Why a wine bar? "I love wine and I love people," Branesky says. "And I enjoy the camaraderie of people who are wine drinkers."
And the name? "It's a play on words," she explains. "It means 'heavenly' and it has the word 'vine' in it."
Branesky opened Divine in a small shopping center in the middle of a rapidly growing area of Meridian in October 2006. Her goal was to operate an establishment where people could relax and learn more about wine. "The atmosphere is low key, unpretentious. It's very cozy and comfortable," she says. "There are no strangers here. It's sort of a classier version of (the TV show) Cheers."
I certainly found that to be the case. On our first visit, my wife and I were invited to sit at a table with several other folks who made us feel right at home. It's been the same every visit since.
The dcor is unique. The walls are painted to give the interior a medieval appearance that brings old castle walls to mind. There are numerous quotations about wine painted on the walls as well. "Come quickly. I am seeing stars," by Dom Perignon is one delightful example.
Branesky offers a limited menu of small food platters to go with your glass of wine. Plus, on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., she offers a special treat: Tapas Divinas, delectable food bites that change weekly.
For an evening of special ambiance, Divine hosts live music on the first Saturday of each month from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The next one is Sept. 6.
And for those who are serious about learning more about wine, Branesky has a wine club. "We meet monthly," she said. "I have an industry rep come in, and we taste wine." The club fee allows members to take home two bottles of wine.
Since the exact day changes each month, check out www.divinewineidaho.com for the latest information.
Open Monday through Saturday, Divine also offers a selection of cold beer and wine gifts. An attractive wall display contains bottles of wine for sale from Europe, California and the Pacific Northwest.
UPCOMING EVENTS, MORE NEWS
DIVINE WINE BAR is offering three special tasting events over the next two months. The first features Italian wines and will be presented by BRJ Cellars on Aug. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. The second will be presented by Idaho Wine Merchants on Sept. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The third will be by Moon River Distributing on Sept. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. (the September themes are still being determined).
DAVIS CREEK CELLARS will be holding a grand opening Aug. 15-17 for its new tasting room in Marsing. Winemaker Gina Davis will have specials throughout the tasting room all three days. The hours will be from noon to 5 p.m. (Located on Idaho 55 in Marsing across from the U.S. Bank; www.daviscreekcellars.com)
Ste. Chapelle Winery continues its annual Sunday summer concert series through Sept. 21. Highlights include the Battle of the Bands on Aug. 10 and Highstreet on Sept. 21. (www.stechapelle.com)
CORKSCREWS WINE BAR is now open at 729 N. Main St. in historic old town Meridian. The Web site (www.corkscrews1.com) lists hours of operation and upcoming events.
TANNINS WINE BAR has opened up in the former Silver Trail Winery tasting room/gift shop in the Sandstone Plaza in Kuna. Call 922-1766 for hours of operation and information on upcoming events.
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