ENO wine bar opens in SF’s Union Square

I recently attended to the opening party of ENO wine bar (at 320 Geary Street) and immediately fell in love with the concept and the atmosphere. For a twist on the usual wine offerings, wine director Joel Kampfe brings in eclectic wines from around the world like the Tokaji Nobilis Harslevelu from Hungary and the Terre Nerre Nerello Mascalese Etna Rosso from Siciliy, Italy (along with a couple of locals like the Cultivar Chardonnay from Mendocino) that evolve weekly based on seasonality and availability.

Wine selection is not intimidating though, with nine flights (starting at $16) to help you find your way (the names are half of the fun – anyone for a “Kick Ash White” flight or staff favorite “Floats Like a Butterfly, Stings Like a Bee?”). I especially enjoyed the focus on food as well, with six different cheese flights ($12 for 3 cheeses) and five chocolate flights ($11 for 3 pieces) to accompany the wine, and a charcuterie platter ($20 for 1-2 people) that is cut-to-order (the black truffle salami was an overwhelming favorite).

The vibe is classy and hip, with comfortable booths flanking the windows and sought-after fireplace seats in the back room. An intimate setting of 55 seats and low lighting throughout makes it the perfect place to take a date.

Conveniently located just blocks from my house in the heart of Union Square, this is definitely becoming a new favorite spot to sip wine and catch up with friends. I’ve already figured out what I’m ordering next time – the “White Water Rafting” wine flight (crisp whites) with the charcuterie platter and the “Bittersweet Symphony” chocolate flight for dessert.