Ring In Aldo Sohm Wine Bar's 10th Anniversary
Photo by Francesco Tonelli
The Austrian born Aldo Sohm (pronounced like somm, short for somemlier) was born to pour you your new favorite glass of wine. Running the wine program for Le Bernadin gave Sohm notoriety, as well as new opportunities. On September 2, 2014 he & Le Bernardin co-owners Maguy Le Coze and Eric Ripert opened his eponymous wine bar just steps away from the mothership. Sohm and team created a go-to neighborhood bar with a long international reach, known for pouring the best of the best.
Courtesy of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
Bentel & Bentel, the team behind Le Bernardin's 2011 renovation, designed a custom-finished oak bar as the centerpiece of the intimate space, where it serves as a communal “sommelier table” for conversation and discovery among guests. The seating design of the space is lovely, but I always find myself sitting at the bar to be part of the action.
Photo by Francesco Tonelli
Sohm and Le Bernardin’s culinary team, which is mentored and overseen by Chef Ripert, have long collaborated on the menu of simple and shareable plates meant to complement and elevate the wine selection, including cheese and charcuterie, salads and tartines. Grab a glass of Aldo's wine collaboration he makes with Gerhard Kracher from Burgenland, Austria. Find a new Nothern Rh?ne Syrah you can't get off your mind.
Courtesy of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
What have you seen change in the wine bar world since opening Aldo Sohm Wine Bar in 2014?
You find many more wine bars now, many of which are theme-dedicated, and they’re fairly beloved for their casual and wine-forward spirits.
Are customers coming into the wine bar asking for different wines today than they did when you opened?
The wine bar is constantly changing. Certain trends come and certain trends go, but we still try to stay true to our style. Our customers are even more open than they were back in the day when we first opened.
How do you stay inspired to welcome new guests into the wine bar daily and share your passion for wine with them?
Wine is my passion, and I try to inspire the team with my passion. Sometimes, they inspire me with theirs. Together, we’re passionate about creating an infectious energy for our guests, offering them a delicious glass of wine, great food, and a good time.
Other than yourself, do you have any original employees from opening day still on the team?
No, but the pandemic helped with that. I mentored many staff who have gone on to do their own things. However, we have many employees coming back to us, especially for the anniversary party.
How do you prepare for the next 10 years of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar's success?
Maintain the passion, try to have a good, strong team, have a lot of fun, and surround yourself with good people you want to spend your time with. That’s it.
Visit aldosohmwinebar.com to learn more.