Vinology, Second in a Series of Unique Wine Bar Restaurants From the Jonna Family, Opens in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. April 13, 2006 – Vinology, Ann Arbor’s newest wine bar, restaurant and retail shop, opens to the public April 26 in the historic Mayer-Schairer building on Main Street. This is the second in a series of unique concept venues conceived by Kristin Jonna, daughter of John Jonna who founded Merchant of Vino. Vinotecca, which opened in April 2005 in Royal Oak, quickly became one of the region’s hot spots and was recently designated one of the top 17 new restaurants in the area by Hour Detroit magazine.
“Our goal is to make wine approachable by providing a relaxed atmosphere, an educated staff and a diverse menu,” says Kristin Jonna. “We chose the name Vinology because it means ‘the study of wine’ and that’s what we’re going to do here – in so many fun ways. Vinology will feature great wines from around the world, great food to compliment those wines and people who can help you learn about what you’re drinking and eating. This isn’t your stuffy wine bar – it’s a place where both the wine novice and the wine expert can come to have a great time.”
Vinology features a menu with over 150 wines by the bottle, 30 to 40 wines by the glass and an extensive selection of complementary foods, including small plates, a unique cheese bar, salad selections and full entrees. It occupies over 7000 square feet on the first two floors of the historically renovated building, with an extensive bar area, nearly 200 dining seats, a private dining room for up to 50 guests and a cellar retail shop where wines featured in the restaurant may be purchased for take home enjoyment.
One of Vinology’s distinctive characteristics is its décor. The historic location, constructed in 1908 and vacant since 2002, features exposed brick, wood floors and a stainless tin ceiling, all of which have been maintained in the renovation. Jonna personally managed the design so it reflects every element of the wine production process, including soil boxes from appellations throughout the world, cork details and stainless steel elements throughout.
“It’s a slick design, I have to say,” quips Jonna. “We had such a great raw space to work with and all the elements really complement each other, so when you walk in you have a sense that this is going to be a special experience. And it is…”
One of Jonna’s partners is Jon Carlson, owner of Grizzly Peak Brewing Company and a partner in JC Beal Construction of Ann Arbor, which is handling the renovations. Other partners are Chet Czapalica, John Padmos and Greg Lobdell.
A big emphasis at Vinology will also be on events. Monday Night Mystery nights, made popular at Vinotecca in Royal Oak, will be continued in the new location. These weekly events feature wine and food from around the world. Wet Wednesdays will offer great wines at “whacky” prices. Plans for a trade night are in the works and winemaker dinners will be a regular feature at Vinology. Jonna is also committed to hosting fundraising events and giving back to the local community.
Vinology’s hours are 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday. Vinology will host a media and VIP preview party on April 21 and invitation only private preview events on April 23 and 24 before the grand opening on April 26. For more information or to make a reservation, call 734-222-9841 or visit www.vinowinebars.com