Five months ago, a new wine bar opened in Ponte Vedra Beach that’s become an instant classic.
The charming bar, decorated in vintage Palm Beach hues of pinks and greens, invites you to sit down and enjoy some wine with friends. In fact, the Ponte Vedra Wine Bar and Restaurant, located at 262 Solana Road, wouldn’t exist if not for friendship.
Owner Samantha Munn tells What Now Jacksonville that her friends encouraged her to open a wine bar in the first place. When she signed a lease, they were there for her. “My friends all came together to help right alongside me, painting the walls and sealing the tiles. The amount of support I had is the most precious gift to me.” In return, the cocktails at the bar are all named after the friends who have become family. Says Munn, “You’re not going to see a Manhattan, you’re going to see a Kevin. Instead of a Cosmo, there’s the Allison.” The Becky, for instance, a blend of vodka, blueberry and lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda water, is named for the friend that helped her turn her “somewhat chaotic” design vision into focus. Munn adds that her talented team of bartenders can craft any cocktail you choose, should you want your classic martini or a simple gin and tonic.
That friendly energy translates into the wine list that allows people to explore dozens of wines in every price point. “My goal is to try to feature as many wines by the glass as possible, so people can experience and taste different varietals. I want wine to be accessible and something everyone can enjoy. For a long time, there was either fancy wine of wine by the jug. Now there’s an entire world that I want people to experience,” says Munn.
Ponte Vedra’s food menu is designed to pair with wine, cocktails, and conversation using locally sourced produce and proteins. The menu, which rotates seasonally, is created by executive chef Niko Delgado and includes favorites such as steak frites, balsamic fig-glazed chicken, and a crave worthy power salad. If you’re feeling fancy, there’s also caviar service and oysters.
The wine bar has been an instant success, with people falling in love with the cheerful decor, the friendly service, and the delicious food and drink. Munn says it’s especially popular for bachelorette parties, girls’ nights out, and birthday celebrations — and she loves the fact that Ponte Vedra has become a favorite place for women to gather. “Someone asked me if I’m concerned that this is a girls’ bar. Yes, women live the pink swivel chairs and flamingoes and cute pictures. The space is fun. It’s a destination.”
So, if you’re in Ponte Vedra Beach, stop in and say hi to Munn. “I have four kids, a husband, and a dog. But I’m always here. I want this place to be successful.” Sit down. Relax. Enjoy that bottle of wine. Savor your meal. Laugh with your friends. Munn wants to pamper you. “I believe that people earn every penny they make. I want them to know that I’m here for them. I want this to be a place where everyone is around friends.”
