A new wine bar has just hit the Port Jefferson Village streets — all one has to do is grab their own glass before walking out the door.
Lisa Harris, the entrepreneur behind Torte Jeff Pie Company, East Main & Main donuts, and Prohibition Kitchen, has officially launched BYOG Wine Bar — a “bring your own glass” concept where friends can gather to chat about life and all things vino.
BYOG Wine Bar took over Harris’s previous East Main & Main storefront at 250 East Main Street. The donut shop now resides inside her pie shop, located around the corner on East Main.
“We are not allowed in this location to have a dishwasher so we thought what can we do to make that fun, so we decided to do a bring-your-own-glass,” Harris said. “I’m a really big fan of experiential dining.”
Walking into the intimate space is like stepping into an underground spot in New York City — it gives off a modern rustic feel with the wine bottle décor, floral designs, and murals painted by local artists in the area.
The main attractions are the wine stations created by Napa Technologies which are primarily used in high-end hotels and bars when they want to limit staff.
There are five machines at BYOG and each holds four bottles of wine hand-picked by Harris and her team.
All guests have to do is walk up, scan a card given to you by the BYOG staff and the choice of wine and ounces comes out the spout into one’s personal wine glass.
The card is loaded so customers can “buy tastes,” Harris said.
“What I also like about this system it enables you to try a very high-end expensive bottle of wine that you would never find poured by the glass,” Harris said. “Something that normally sells for $150 to $175, you can taste it.”
Those who bring their own wine glass save a little money on their first pour.
Forgot your wine glass at home? No problem, BYOG Wine Bar has backup glasses just in case — they just can’t wash them.
BYOG also features a selection of small-batch craft beer. Locally-made small plates, charcuterie, and desserts are also available.
Those who like the taste of the wine have the option of purchasing bottles to take home.
“I’m hoping to create a gathering space,” Harris said. “This place is small, this is a space where you can come in and spend $2 or $200, it really is up to you and I think what we do is encourage people to talk about wine and have a different tasting experience.”
BYOG Wine Bar is open Monday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Below are photos from BYOG Wine Bar’s grand opening party today. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.
