We sat down with Sommelier Brian Bolter of Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro in Annapolis, Maryland. Every aspect—from their ‘By the Glass’ wine offerings to the cuisine, music, and atmosphere—is carefully curated to make the world of wine accessible and enjoyable for all tastes.

best wine bar in annapolis maryland — Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro in Annapolis, Maryland

Wine invites endless exploration; Italy alone boasts 500 grape varieties. Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro is the ideal spot to begin, deepen, or refine your wine journey.

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

I usually wake up around 7am, check Twitter (X) for the latest news around the world and in the wine/hospitality industry. I enjoy a coffee and light breakfast while sending and returning emails. I work out with a trainer three mornings a week. Then off to work. I like to end my day with a nice glass of wine or two. Maybe a bourbon or scotch as a nightcap.

What’s a good way for someone to start developing their wine palate?

Taste. Taste. Taste. Read about a region, varietal or even specific wine you’re interested in and try it. Think about what you’re tasting. Commit it to memory. Try to find pictures of that region, vineyard and grape itself. The more you understand where a wine comes from the more you’ll understand the bigger wine world.

Can you explain the difference in your own words between Old World and New World wines?

In simple terms I describe Old World as wines that come from countries that have been vinifying grapes to make wine for hundreds if not thousands of years. The flavor profiles lean more dusty, earthy, leathery and even gamey. New World wines are from countries that are relatively “new” to the game.

The first commercial Napa vintage was 1966. New World wines tend to come from warmer regions where the sugar levels are higher making the alcohol levels higher tilting toward a fruit forward profile bursting with big, bold, succulent flavors.

What kind of wine do you typically enjoy the most?

My palate leans Old World, but being born and raised in California, I do like a boost of bold fruit. Super Tuscans. Tempranillos from Rioja aged in American Oak. And, of course, Bordeaux blends from Napa Valley.

What’s a wine that surprised you recently?

The Poggio al Tesoro “Sondraia” Super Tuscan from Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy is my new go to right now. Checks all my boxes in an elegant way.

What up-and-coming wine region are you excited about?

Portugal is currently where it’s at in my opinion. Land is less expensive. Taxes are lower. That translates to consumer savings. The quality is insane for the price.

What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow you?

You can follow the wine bar at @redredwinebarandbistro.

What’s one common wine myth you’d love to debunk?

That wine is a snobby endeavor. We created Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro 15 years ago (2011) to make the journey, exploration and enjoyment of wine comfortable and approachable. The more you know about someone the more you can appreciate them. Same with wine. The more you learn, taste and understand the story of what’s in the bottle the deeper appreciation you’ll have for the liquid inside.

What’s a grape varietal most people overlook but should try?

Have to go back to Portugal for this one. Alicante Bouschet. Blind taste a $50 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon against a $50 bottle of Alicante Bouschet and tell me you’re not blown away. I’ll wait…

Tell readers why they should visit your wine bar?

Everything from our ‘By the Glass’ wine selection, to the food, to the music, to the ambiance is specifically chosen to make the wine world approachable while having something for everyone. You can go down a rabbit hole of exploration with wine. Italy alone has 500 grape varieties for wine. Red Red Wine Bar + Bistro is the perfect place to start, continue or fine tune your wine palate while enjoying a great meal with friends and family.

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