Garagiste Wine Room | Merchant

If Garagiste isn't one of your favorite places to drink wine in Vegas, you probably don't get around to the Arts District much. The bar and retail shop makes quirky, small-production wines accessible within the walls of a modern, semi-industrial space. The wine list—a simple stack of stapled pages—changes at least twice a week, thanks to a rotating inventory that gives special attention to small producers and small orders. Low-intervention wines are clearly marked, offering quick information for the initiated and a conversation point for the curious. There are usually 20-25 wines by the glass and up to 400 labels available for enjoying on the spot or to go (with a 50% discount on retail orders). There's almost always at least one flight dedicated to low-intervention wines too. Owner Eric Prato, a former sommelier on the Strip, has a preference for international picks with France, Spain and Italy well represented, but any region is fair game. You may even see wines from Australia or England on your next visit.
How to order: Walk in, sign up for special offers via email, or shop the online store for quick pickup.

If you're sick of seeing the same old wine at restaurants and grocery stores, head to Garagiste, a bar and retail shop that specializes in small-batch producers from around the world. The place has only been around for a few years, but it’s locking down a pivotal role as a social hub in the heart of the Arts District. Enjoy a glass before dinner at a nearby restaurant, hang out for a while with a bottle, or go deep with the bartenders, who are eager to discuss the benefits of low-intervention wines, unique blends and the latest orders, showcased on an ever-changing list that’s made accessible to read. Ultimately, Garagiste makes unusual wines approachable in a comfortable, contemporary dining room. No matter what, take a bottle to go.
How to book: Just walk in or place a pickup order in advance via an online store.

If the person(s) you have to shop for is just so incredibly difficult and/or you just don’t know them that well and/or you’re short on time and/or you are observing proper holiday party etiquette and bringing a host gift, the answer is wine. Pay a visit to the fine folks at Garagiste, a wine bar and retailer that specializes in the kind of juice you can’t just go grab at Target or Smith’s. Their inventory is stuffed with interesting wines from lesser-known, smaller producers from all over the world, and they roll deep with low-intervention labels. But you don’t have to be super into wine to find something fun. The staff here is incredibly approachable and accommodating; let them help you find something special for a gift or for yourself (maybe have a glass or two with some cheese and charcuterie while you’re there). The best part: every bottle on their list is for sale to-go at half off the list price (plus they’re offering an additional 5% off for Small Business Saturday).

Garagiste is a wine bar for people who don’t suck. If you’ve ever been curious about all these natural wines you keep hearing about, this is the place to visit; they’ll guide you through the experience without making you feel like a moron. The vibe is super casual and laid-back, just a touch rocker (think ‘90s new wave, grunge, and alt metal), and wholly approachable. If you like wine but hate wine snobs, this is your spot. It’s also a bottle shop, so if you try something you like, you can take a few bottles home with you (always 50% off the list price to take home). And if you’re snacky, they have some very nice cheese and charcuterie plates (and also some very nice beers and ciders for the non-wine-drinking guests).

Garagiste was founded by Mario Enriquez and Eric Prato, sommeliers who formerly worked at fine dining restaurants on the Strip, but are now following their own vision in the Arts District. It's a modern, industrial space with a record player serving up some background sounds while the bartenders serve wine in dozens of glasses, hundreds of bottles, and a few flights to round things out. Garagiste has special affection for low-intervention and organic wines, as well as cool stuff from small European villages. The bar is also a merchant. Every bottle is available on a retail basis at 50% off. Ask about curbside pickup (since we know how parking goes in the Arts District). Try the $5 tap wine during one of our favorite happy hours in Vegas (Monday-Friday afternoons).
How to order: Just walk in and discuss your preferences with a somm or bartender on staff. Sign up for regular emails to learn about the best deals before everyone else. Fair warning: they sell out quickly.