The French chemist Louis Pasteur once said, "A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world." If you're looking to get enlightened, you're in luck. Sarasota is home to restaurants boasting impressive wine lists, wine bars and even wine festivals.
Michael's On East (1212 East Ave. S., 941-366-0007, www.bestfood.com, www.michaelsoneast.com) pairs fine wines from its extensive wine cellar with a delectable menu. They offer up wines by the glass, wine flights, champagnes and half-bottles of reds and whites (when you can't make up your mind or there are differing preferences at your table). Michael's, a long-standing Sarasota favorite, also hosts monthly wine dinners and open house wine tastings. Wine dinners include five courses and five-star wines (call for reservations). Tastings are just $10 at the door or free for Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club members. Michael's on East is located at Midtown Plaza in midtown Sarasota, just before downtown.
If you want to be transported to Italy, head to Salute! (23 N. Lemon Ave., 941-365-1020, www.salutesarasota.com). The wine complements the cheeses and cured meats, prepared in front of you on chef's stations. Owner Alberto Guadagnini's Tuscan vineyard supplies the restaurant with wines straight from Italy. The outdoor patio is a lovely place to sip a chilled wine white in the sunshine. Salute! is located on Lemon between 1st and Main in downtown Sarasota.
Casual elegance is the name of the game at Caragiulos (69 S. Palm Ave., 941-951-0866, www.caragiulos.com), where you can order wine by the glass or bottle. Prices are reasonable, such as the $19.89 bottles you'll find on their 1989 Italian wine list. You'll experience New York Italian in style, as the owners came to Sarasota by way of Brooklyn. Caragiulos is located on quiet Palm Ave. in downtown Sarasota.
Cosimo's Brick Oven (3501 S. Tamiami Trl., 941-363-0211, www.cosimos.net), located in Southgate Mall (Westfield Shoppingtown Southgate), has a boutique wine list with bottles of Italian reds and whites. The wine menu complements the casual fare on the food menu, which includes pizza, pasta and salads. Cosimo's has a second location at Sarasota Square Mall (Westfield Shoppingtown Sarasota), Cosimo's Too (8201 S. Tamiami Trl., 941-927-3800).
Enjoy fine wine and fine food at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (2001 Siesta Dr., 941-358-9463, www.flemingssteakhouse.com). Come for the wine and sit at the bar or enjoy it alongside the steak and fish dishes for which Fleming's is known. Fleming's offers 100 wines by the glass, wine flights, reserve wines and ports. Fleming's is located in midtown Sarasota, across from Southgate Mall.
Libby's Cafe and Bar (1917 S. Osprey Ave., 941-487-7300, www.libbyscafebar.com) offers reds, whites, rose, champagne and port, by the glass or bottle. The wine list, which has wines from around the world, won the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine (2010). On Wine Wednesdays, take advantage of 50% off select bottles of wine. Happy Hour takes place from 4-7 p.m. daily. Enjoy outdoor seating, as well. Libby's is located at Osprey and Hillview in Sarasota.
It's all about the wine at Sarasota Vineyard (1528 Main St., 941-366-6363, www.sarasotavineyard.net) in downtown Sarasota. On Magical Mondays, if you buy a $10 wine card and "make it disappear," the vineyard will put $10 back on it. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, enjoy $10 off the purchase of a $50 wine card. Order wine by the glass, half glass or taste and don't forget to sample any of the 80 available bottles. Sarasota Vineyard uses an Enomatic Wine Tasting system, which allows you to try as little as a sip of as many wines as you'd like. The fun, interactive system is great for both avid wine lovers and those just learning about the wines they enjoy. Sarasota Vineyard also has a menu of small plates to complement the wine.
If you're looking for a bottle of wine to go, visit Michael's on East's wine cellar at 1283 S. Tamiami Trl. If you try something you love while visiting and want to purchase it when you get home, visit www.wineflorida.com. Whole Foods (1451 1st St., 941-955-8500) has an impressive wine selection, including organic wines for as low as 5.99. Total Wine & More (8539 Cooper Creek Blvvd., University Park, 941-351-7895, www.totalwine.com) has a selection of 8,000 bottles.
Each spring, the annual Florida Winefest & Auction takes place here in Sarasota. Enjoy tastings, winemakers' dinners, seminars, brunch and a charity auction (www.floridawinefest.org).
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals also present an annual festival, Forks & Corks, each winter. The festival celebrates local flavor and Sarasota food and wine pairings (www.freshoriginals.com/forksandcorks).
Once you pick your place, the only question is this: red or white?
