Steak and wine is a no-brainer, right? The two pair together like, well, steak and wine. At Adena Grill & Wine Bar, however, this relationship goes much deeper as its wine program boasts over 7,000 bottles—a true oenophile’s paradise.

Located at Gulfstream Park, Adena Grill & Wine Bar is known for its luxurious décor, farm-to-fork dining, and incredible wine collection. The spacious restaurant, which opened a year ago, features wine walls neatly stacked with bottles from all over the world. Guests can also head toward the steakhouse’s wine cellar where the selection continues with more wine walls and a dedicated wine vault.

In total, Adena Grill’s wine list spans 350 labels and 11 countries, with the biggest selection coming from the Tuscan region.

The wine cellar has exquisite touches like a natural tree-cut table, bistro chairs from Europe, stonework on the walls, a private patio, and a cozy bar. For special occasions or private functions, guests can dine in the wine vault, which holds up to 24 people and is climate-controlled at a wine-friendly 69 degrees. This is also where the restaurant hosts monthly wine events, such as dinners and tastings.

In total, Adena Grill’s wine list spans 350 labels and 11 countries, with the biggest selection coming
from the Tuscan region. (Wine connoisseurs will clamor for the 1990 Cordero di Montezemolo Monfalletto, a vintage Barolo. The 2010 Cabernet from Stags’ Leap is another star on the list.)

When it comes to wine pairings, Adena Grill & Wine Bar mainly sticks to the traditional, meaning big- bodied Cabernets with steak and lighter whites with seafood. They find that their younger clientele break out of these conventional rules more often and are attracted to vineyards with an interesting story. One such example is Hawk and Horse Vineyards, a winery committed to handcrafting both organic and biodynamic wines on very small lots in Napa Valley.

For those new to wine and wine pairings, Adena Grill’s staff is well-versed in all things grape and happy to make recommendations. Plus, tablets are available for guests to easily research the various varietals right at their tables. There’s
also an extensive by-the-glass menu, which encourages sampling and experimentation.

Adena Grill’s owners and management truly want their customers to enjoy wine, and make every effort to price the bottles reasonably. On Wednesday nights, the restaurant features a “Wine Vault” selection of 20 bottles listed at half- price. “Our wines are priced to sell,” notes John Kulhanjian, director of restaurants. “Adena Grill is not just for special occasions. We don’t want guests to simply admire the wines they can’t afford to buy. We want our guests to feel good and to try wines they might not normally get to drink. It’s not just about the bottom line. It’s about the experience.”

For more information on Adena, visit adenagrill.com.

By Jacquelynn Powers Maurice | Contributor