Whiz Biz: Uncorked Wine Bar and Boutique

Whiz Biz:

Address: 22342 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita

Phone: 949-589-1156

Website: getuncorked.com

Employees: 5

What’s Nearby: , ,

What Makes it so Awesome: Whether you’re in search of a fun girls’ night out, a romantic date, a bottle of fine wine or a unique gift for that special person, Uncorked offers something for everyone. Dubbed the “not a wine snob bar,” both connoisseurs  and newbies will feel right at home at this little gem of a place.

What’s The Scoop: George Riviere was recently retired, having spent years as a successful software developer in the corporate world. Originally from Japan, George moved to the United States in 1962 and later married his wife, Eileen, a southern California native. The two settled in Laguna Beach and spent the first couple years of retirement traveling and enjoying life.

“And then one day, we went to TJ Maxx, and I made him push the cart,” said Eileen with a laugh.

That’s when the couple knew it was time to embark on a new adventure in this next chapter of their lives.

The Rivieres, whose grown children and grandchildren live in Arizona, moved  from Laguna to Coto De Caza and fell in love with the quiet community of Rancho Santa Margarita. In 2008, the couple stumbled across Uncorked Wine Bar and learned it was up for sale. They jumped on the opportunity, bought the place and have been happily operating it ever since. 

Eileen manages the marketing and PR side of the business from home, while George oversees the store activity; they also have three reliable employees. The couple also owns the website Webwine, which features over 1,500 wines at unbeatable prices. They initially travelled to different wineries, even venturing across the globe to places like New Zealand and Australia to taste different wines.

“We originally thought we’d spend a lot of our time visiting wineries all over,” said George, but added that the business requires they spend most of their time closer to home. That isn’t a bad thing, as both love to mingle with both the regulars and the newcomers who walk through their doors.

George’s favorite aspects of the business are updating the website and setting up special events. Uncorked has hosted a variety of fundraisers, including a successful one for the Rancho Santa Margarita Historical Society. They’ve also hosted several events for state congressmen and local City Council candidates. From time to time, Uncorked  also invites special wine makers to make an appearance, like Paso Robles’s own Tobin James. For these special events, the crowd often spills onto the sidewalk in anticipation of a good time.

Uncorked sometimes takes their wine off the premises, venturing to retirement homes to set up tastings for seniors; these events are always a big hit. They recently supplied the wine for the grand opening for Olivia’s Closet, a fashion boutique just down the road.

What’s Unique: This cozy place is nestled in the middle of the bustling El Paseo Town shopping center, yet one step inside and you feel as if you’ve been transported into a quaint downtown shop. Charming little wine-themed gifts occupy the front end of the shop; one can find everything from bottle openers to aprons to, of course, bottles of wine. Among the most popular gift items are the decorative wine glasses on the wall; custom painted by a local Rancho Santa Margarita resident, they bear unique designs like popular sports team logos.

“We sold a ton of them during the holiday season,” said Eileen.

Perhaps the most unique decorations and gifts are the retired grape vines around the store. A large one sits in the window, its branches stretching like long, twisted arms; Eileen decorated it at Christmas time with seasonal charms. The Rivieres purchase these grape vines from an artist whose business involves taking retired grapevines, polishing them, and turning them into artwork. Elegant candle holders, coasters, and even furniture are just a few of the creations, and a selection of these pieces can be purchased in the store.

The Rivieres put their own unique decorative touches on the place after purchasing the business. “ I wanted to achieve a sort of vintage and modern mixed look,” said Eileen. Indeed, the subtle mustard colored walls and rustic looking grape vines contrast nicely with the modern furniture.

The back of the shop is the wine bar, complete with cozy leather chairs, tall tables and bar seating. This is where one can find a group of ladies laughing together over a glass of wine and dessert, or a quiet duo huddled in the corner enjoying an intimate moment. Uncorked offers ongoing events, including Happy Hour, which runs from 5-6:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and includes special pricing on appetizers, $3 wines by the glass and $2 regular beers. For those who work late or just need to get out of the house after the kids go to bed, Uncorked offers a Nightcap every night after 8 p.m.; two wines and two desserts run just $8. Wednesday Nights are Ladies Nights; groups of three or more can enjoy happy hour prices all night long, as well as a free chocolate plate or mini cupcake.

“Ladies Night draws in all sorts of groups, from book club moms to people celebrating birthdays,” said Eileen. Men are invited too, and reservations are strongly recommended.

While most wineries offer small tastings of different wines, Uncorked offers generous pours at reasonable prices. These “flights” include 2.5 ounce pours and come in a decorative display illuminated by candle light; wine lovers and wine skeptics alike can sample a variety of reds or whites. The Alternative White Flight, one of the many selections, runs $12 and includes a Heinz Eifel Riesling, Paradou Viognier and LoTengo Torrontes. Wines by the glass are also available, and for those who prefer an alternative beverage, Uncorked also offers a selection of beers, sparkling water, tea and coffee.

But what goes better with wine than a plate of cheese? Uncorked offers a tantalizing menu of appetizers and small plates. The Cheese Plate is a favorite among patrons and includes an assortment of cheddar, Havarti, and Gouda; it comes with grapes, almonds, dried cranberries, salami and crackers. The Baked Brie Plate, Caprese Salad, Organic Spinach Salad, and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes are just a few of the other delicious options. Dessert lovers won’t be disappointed with the Mini-Cupcakes, Chocolate Dish or Mini-Indulgences. The actual menu is presented on cork board, just one of the many unique touches that make this place so special.

What’s New: If you’re looking for a romantic way to spend an evening with your Valentine this week, Uncorked is the perfect setting. Through February 14, Uncorked is offering a Valentine’s Day special. For just $20, couples can share a flight of three sparkling wines and a choice of two mini cupcakes or two delicious mini-indulgences for dessert. Reservations are strongly recommended.

From its cozy bar to the many special events, unique gifts, delicious food, variety of wines and friendly service, it’s hard to pick just one reason to visit Uncorked. But one thing is certain; once you do visit, you’ll surely come back. Time and time again.