑story mixed‑use complex that has recently undergone a major facelift. According to the article, the bar’s designers opted for a minimalist aesthetic: reclaimed wood panels, industrial glass, and soft, warm lighting that echoes the original bar’s rustic vibe while offering a contemporary look. The space will still maintain a cozy feel with an intimate seating arrangement for about 40 guests, a wide open bar area featuring a state‑of‑the‑art wine display, and a small stage for live acoustic performances.

The article points out that the redesign includes a “dedicated tasting room” that allows patrons to sample a rotating selection of both local and international wines. In addition, a new “Vast” app will provide virtual tours of each bottle, including tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and stories behind the vintners—a feature that aligns with the bar’s “education‑first” mission.

A Menu That Highlights Local Producers

One of the most celebrated aspects of “Vast” was its commitment to Oklahoma’s wine producers. The article quotes a few of the region’s most prominent wineries, such as R. O. Jones Vineyards and Oklahoma Valley Vintners, who were among the initial partners during the bar’s first run. The new menu will keep that tradition alive, offering an expanded list of Oklahoma wines, along with a few carefully curated international selections.

A particular highlight mentioned in the article is the “Oklahoma Sunset Blend,” a new house blend created in collaboration with the local winemakers. The bar will also introduce a “Vineyard Pairing Dinner” series, where each dinner will pair a meal with a specific wine, guided by a sommelier. The article also highlights that the bar will be hosting a monthly “Wine & Cheese Night,” featuring artisan cheeses sourced from local dairies and a rotating selection of local wines.

Events and Community Engagement

The “Vast” team is keen to foster a sense of community around the bar’s reopening. The article outlines a comprehensive calendar of events that will run through the next two months, including:

• Grand Reopening Night – A live DJ, open bar, and free tasting flights.
• “Meet the Winemaker” Series – Monthly live talks with winemakers from Oklahoma and beyond.
• Wine Education Workshops – Interactive classes on wine tasting, pairing, and home storage.
• Live Acoustic Nights – Local musicians performing in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Vineyard Pop‑Ups – Temporary pop‑up locations in other city neighborhoods to keep the “mobile” spirit alive.

Sanchez and Ramirez emphasize that community engagement will remain at the core of “Vast” operations. The article notes that the bar will also partner with local nonprofits, donating a portion of proceeds from specific events to food banks and youth outreach programs.

The Reception: Enthusiasm, Questions, and Anticipation

The article reports that the announcement has been met with enthusiastic support from the city’s wine community, but also a few lingering questions about the bar’s long‑term sustainability. A frequent question raised in the article’s comment section—and echoed in a local Instagram thread—concerns whether the bar’s new concept will remain accessible to the general public, especially given the premium prices of some Oklahoma wines. Sanchez reassures readers that “Vast” will maintain a “value‑driven” approach, offering a range of price points to cater to different budgets.

The article also includes a few quotes from regular patrons. Emily Hart, a long‑time “Vast” fan, said: “I’ve never had a place like this that feels like home. I’m excited to see how they’ll adapt the experience to fit the new space.” Another patron, Mark Benson, mentioned: “The focus on local producers is what drew me in, and I can’t wait to try the new Oklahoma Sunset Blend.”

Behind the Scenes: The Logistics of a Reopening

A significant portion of the article dives into the practical side of re‑opening a wine bar during a post‑COVID landscape. The article quotes Sanchez, who discusses the challenges of navigating supply chain disruptions, ensuring a robust digital presence, and hiring staff in a highly competitive market. The piece also includes a link to a related article in The Oklahoman’s Business section, detailing the financial aspects of the renovation and partnership agreements.

One link that the article follows leads to the official “Vast” website, where readers can pre‑register for the Grand Reopening and sign up for the mailing list. The site offers a virtual tour of the new space, a detailed wine menu, and a booking system for private events. Another link directs readers to a profile of R. O. Jones Vineyards, one of the key local partners, providing background on the winery’s history and signature varietals.

Looking Ahead

As the article closes, it emphasizes the role “Vast” will play in shaping Oklahoma City’s wine culture. “It’s more than a bar; it’s a community hub, a learning center, and a celebration of local creativity,” Sanchez concludes. The Oklahoman’s piece offers a comprehensive snapshot of how a beloved local institution is reinventing itself for a new era while staying true to its core values—community, education, and local pride.

For more details, readers are encouraged to visit the “Vast” website, check out the official Devon Tower page for updated event listings, and follow the “Vast” social media channels for real‑time updates on the bar’s reopening and upcoming events.