Oenophiles, delight! A chic bar where wine serves as the conduit for a cosmopolitan social scene has opened at the Jersey Shore.
Maria and Greg Tolento of Jackson are part owners of The Wine Loft in Long Branch A group of friends, Maria and Greg Tolento of Jackson, Jay Fern of Jackson, Tom Brucato of Middletown, Mike Triola of Jackson, and Neil Martucci of Hillsdale, have partnered to add an upscale wine establishment to the array of popular retail shops and restaurants along the ocean in Long Branch.
Located in Pier Village just steps away from the sea, The Wine Loft opened March 21. Quickly becoming known as the sexiest place in town, the endeavor has far exceeded the entrepreneurs’ expectations.
The Tolentos always dreamed of opening their own business and about two years ago they successfully paired their ambition with Fern’s interest in wine. The collaboration and some research left them poring over the idea of joining The Wine Loft franchise.
The original Wine Loft opened in New Orleans in 2002 to great acclaim, but closed after Hurricane Katrina. The owners relocated to Baton Rouge, and by the end of 2008 celebrated the opening of 16 locations throughout the country and gained recognition in The Wall Street Journal, Maxim magazine and The New York Times.
Exuding elegance and beckoning relaxation, The Wine Loft in Long Branch offers intimate seating in a softly lit and sophisticated setting. At the bar, patrons unwind after work or mingle well into the night. In the loft, wine enthusiasts can lounge comfortably on plush couches while they sip vintages from across the globe.
The impressive wine list offers 50 selections of wine by the glass and 130 by the bottle. Selected by connoisseurs, the vintages are not those found at the average liquor store and come from vineyards in California, France, Italy, Brazil and Portugal, Chile and New Zealand, among other locales. Maria Tolento’s current favorite is Couvaison pinot noir from the Carneros District in California.
The establishment offers a full bar, including beer and nonalcoholic beverages for those without a palate for wine. The menu features uniquely flavored light cuisine such as lamb Wellington, filet mignon salad and wild mushroom bruschetta.
Opening Monday to Friday at 4 p.m. and weekends at 12:30 p.m., The Wine Loft hosts happy hour from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Friday when patrons can enjoy $4 three-olive cocktails, martinis and cosmos and $20 half-bottle wine selections and a cheese plate. The after-brunch happy hour from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday features $5 bloody Mary and champagne cocktails.
The Wine Loft features half-price bottles every Tuesday to give wine lovers the opportunity to try exclusive vintages. On Wine Down Wednesdays, a local or national wine representative is on hand from 5-7 p.m. to present a complimentary wine tasting and answer questions while the loft serves complimentary cheese plates and antipasto.
“Come down and check out The Wine Loft,” Maria Tolento said. “You’ll be very happy with the atmosphere, selection of wine, and the menu.”
For more information, visit the Internet website at www.thewineloftnjpier.com.