Visiting Aldo Sohm’s Wine Bar
The Aldo Sohm Wine Bar is located at 151 West 51st Street just 40 Steps from Le Bernardin, where Aldo Sohm has been the Wine Director since 2007. That was the same year he was awarded Best Sommelier in America. The following year he was named Best Sommelier in the World. In 2009, under his direction, Le Bernardin received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Service. But, he did not stop there. The Aldo Sohm Wine Bar opened in 2014. The wine bar brings the quality of Le Bernardin to a neighborhood wine bar. The wine bar is casual, and feels like a giant living room, a comfortable place to gather with friends for good wine, casual food and socializing. The wine bar offers over 40 wines by the glass and another 200 by the bottle. Given the many accomplishments Aldo Sohm had made through 2014, it should come as no surprise that in 2019 he published a book on wine called Wine simple – A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier. Reading the book can help you understand his approach to wine. For one, he believes the only way to really learn about wine is to taste many different wines. He wants to identify wines that people on more of a budget can afford, and he believes the the main purpose of wine is to bring people together. He also has a sense of humor, because his last wine rule is that there really are no rules when it comes to wine. I do not know him, but I did meet him when I visited the Aldo Sohm Wine Bar. He is approachable (like his book), and wants to help you find a wine you will enjoy. I tried several wines, but pairing the Sangiovese, Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico ‘21 with the Grilled Eggplant with parmesan tuile and tomato sauce was a perfect match! If you visit the wine bar with friends, browse the bottle wine list because you will find many wines worth sharing, although I must admit that some of the bottles are well out of my price range. But, sometimes you just want to try something outside of your comfort zone. I will definitely return to the Aldo Sohm Wine Bar!
