poco wine room

Owners Peter Moore and Bart Reynolds were inspired to open their own wine bar after a trip to Manzanita, Oregon and a visit to Vino Manzanita. Peter had long been contemplating a career change after 14 years as an elementary educator in Arizona, Federal Way and Seattle, and had been toying with the idea of owning his own business. Bart was also interested in owning a business and they found a common interest in working together in the world of wine. Bart still maintains his job as a software programmer. Both call Capitol Hill home. Bart has lived there since 1989 and Peter since 1996.

Photo: Peter Moore upstairs at poco

They wanted to bring to life a simple, neighborhood wine bar. It’s not a restaurant, although they offer simple fare. It’s not a cocktail lounge. They have no restaurant experience, they’re not sommeliers. They are simply passionate wine drinkers sharing what they’ve learned and grown to love. You can get information about wines here or you can just come for the fun of it.

"We wanted a spot that would be great for first dates, pre- or post-theatre drinks and snacks, after-dinner relaxation or even a late afternoon business meeting," explains Peter. "Our concept is all about people—we’re two regular guys providing a spot where people can enjoy each other. We’re here for wine lovers and the wine curious. It’s great for us to know our guests by face and name and welcome them each time they come visit. We also want to reach out to the artist population of Capitol Hill. poco is a laptop and cell phone-free zone. We want people to connect with each other and relax into the poco experience of great wine and food in a spectacular ambiance. They may come in tense from their day, but they will leave soothed."

Wine is available by glass or bottle and the list changes twice a month. If you don’t see something you want by the glass, they encourage you to ask. There’s usually something open that’s not listed on the menu. Focusing primarily on the Northwest (Oregon and Washington), they also share a few California wines. Non-Northwest wines are often part of their "traveling list"—six-to-eight wines from a specific region like Piedmont in Italy or the Loire Valley in France. These stay on the list for a month, are seasonal (i.e., rosé for summer) and pair well with cheeses on the food menu. "Our list sometimes contains wineries people have never heard of," says Peter. "It’s fun and exciting to introduce under-the-radar vintners to our guests." They also sell bottles to go.

Food-wise, they received help from local restaurant owners Sarah Penn of Pair in Ravenna and Kenny Carlson of 1200 Bistro on Capitol Hill. Their main consultant was Leonard Ruiz Rede, the original owner of Sapphire, who worked with them just beyond opening. Lenny is now the wine director and buyer for the Metropolitan Market on lower Queen Anne. They offer simple snacks like almonds, olives and crostini; larger bites like a ham sandwich, smoked salmon and antipasti; a nice selection of cheese and a few desserts. Local artisans like da Pino for meats and Desserts Northwest are used. "Our cheeses change here and there as we find new things we like," explains Peter. "Other things will change seasonally, like more salads for summer."

A small bar sits directly inside the front door with a table or two nearby. The main seating area is upstairs overlooking the lower floor. A counter sits along the railing, chairs and tables along the wall and a comfortable sofa area snuggles in the corner. Colors are warm earth tones.

Their next wine tasting will be held June 26 and they look forward to more throughout the summer and fall. poco is available for private events on Tuesdays when they are normally closed to the public and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons before they officially open. poco has a seating capacity of 35 (45 for reception-style events).

Connie Adams/June 2007

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